Iron Shots Ballooning

[JRod]

Hello I've always battled this problem but recently it's become a big problem in the wind. I'm getting great distance in calm conditions but when the wind kicks up it just kills my shots. I'm currently using X100 DG shafts which are supposed to be relatively low launching. Is this a swing flaw or an improper shaft fit. Thanks for your help! Edit: These videos are from last fall I can get newer ones if you would like.

[GolfTEC]

Thanks for the question.

From the video it looks like you are creating too much spin with your hands flipping through impact. With this hand action you will end up spinning the ball which results in less distance especially when the ball spins too much in the wind. I would work on turning your hips more on the downswing so you can feel like your hands are more in front of the ball at impact. This will create a better impact position allow for better ball flight in the wind. A great drill to work on this with is to slowly move your body into an impact position making sure to turn your hips more. If you do this drill with an impact bag first it can give you some great feedback on whether you are getting the right position or not. Practicing this new downswing in slow motion will help you feel like you are improving the move with every practice swing. Another drill is to put a business card in front of the ball on the driving range. Work on moving the business card and don't worry about the ball, to move the business card you will need to have your hands in front at impact.

I hope these drills help, good luck.


Josh Miller
PGA Certified Professional
GolfTEC - Golden, CO

[IceyShanks]

Josh, that business card drill sounds great. Would that help with pulling and pushing as well?

[Mr. Satchmo]

Josh, that business card drill sounds great. Would that help with pulling and pushing as well?

One thing that my club pro taught me was that my swing was too flat and this resulted in inconsistencies so my club would get stuck too far behind my body which resulted in a push or my arms got in front of my body resulting in a pull, I made my swing much more upright, made sure my wrist stayed straight from the take away and my impact position improved completely, no more cupped wrist which results in more effective loft, thus, more back spin and ballooning. so making a swing more upright will alleviate this

[JRod]

Thanks for the response Josh and now that you mention it you are correct! I will try these new drills and get you some feedback. Thank you again for your time!