Part 2 of My 8 Part Series - How Do I? - Hit Irons

Welcome to the 2nd of an 8 part series "How do I?" which will examine set up & techniques of playing from tee to green in an easy to understand format. This installment will discuss set up for hitting irons. There are a variety of theories on how to hit your irons, especially when it comes to ball position. And as I always say if you do it another way and it works why change? But…..if you’re irons have been a source of inconsistency and you’re looking for a new approach, this might be the piece you need.

Remember: Taking a divot is a good thing. A good solid iron shot most times requires taking a swatch of turf!

What To Do:

1. Set up with your stance about shoulder width apart.
2. Ball position should be middle or just slightly forward of center (but not much) in your stance.
3. As you swing try and maintain your spine angle as long as you can which will increase your odds of staying down and through the shot. Let the momentum of your swing pull you up and through after impact.

Things To Know: 1. The divot, when hitting an iron, starts in front of the ball not behind. So hitting a solid iron shot requires you to hit ball first and ground second. 2. I recommend using the same ball position for all irons (either middle or slightly forward) This helps to maintain consistency. There are times to change ball position for irons (chip shot, knockdown shot, punch shot etc) but on a basic iron to the green (approach shot) stick with a consistent ball position for all irons.

Blog written by Vince Fratercangelo-Director of Instruction at VJF Golf Academy

Part 1 of My 8 Part Series - How Do I? - Hit a Driver

Welcome to the first of an 8 part series "How do I?" which will examine set up & techniques of playing from tee to green in an easy to understand format. Areas that will be discussed in the coming weeks include: Irons. Fairway Woods/Hybrids, Pitch Shots, Chip Shots, Alignment and Putting. Whether you're a new golfer looking to get started or a seasoned player looking to make a change, the easy to follow steps will have you hitting more fairways and greens, making more putts and developing more consistency.

PART 1 - DRIVER

What To Do:

1. Place the ball position just inside your lead foot (left foot for righties)
2. Widening you stance is also an option but not a necessity.
3. Tilt your shoulders so that your leading shoulder is higher than your trailing shoulder.
4. Tee height will vary but we recommend lining up the bottom of the ball with the top line of the driver which will put the ball approx. 1/4 below the face and 3/4 above the face.

Hint: Don't physically try and swing up on the ball, let the actual set up dictate the motions. Also, aim for striking the TEE not the BALL. Striking the tee increases the odds on better contact. Good Luck !

Remember:  The Tee Ball is the only swing we make that we actually want to be swinging "up" on the ball at contact. Proper set up will give you the best opportunity to achieve this motion.

 Blog written by Vince Fratercangelo-Director of Instruction at VJF Golf Academy