solid contact

Question
hello Eddie,
i am a lefty golfer. i was just wondering how i can start making more solid contact with my irons.

Answer
Matthew:  Let's just give you some basics to check and then you can go practice.  First off, picture the clubface at impact.  What is it supposed to look like?  If you place the clubhead behind the ball with a 9 iron, you'll notice that the clubface itself angles away from the ball.  That angle is the loft of the club and that is what lifts the ball into the air.  However, if your clubface never touches the ball, it's hard to get airborn or hit solid.  Next, notice the leading edge of the clubface.  That is the bottom edge of the clubface.  The leading edge MUST BRUSH THE GRASS in order to hit it solid.  If the leading edge hits the middle or top of the ball, it goes really low or on the ground.  So make some small swings and start sensing how the leading edge of the clubface rips some turf out of the ground.  The facts are the clubface strikes the ball first, pinches it against the turf and then rips out some grass.  That is called a divot.  So, here is a drill to help you hit it more solid.  Tee up a ball so that it is just barely above the ground.  Take your 9 iron, put the ball in the middle of your stance, and make some small swings trying to feel what I said above.  Swing the club backwards and forward (small swings), and make sure the leading edge of the clubface hits the tee.  Forget about your ball.  Keep doing this until it becomes good.  Backwards and forwards (mostly with your arms, not your hands and wrists), hit the tee with the leading edge.  In order to do this, the shaft of the club will need to be angled towards the target at impact slightly.  Do it in slow motion Matthew, picture what a good stiking position should look like, then start making small swings to sense it.  Feet close together, swings about waist high on both sides of the ball, hit the tee every time.   Make it a goal.  Pretty soon, you'll get the feeling of hitting a solid shot.  

Eddie Kilthau
PGA Member