Hitting a golf ball higher with irons can be a challenging task, but with the right technique and practice, it can be achieved. Here are some tips to help you hit the ball higher with your irons:
Use a higher lofted club: One of the easiest ways to hit the ball higher is to use a club with a higher loft. The loft is the angle of the clubface, and the higher the loft, the higher the ball will go. For example, using a 7-iron with a loft of 34 degrees will hit the ball lower than using a 9-iron with a loft of 42 degrees.
Move the ball position forward: Moving the ball position forward in your stance can help you hit the ball higher. When the ball is further up in your stance, you will make contact with the ball on the upswing, which will launch the ball higher into the air.
Use a more upward swing: To hit the ball higher, you need to create more height in your swing. To achieve this, try to swing the club more upwards instead of hitting down on the ball. This will help create a more sweeping motion and help launch the ball higher.
Increase your clubhead speed: Increasing your clubhead speed can also help you hit the ball higher. The faster the clubhead speed, the more momentum it will generate, which will help launch the ball higher into the air.
Follow-through high: Finally, make sure you follow through high after you make contact with the ball. This will help launch the ball higher and ensure that you have a complete and effective swing.
Use a more flexible shaft: The flex of your club shaft can also play a role in hitting the ball higher. A more flexible shaft can help you get more distance and height on your shots. When the clubhead reaches the ball, the shaft flexes, which helps launch the ball higher into the air.
Improve your ball striking: Hitting the ball cleanly and solidly is crucial to achieving more height with your irons. Practice your ball striking by focusing on hitting the ball first and then taking a divot after impact. This will ensure that you are making solid contact with the ball and creating the necessary lift to launch it higher.
Adjust your grip: Your grip can also affect the trajectory of your shots. A weaker grip, with your hands turned more towards the target, can help you hit the ball higher. This grip encourages a more upward swing and helps create a higher launch angle.
Increase your backswing: A longer backswing can help create more power and height in your swing. Take the club back a little further than normal, but be careful not to lose control of your swing or tempo.
Use your body: Using your body more effectively in your swing can also help you hit the ball higher. Try to use your hips, shoulders, and torso to create more power and generate more height in your swing. This will help you create a more efficient swing and hit the ball higher with your irons.
Control your ball flight: Sometimes, hitting the ball too high can cause it to lose distance and accuracy. To maintain control of your ball flight, it’s important to understand the factors that affect it, such as wind direction and speed. If you’re playing in windy conditions, for example, hitting the ball too high can make it vulnerable to being pushed off course by the wind. To counteract this, you may need to adjust your swing and hit the ball lower to keep it on a more stable flight path.
Focus on your posture: Your posture can also play a role in hitting the ball higher with your irons. Make sure you are standing tall and balanced with your weight evenly distributed on both feet. This will help you create a more upward swing and generate more height and power in your shots.
Use visualization techniques: Visualization techniques can help you improve your ball flight and accuracy. Before hitting your shot, visualize the ball flying higher and landing on your target. This will help you focus on your swing and make a more confident, decisive shot.
Get custom-fitted clubs: Custom-fitted clubs can help you hit the ball higher and improve your overall game. A club fitting professional can help you find the right clubs for your body type, swing, and playing style. This can make a significant difference in your ball flight and accuracy, and help you hit the ball higher with your irons.
Practice, practice, practice: Finally, hitting the ball higher with your irons requires practice and repetition. Spend time on the driving range and focus on your technique and ball flight. With enough practice, you’ll develop the muscle memory and confidence to hit the ball higher and improve your overall game.
Techniques for Hitting Golf Ball Higher with Irons
Technique
Description
Pros
Cons
Tips
Forward Ball Position
Placing the ball more towards the front of the stance
Higher trajectory, more spin
Less distance, harder to control direction
Start with short irons and move to longer irons
Stronger Grip
Grip the club slightly more to the right (for right-handers)
Higher trajectory, more spin
May lead to hooks or blocks
Adjust grip pressure accordingly
Wider Stance
Increase the width of the stance
More stability, better contact
Less mobility, harder to shift weight
Use this for shorter shots
Use More Lofted Club
Choose a club with more loft
Higher trajectory, more spin
Less distance, harder to control direction
Use for shots where height is more important
More Wrist Hinge
Increase wrist hinge during the backswing
Higher trajectory, more spin
Harder to control direction, may lead to inconsistency
Use for shots where height is more important
Club Selection for Hitting Golf Ball Higher with Irons
Club
Loft
Distance
Pros
Cons
9 iron
44-48 degrees
100-125 yards
High trajectory, good spin
Less distance
8 iron
39-43 degrees
125-140 yards
High trajectory, good spin
Less distance
7 iron
34-38 degrees
140-155 yards
High trajectory, good spin
Less distance
6 iron
30-34 degrees
155-170 yards
High trajectory, good spin
Less distance
5 iron
26-30 degrees
170-190 yards
High trajectory, good spin
Less distance
Ball Flight Characteristics for Hitting Golf Ball Higher with Irons
Term
Definition
Launch Angle
The angle at which the ball leaves the clubface
Spin Rate
The rate at which the ball rotates in flight
Apex Height
The highest point in the ball’s trajectory
Carry Distance
The distance the ball travels through the air
Total Distance
The distance the ball travels including roll
Golf Ball Selection for Hitting Golf Ball Higher with Irons
Ray Barnes, our Senior Staff Writer and a Golf Analyst with a PhD in Sports Analytics, is a beacon of insight in the golfing world. With a deep understanding of the sport's nuances, statistical analysis, and a talent for demystifying complexities, he provides in-depth analysis and captivating narratives that engage golf enthusiasts worldwide.