How careful are you with your setup position when hitting irons? Your setup position is vital to hitting crisp, accurate irons. Since we have total control over our setup, there’s no excuse for getting it wrong.
Of course, your setup routine may be unique. That’s okay. All that counts is that it’s con-sistent from shot to shot—whether you’re hitting a 2-iron or a 9-iron. The key to achieving this kind of consistency with your setup is developing good setup habits.
Below are 5 steps to finding a consistent address position:
1. Stand behind the ball
2. Rest the club behind the ball
3. Take a normal grip
4. Bend from the waist
5. Flex the knees a bit
Following the five steps below after assessing your lie and selecting a club assures a consistent routine:
• Stand behind the ball but facing the target. Review the terrain. Then pick out a target and move to the side of the ball.
• Hold your club in your right hand. Then rest it behind the ball. Make sure your feet are spread comfortably apart and your elbow rests against your hip.
• Without moving in relation to the ball, place your left hand on the grip. Use a normal grip. Your hands should be in a neutral position.
• Bend at the waist and settle the club behind the ball. Make sure you have the ball positioned properly. The shorter the club, the closer to the ball you’ll be.
• Flex your knees slightly. This makes the legs active in a comfortable stance. Now you’re in position to hit a solid iron shot.
One other point to keep in mind: Some golfers use the same ball position for all iron shots—slightly forward of center. Others move the ball forward or backward depending on the iron their hitting. Find what works for you.