The old cliché "It's not how you drive, it's how you arrive'' has never been more appropriate than in this bomb-and-gouge era of professional golf. An emphasis on good iron play has also trickled down to average golfers. Make no mistake, the power game still rules, but a crisply struck 5-iron can be a strong ally in the battle against par. The keys to better irons are like building blocks: Start by developing a feel for the overall swing motion, then focus on making consistently solid contact, then learn to shape shots. Drills help, too. Try this one: Set up facing a tree or similar object and swing back, watching the tree to be sure you stay centered all the way to the top -- a secret to good iron contact.
Test Your Iron Game
June 2009
Breaking 100: Turn your body to the top
If you're trying to break 100, you probably need a better understanding of the basic swing motion. Many golfers lift their arms to the top instead of making a full turn with the hips and shoulders.
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To get down in the 80s, focus on making solid contact with your irons. Accomplish that by making a downward strike, with your weight moving to your front foot at impact. You want the bottom of your swing arc in front of the ball.
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To break 80, learn to curve the ball. When the pin is tucked behind trouble, aim at the fat of the green and work it to the hole. If you hit it straight, you're still on the green. If you curve it as expected, you'll be close.
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Ranked 35th on Golf Digest's list of America's 50 Greatest Teachers, Kestner is the head professional at Deepdale Golf Club in Manhasset, N.Y.
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