The "long irons"
in your set of golf clubs are the 3 and 4 irons. More experienced golfers
will occasionally carry a 2 iron and even a 1 iron. The long irons have
the longest shafts of all the other irons. Woods are the only clubs longer
than the long irons. Long irons can be used for approach shots, but are
frequently used to get the ball close to the green so that you can use
a short iron to more accurately target the pin. The range on the long
irons is usually 170 to 190 yards. The club heads on long irons have the
least amount of angle, providing primarily distance.
Careful that you do not take the club back past parallel to the ground
at the top of your back swing. Longer clubs have a tendency to swing
back too far.
Swing slowly and deliberately with a long iron. If you swing effectively,
the long flexible shaft of the long iron will do all the work.
A perimeter-weighted club will help beginners have greater success
in getting under the golf ball at the point of contact.
For best results in improving your golf game, consult your local PGA
Professional. He or she can help you identify specific areas for improvement
and prescribe the practice techniques that are right for you.
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1.
To
set up for a long iron shot, stand with your feet positioned
under your shoulders or slightly wider. Your toes should be
pointed straightforward with the tips of your toes on a line
parallel to your target. Swing your left toe out a little to
open up your stance. This will allow your hips to smoothly swivel
forward when you finish your swing.
2.
The
ball should be positioned towards the front of your stance.
Flex your knees and bend slightly at the waist. You should feel
relaxed and comfortable.
3.
Grip
the club with your normal grip and place the club head behind
the golf ball with the clubface pointed towards the target.
Your hands should be slightly ahead of the ball with your left
hand over the inside or your left thigh.
4.
From
this position, you will use your normal golf swing. Start to
move the club head back away from the ball. Initially the club
should move along the target line and then move inside the target
line as the club moves up and around your body.
5.
Rotate
your shoulders away from the target, pivoting around your spine.
Your hips should barely move.
6.
Bring
the club up and around until the club shaft is parallel to the
ground. You want to avoid going farther than this point or you
may sacrifice some of your control and power.
7.
Bring
the club down smoothly, attacking the golf ball. The club head
should be traveling from the inside of the target line as it
approaches the ball. Strike the ball while the club is still
traveling in a downward direction.
8.
At
the point of impact, your hands should be ahead of the golf
ball, your arms straight, and your hips pushing forward towards
the target.
9.
Longer
irons have a more sweeping swing path because of the long shaft.
You may not even take a divot as your club travels through the
ball.
10.
Finish
the golf swing and hold the final position for a few seconds
to admire your shot. Holding this pose will also help you practice
good balance leading up to the finish.
Careful that you do not take the club back past parallel to the ground
at the top of your back swing. Longer clubs have a tendency to swing
back too far.
Swing slowly and deliberately with a long iron. If you swing effectively,
the long flexible shaft of the long iron will do all the work.
