How to Hit Long Irons With Confidence and Precision

The longer clubs are the most difficult to hit the ball consistently well with because of their design. You are more likely to have bad shots with your longer irons. Confidence isn't commonly a problem for most golfers when using a 9 iron but they aren't quite so assured when it comes to hitting long irons. You can accomplish consistent results if you make exactly the same swing with each club even though the club is longer and has less loft.

If hitting long irons is a concern a simple practice drill will help get back your confidence. On the practice fairway hit alternate shots with your 3 iron and 9 iron. Start with the 9 iron as it is easier to hit. When that is going well change to the 3 iron - straight away hitting long irons after a good shot will help give you the confidence needed to conquer the club you fear most. Work at making the same swing and try to maintain the same rhythm for every shot.

The principle that you need to hit down on the ball to attain height on a shot is understood by most golfers. Carrying this out on the golf course is more difficult to perfect. It is key that when you begin the downswing your hands lead the club head into the ball. If you permit the club head to get ahead of your hands you will not be able to put the club on a downward path into impact.

If the leading edge of the club head strikes the middle of the ball you hit a thin (also called a sculled shot). This causes the ball to fly very low and run a long way. The ball can travel as far as a good shot in dry conditions and can finish close to the intended target. If the ground ahead is level this shot is not such a concern. However, if there is a hazard in front of you, you may have a problem. You are most likely to hit a thin if you endeavour to hit the ball hard. This shot can occur from the longest iron to a short chip shot.

Go back to basics and check your address position if you are striking the ball well but the trajectory of your shots are too low. Make sure that the club face is aligned square to the ball to target line. Alignment faults are exaggerated the further you are from the hole, and therefore a longer shot.

Correct ball placement is one of the most neglected fundamentals in golf. When most players have a bad shot they question their swing looking for a cause but faulty ball placement might be the cause. As small as half a ball width can make the difference between striking off the heel, toe or sweet spot of the club. The best position for your long irons is opposite your left heel. As the club length shortens the ball should be nearer the middle of your stance.

If you put these hints and tips on how to hit long irons into practice in no time you will be able to hit long irons with confidence and precision.