subject: Master the Long Irons and Improve Your Golf Game [print this page] The majority of your golf irons are typically used for shorter golf shots that range from 200 yards to less than 100 yards. The best iron to use is determined by the loft of the club head as well as the golfer's ability to hit the ball a specific distance and by the confidence the golfer has in hitting his or her irons. Golf irons typically include a set of eleven irons, numbered one (long) through nine (short), a pitching wedge, and a sand wedge. Long irons are typically the one iron through the four iron, have a longer shaft, and less loft, are somewhat lighter than short irons and are mainly used for longer shots that require precision in order to stick the green. Many golfers incorrectly believe that the long irons are harder to hit, and therefore these clubs don't get used as much as the mid and short irons do. Longer irons require higher swing speeds to obtain good results, as well as precise ball contact at impact. A solid foundation, or stance, can give the golfer the ability to swing more powerfully and hit the longer clubs more consistently. Visualize Ernie Els, or Tiger Woods, and the stability they maintain with their stance and posture throughout their swings. This is what you are trying to achieve when learning how to hit long irons in golf. Long irons can be an absolute joy to hit when done correctly, however these clubs can also be very difficult, as well and learning how to master the long irons is said to be one of the most difficult lessons for beginning and intermediate golfers alike. Among the longest clubs in the bag, long irons can even give good players trouble. These types of clubs are no longer carried by many golfers, many of whom are now opting for fairway woods or other new hybrid clubs to cover some of the same distances as their long irons. Even for those of you who don't carry these clubs, practicing with the long irons can help improve your swing. Learning how to hit long irons in golf consistently may be one of the hardest shots to play in a sport that is already difficult - especially for beginners. The first problem many new golfers face when using these clubs for the first time is trying to use the same swing they use with their Driver and this may not work for everybody. Golfers should always attempt to focus on hitting a good, clean shot with these clubs and practice hitting their long irons each and every time they go to the Range.
