KPJ Golf - Blog

Question:I started playing golf about a year now and my handicap is around +25 and under. My average driving distances around 245 yards consistantly. My problem is my short game irons, especially with my 3,4,5 irons. I find it harder to hit good with these irons than my woods or the driver. I need help! Thanks, Tim

Answer:  Technically the 3,4 and 5 irons are called long irons not short irons.  They are the longest irons in the bag and the most difficult to hit.  The have a very small club face and very little loft, so you have to strike the ball perfect at impact to hit them well.

Here are a few tips to help you with your “long irons”;

To consistently hit the sweetspot for maximum distance, you should strive to swing with a square clubface at all times.  Unless, of course, you are trying to hit an intentional curve ball.

If your grip is correct, then it will be easy to return the clubface square impact.  If you have a faulty grip, then the clubface cannot be squared at impact or you will have to make compensations.  To determine your clubface position at address and impact, hold the club out in front of you with your left hand (if you are a right-handed golfer) so that the shaft is parallel to the ground.  The leading edge should be straight up and down.  Then stretch your arm out as far as possible and check the clubface.  Ideally, the leading edge should stay square.  If the clubface twists open or closed, then this is how the clubface will hit the ball at impact.  If you continually hit shots to the right, then your clubface is open at impact.  When the clubface is closed at impact your shots will shoot off to the left.  Adjust your grip and setup until you achieve a square clubface.

Question:I started playing golf about a year now and my handicap is around +25 and under. My average driving distances around 245 yards consistantly. My problem is my short game irons, especially with my 3,4,5 irons. I find it harder to hit good with these irons than my woods or the driver. I need help! Thanks, Tim

Answer:  Technically the 3,4 and 5 irons are called long irons not short irons.  They are the longest irons in the bag and the most difficult to hit.  The have a very small club face and very little loft, so you have to strike the ball perfect at impact to hit them well.

Here are a few tips to help you with your “long irons”;

To consistently hit the sweetspot for maximum distance, you should strive to swing with a square clubface at all times.  Unless, of course, you are trying to hit an intentional curve ball.

If your grip is correct, then it will be easy to return the clubface square impact.  If you have a faulty grip, then the clubface cannot be squared at impact or you will have to make compensations.  To determine your clubface position at address and impact, hold the club out in front of you with your left hand (if you are a right-handed golfer) so that the shaft is parallel to the ground.  The leading edge should be straight up and down.  Then stretch your arm out as far as possible and check the clubface.  Ideally, the leading edge should stay square.  If the clubface twists open or closed, then this is how the clubface will hit the ball at impact.  If you continually hit shots to the right, then your clubface is open at impact.  When the clubface is closed at impact your shots will shoot off to the left.  Adjust your grip and setup until you achieve a square clubface.

If your left hand grip is correct then the clubface will stay square.

If your left hand grip is incorrect the club will twist open

or is will twist closed.

Send your questions and comments to Karen@swingbladegolf.com

Core muscles, which include the abdominal and back muscles, are essential to the golf swing to create power. Strengthening the core can be done with a simple plank exercise.Plank exercises can be done almost anywhere at any time. Performing plank exercises on a regular basis will help strengthen muscles to improve golf swing and prevent injury.How to Perform the Plank: 1. Lie face down on the floor. Using forearms and toes slowly push your body up off of the floor balancing on your forearms and toes.2. Contract your abdominal muscles while keeping your head, neck and shoulders aligned with hips and legs.3. Hold position for 10 seconds working up to holding position for 60 seconds.

Core muscles, which include the abdominals and the low back, are essential to the golf swing to create power. Strengthening the core can be done with simple plank exercises.

Plank exercises can be done almost anywhere at any time. Performing plank exercises on a regular basis will help strengthen muscles to improve golf swing and prevent injury.

How to Perform the Plank:

1. Lie facedown on the floor. Using forearms and toes slowly push your body up off of the floor balancing on your forearms and toes.

2. Contract your abdominal muscles while keeping your head, neck and shoulders aligned with hips and legs.

3. Hold position for 10 seconds working up to holding position for 60 seconds.

www.golffitness-magazine.com for hundreds of golf-specific exercises and tips to help you build strength, flexibility, coordination and balance to help you play your best golf.

Core muscles, which include the abdominals and the low back, are essential to the golf swing to create power. Strengthening the core can be done with simple plank exercises.Plank exercises can be done almost anywhere at any time. Performing plank exercises on a regular basis will help strengthen muscles to improve golf swing and prevent injury.How to Perform the Plank:1. Lie facedown on the floor. Using forearms and toes slowly push your body up off of the floor balancing on your forearms and toes.2. Contract your abdominal muscles while keeping your head, neck and shoulders aligned with hips and legs.3. Hold position for 10 seconds working up to holding position for 60 seconds.