Fairway iron shots

[Basher]

I don't know if it's a confidence thing or not.

I struggle like mad sometimes on the fairways with my irons. For 1, I lack real distance and 2, have a tendancy to hit quite a few fat shots.
My regular playing partner suggests it could be due to failing to commit to the shot and not driving through the ball.
Fat shot wise, could it be down to holding back on my downswing and not following through completely with my shoulders. I am aware that sometimes I don't fully turn my shoulders to face the target on my downswing.

Suggestions please as it's keeping me awake at night!

 

[RGDave]

I'd like to be able to offer a definitive answer but sometimes I find it helps to think of a particular swing thought.

For me, I use two or three quite regularly.

1) On short irons, I tell myself to "keep still" i.e. not to sway and make a good turn
another
2) To hit "down" on the ball even if I fear the fat shot.
another
3) To bring my "right arm into my side" on the downswing.

Everyone's swing reacts in different ways to certain thoughts. Fat shots do indeed come from not getting through the ball well (and/or reverse pivot), but IMPORTANTLY you need to get down the range and get some thoughts that work for you. I never use multiple thoughts at once, I just pick the one I know from experience will guide me through a few shaky holes.

Today, I was hitting mid irons a bit thin, so today's thought was to "sink into my knees" .... my head often comes up an inch or two (I've seen it on video) which disrupts the idea of a constant spine angle. If, by flexing a little more as I take my backswing, it might feel as if I'm dipping, but actually I'm staying the same height throughout the swing.

Try some for yourself..good luck...

 

[bobmac]

Now I see it all.
First you say a few nice things about me when all the time you just wanted free golf lessons
Well, first of all you weaken your left hand then strengthen your right hand them move the ball forward 6in, keep the weight on your back foot and pull your right foot back 9 in.
That will cure the duff
OR.....
Check your ball position is correct and not too far forward and aim to finish in a good position with your back foot up on the toe and balanced poise and smile

Hth

 

[Fore]

I can only tell you what has helped me with a similar scenario and hope these points help.

Keep triangle in tact- rotate shoulders not arms on their own.
Weight shift - i was not moving onto my right foot on my backswing.
Ball position - have the ball a bit further towards your right foot (try 3") than you would if hitting off a tee. (assuming you are right handed).
Tempo - i needed to slow down a tad.

I've been doing a lot better lately with long irons so hopefully some or all of this may help.

 

[golf_bug]

Basher
If you are casting the club on the downswing you will hit fat shots all day. Have you seen your swing on video? If not post it on here and I am sure Bob will be able to advise.