| Nothing matters more than impact—especially | | | | the fear of missing the ball on a tee. But their |
| when hitting an iron. It's the moment of truth. If the | | | | mechanics for hitting a ball on the ground need work. |
| clubface isn't square at impact, you'll not only mis-hit | | | | Tight lies are the worst. When these golfers swing at |
| the ball, you'll short-circuit power. It's one of the most | | | | balls, they tend to tense up and brace for impact, |
| damaging of power leaks. If the clubface is square at | | | | short-circuiting power. This problem is part physical |
| impact, you'll hit it long and straight. That's what | | | | and part psychological. Here's an exercise to correct |
| separates players with low golf handicaps from those | | | | it. |
| with high golf handicaps. | | | | When these players are on the fairway, they often |
| While every player is different, specific levels of | | | | try to scoop the ball off the turf. In some cases, |
| players tend to have common problems. For | | | | they're also afraid of hitting the ground and taking a |
| example, players trying to break 100 often have one | | | | divot. One way to eliminate these fears is to practice |
| common swing flaw when it comes to impact. While | | | | your fairway swing in a bunker. Draw a line in the |
| players trying to break 80 have a different common | | | | sand to represent your normal ball position. Then |
| flaw. Golf lessons and practice can eliminate these | | | | make swings with a 5-iron—first with the left |
| flaws. But not everyone has the time or wherewithal | | | | hand, then with the right, and then both. Aim to |
| to attend golf instruction sessions. So we've done it | | | | make contact on the front side of the line. |
| for you. | | | | Golfers With Low Golf Handicaps |
| Below we address the most common impact flaws | | | | Veteran golfers and those trying to break 80 tend to |
| among the different levels. We also provide golf tips | | | | have their own common flaw. They've overcome the |
| on correcting them. Determine what level you're in | | | | fear of missing the ball. They've conquered the |
| and if you have the flaw. Then use the exercise | | | | difficulties of hitting from the ground. But they need |
| described below to correct it. | | | | to work on compressing the ball between the |
| Golfers With High Golf Handicaps | | | | clubface and the ground with a powerful, efficient |
| New players and those struggling to break 100 have | | | | downward strike. When a player does this, the sound |
| one glaring flaw: They tend to focus too much on | | | | of the clubface hitting the ball is different. It pierces |
| making contact with the ball instead of taking a good | | | | the air and gets you're attention. |
| swing. They're "ball bound." These players put all their | | | | To eliminate this flaw, try this visualization drill. To be |
| energy into hitting the ball. But all too often they | | | | in the right impact position, the shaft needs to be |
| don't hit it well. Frequently, the swing stops at impact. | | | | leaning forward. To get this feeling when practicing |
| Good players swing "through the ball." If you're in this | | | | on the range, imagine hitting shots that have to fly |
| category, below is an exercise that should help. | | | | under a park bench right in front of you.To do this, |
| If you're a right-handed golfer, your left hand plays | | | | your hands have to continue moving forward past |
| an important role in making good contact—and | | | | impact to keep the clubhead from hitting the bench. |
| vice versa. To mimic the correct movement during | | | | This drills gives you the feeling of really compressing |
| the backswing, place a ball in your left hand. Then go | | | | the ball between the clubface and the ground. |
| into your backswing. The thumb should point straight | | | | All three drills will help you master impact with your |
| up half way into the backswing. Now bring the hand | | | | irons. They're like mini-golf lessons. Just determine |
| back down in front of your belt and present the ball | | | | your level, review the golf tip involved, and then |
| by opening your hand. If done right, the ball will | | | | practice the appropriate drill. Keep practicing until you |
| balance in your hand—the position the left-hand | | | | think you've mastered the movement. Then practice |
| should be in at impact. | | | | it some more. This practice will pay off on the course |
| Golfers With Middle Golf Handicaps | | | | by helping you shooting lower scores and cutting |
| Experienced players and those trying to break 90, | | | | your golf handicap. You have nothing to lose but a |
| tend to have a different problem. They've conquered | | | | little time. |