When it comes to iron play, should you hit different shots or the same shot over and over again? Although most people believe the latter is the best option, what we continue to learn from the best players in the world is that the ability to shape the golf ball with irons, left, right, high, and low is paramount to them shooting lower scores than their competition.
Scottie Scheffler is leading the PGA Tour in the all important Strokes Gained Approach to the Green category for the third year in a row. He is a great example of a player who embraces the creative side of golf and hits different shots into the green depending on the scenario. Why is this so important? The ability to aim away from trouble is helpful because it allows more margin for error as you have to hit the ball farther off line from where you are aiming to get into trouble. But that is not the whole story. The second advantage is that it gives you the ability to better influence how the ball reacts when it lands on the green. Even many high level players struggle to control the ball after it lands. They see the ball land somewhat close to the hole only to spin away from it leaving them a long putt or even a chip after what seemed like a good golf shot.
The assignment is to spend some time hitting the 9 ball flights with different irons and understand what are the influences. Do you know how your swing tendencies are influencing the outcome? How about preferred fundamentals such as grip or ball position? Take the time to learn shaping the golf ball and you are sure to become a better iron player as it provides a framework with which to work in to understand all outcomes to begin with.
Practice Smart!
Dennis Hillman
Director of Coaching
