Sound fundamentals and a good rhythm and balance through out the golf swing are the keys to solid, crisp iron play. (Courtesy of worldseriesofgolf.com)

Sound swing fundamentals the key to solid iron play

By Les Miller,
Contributor

The keys to solid, crisp iron play are sound fundamentals, a good rhythm and balance through out the golf swing. Here are a few tips to help you create improved iron play:

• Allow the arms to hang down at address, and don't reach for the ball. If the arms push out away from the body during impact, the clubface opens causing players to have to manipulate the face to get back to square. Address the ball by letting the arms hang down, keeping the elbows close to the body. As you hit shots, feel the elbows staying close to the body during the swing.

• Keep the hips quiet upon impact. The key to solid ball striking is allowing the hips to open before impact but in a subdued and delayed action. Proper hip rotation allows the arms to remain close to the body keeping upper-body tilt in the correct position upon impact. Don't force the hips open, let them open naturally.

• Proper hand position: When approaching impact, the left wrist should be flat and the right wrist bent back. If the arms are out away from the body during impact, the right hand will release early causing the right wrist to prematurely straighten. Early release is the main cause for loss of power in a golf swing.

Keep the right heel down upon impact. Keeping the right heel grounded late in the downswing will allow the hips to remain quiet and keep the arms close to the body during impact. It also allows the feet, knees and hips to remain directly under the torso, creating a solid impact position that maximizes solid contact and consistency.

Try these tips and see your iron play improve.

November 20, 2008

Les Miller was a longtime Golf Writers of America member who covered golf instruction for several newspapers and golf publications. His many years of experience as a golf professional, director of product development and tour relations for several major golf companies gave him a unique background and ability to help golfers increase their enjoyment of the game.