Help! I can hit my 5i consistently well. When I swing the 4 iron, I become 'paralyzed' and shank it, top it, slice it, pull it, push it - anything but hit it well.
Just grip down at least a half inch down and swing it just like a 5 iron?
It is most likely all mental if the 5 iron is fine. The 4 iron is a tougher club to hit, but it isn't too different from a 5 iron. That said, it does need to be swung just a little differently, it is longer and has a little bit flatter lie, maybe you've just reached your limit? Have you tried thinking about it more like a fairway wood and less like an iron -- that is, have you tried a little more of sweeping strike than a downward strike?
Finally, what about replacing it with a hybrid or fairway wood? Like I said, maybe you just reached your limit -- we all have one whether it is a 6 iron, 5 iron, 4 iron, 3 iron, 2 iron, or 1 iron, everyone has an iron they just won't be able to hit well -- maybe your 4 iron just is yours.
It sounds like a mental block. How about a range session: Hit 5i once. Hit 4i once. Hit 5i once. Hit 4i once. Etc.. If it is a mental block, you will grow out of it pretty quickly. If it is your swing, or a club defect, you might not!
Great advice on going to an iron or a hybrid. I think the hybrids have made the game so much easier. The 4 iron is a little longer and you must stand back a tad more. I suggest getting rid of at least the 3 and 4 iron and replacing it with hybrids. I am a scratch golfer and I carry 2 hybrids, alot of people are afraid or embarrased to switch. Dont let it bother you, just show them how good they work on the course by whipping them. Trust me, those doubters will have hybrids in their bags very soon.
Help! I can hit my 5i consistently well. When I swing the 4 iron, I become 'paralyzed' and shank it, top it, slice it, pull it, push it - anything but hit it well.
Any drills or recommendations?
Anyone have advice on how to set up the 4 iron? Like a 5iron or like a 3 wood?
Anyone have advice on how to set up the 4 iron? Like a 5iron or like a 3 wood?
Like a 5 iron. But not exactly like a 5 iron. Think of the 7i, 6i, 5i, 4i positions and swings as 'morphing'.
Because you posted that you can hit 5i very well, I am shocked that you have so much trouble with your 4i. I think that it has to be 'mental', but you might want to have a club-shop take a look at your irons, just in case. Don't bring just the 4i. Bring all irons and have them do a lie, loft etc. checkup. Maybe 4i is bent out of shape!
I had a problem with my 4 iron and I moved to a hybrid and it was amazing the difference for me but I am also a newer golfer and have only been playing a little over a year now. I was so happy with the change that I saw that I bought a 3, 5, and 5 hybrid. I played Trilogy yesterday in Glen Ivy, CA and I was really pleased with my fairway shots. Now if I could just start making my putts I would be fine.
I have dumped the 3, 4 and 5 irons in favor of hybrids. I hit them more consistently, a few yards longer, and I can play them from lies that would be difficult or impossible with the equivalent iron. It was an easy decision for me.
I don't want to buy any more golf clubs. I have over analyzed what I needed. I have a 1/3/5, 3H, 4-PW, SW, putter and LW. After 4 drivers, 2 iron sets, 2 different lines of hybrids and 5 different putters, I have made some people eat Fillet Mignon versus PB and J.
I took clubs out of the bag and without looking at the number, I hit them but setting them up based upon length of club at address. I was able to make good contact - it was mental after all. I had it in my mind that harder and faster was necessary to get the ball airborne.
November 8th, 2007, 10:17 PM
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