Test Your Iron Game

: By Darrell Kestner
with Pete McDaniel
Photos By Stephen Szurlej June 2009; 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.

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.; READ MORE >>

Breaking 90: Move your divot forward: 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.; READ MORE >>; SEE A VIDEO ON THIS LESSON >>

Breaking 80: Shape it for low scores: 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.; READ MORE >>

: 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.