Irons vs Driver/Woods

[VanillaEps]

I try and hit the range about twice a week. Each session, I hit about 60-90 balls. Usually, my routine consists of pulling out my wedges and practicing chipping, then pitching, then working my way up the irons to about a 7 or 6 iron. Since I've only been playing for about two months, anything past a 6 iron does not get hit consistently, straight, or well.

I can hit my wedges, 9, 8, and 7 iron pretty well. My distance isn't the greatest with my 7 iron, but my 9 and 8 irons are almost average distance. But, more importantly, I hit them straight. When I move up the irons or even try a crack at the woods or driver, I cannot hit the ball straight, even if I tried. I tried slowing my swing down, strengthening my grip, and varying ball position. Nothing works.

I maintain a strong grip to begin with because I tend to slice the ball. Besides, my hands, when falling naturally at my sides, tend to have a "strong" look to them. So, when I address my irons, I usually have a strong grip.

My problem seems to be my right hand. I am not comfortable with my right hand grip. I've had one pro lesson and she corrected my right hand right away. She mentioned that my right hand was not lining up correctly (using two tee to show me). I was able to get something going at the lesson, but since then have not been able to duplicate the comfort I had regarding my right hand over my left.

Can this discomfort be contributing to my slice and why is my slice not apparent in my short irons?

[madsolsen]

I had the same problem when i started (dont look at my handicap it is not correct).
I solved it by swinging steep with the short irons and doing more of a sweeping swing with the long irons. The shaft is longer so if you go steep it will slice.

Try swinging steeper with driver and long irons... worked for me

[Elvisliveson]

I try and hit the range about twice a week. Each session, I hit about 60-90 balls. Usually, my routine consists of pulling out my wedges and practicing chipping, then pitching, then working my way up the irons to about a 7 or 6 iron. Since I've only been playing for about two months, anything past a 6 iron does not get hit consistently, straight, or well.

Start with your left hand place on the shaft wherever you feel most comfortable. From what you've stated, you probably would like it with your left thumb slighlty on the right side of the grip (strong position) rather than down the center (neutral) or on the left (weak). Then place your right hand over your left so that your left thumb fits snugly into the little pocket formed by your right palm, so now both hands have come together and are working as one; that's the position the pro was trying to teach you with the two tee drill.

[$2 Nassau]

I would say YES, that discomfort could be contributing to errant shots/slice. More the incorrect positioning than just general discomfort.

The large amount of loft on the wedges and short irons mask the slice, although the ball may still move a little left to right but just not as magnified as your longer clubs.

Pay attention to when the ball hits the ground, if it has a significant amount of "slice spin" on it will shoot off to the right after hitting the ground, and you'll now that you cut across the ball. Ball flight is usually more telling though, in my experience anyway.

[VanillaEps]

I had the same problem when i started (dont look at my handicap it is not correct).

Steep with short irons. Sweep with driver/woods/long irons?

Is that right?

[VanillaEps]

I would say YES, that discomfort could be contributing to errant shots/slice. More the incorrect positioning than just general discomfort.

The ball coming off my irons mostly rolls forwards after hitting the ground. I know this from my last 18 holes I played last weekend. My short iron game was pretty solid.

[madsolsen]

ohh im sorry.. i meant steep with short irons and "sweep"´with long irons and driver..
:P

[bwinger79]

Steep with short irons. Sweep with driver/woods/long irons?

Kind of, but its not something you have to think about. You should try to make all of your swings feel the same, regardless of what club you have in your hand. The shorter irons are going to have a steeper plane simply because they are shorter. Longer clubs flatter plane due to their increased length. But again, this is not something you should be thinking about while swinging. The issues with your grip could certainly cause your swing issues. When you grip doesnt feel right to you, you have about 0% chance of hitting a good shot. As stated by another forum member, take your left hand grip where ever it feels comfortable, then, when placing your right hand on the club, make sure your left thumb is snug in the lifeline of your right hand. This of course is assuming you are a right handed golfer. I would suggest grabbing a club next time you sit down to watch TV and work on your grip until you find something that feel comfortable to you.

[VanillaEps]

Kind of, but its not something you have to think about. You should try to make all of your swings feel the same, regardless of what club you have in your hand. The shorter irons are going to have a steeper plane simply because they are shorter. Longer clubs flatter plane due to their increased length. But again, this is not something you should be thinking about while swinging. The issues with your grip could certainly cause your swing issues. When you grip doesnt feel right to you, you have about 0% chance of hitting a good shot. As stated by another forum member, take your left hand grip where ever it feels comfortable, then, when placing your right hand on the club, make sure your left thumb is snug in the lifeline of your right hand. This of course is assuming you are a right handed golfer.

GREAT TIP! I never thought about that!

[madsolsen]

well i was only saying what worked for me dude..
my grip has always been the same and since i did that i almost always hit my irons straight...
so you cant say that what i said is wrong.. its all about personal experience

[bwinger79]

well i was only saying what worked for me dude..

Thats why I didnt say what you were saying is wrong. I said I agree, Kind OF. I also agree that it is all about personal experience. The same things dont work for everyone, and what works one day isnt always going to work the next. Thats the beauty of this game, its a different experience every time you go out. I was simply saying that I feel that you become a more consistent ball striker when you can get to a point that all of your swings feel the same, and the swing becomes more reactionary than technical. Thinking over the ball is one of the worst things you can do in golf in my opinion. I leave my thinking at the range.