Build a strike you can trust

Ayaka Furue of Japan plays a shot during a practice round prior to the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota. Like the pros, remember a compact backswing makes it easier to control the strike. — AFP

IF you want to improve your technique, your irons are the best place to start. A swing that delivers a clean, downward strike off the turf is a swing you can trust for almost any shot on the course.

Here’s a straightforward way to sharpen your strike, tighten your dispersion and hit more predictable approach shots.

Analyse your divots 

Your divot tells the truth.

• Divot starting before the gate: you’re hitting it fat.

• Divot starting after the gate: you’re catching it thin.

• Divot too deep: your swing is getting too steep. Use the pattern to understand what your club is doing through impact.

1 Ball just forward

Position the ball slightly forward of centre, with your sternum directly over it. At impact, the shaft should lean forward to encourage a downward blow — the hallmark of crisp iron play.

2 Create a tee gate

Place two tee pegs either side of the ball to form a narrow gate. Your goal is simple: Strike the ground between the tees. This focuses your attention on the low point of the swing and trains you to deliver the clubhead precisely where it needs to be.

3 Short swing, full turn

A compact backswing makes it easier to control the strike, but you still need a complete shoulder turn. From face on, the right shoulder should disappear, and the hands should reach head height — a neat, powerful position that promotes consistency.

4 Left toe off the ground

At impact, a slightly raised left toe shows your weight has moved into the left heel without sliding the hips. This centred pivot around the lead leg helps you compress the ball and improve strike quality.