I've been coaching golfers for more than two decades, but I still often get asked the same question.. why do I pull iron shots?
When learning how to hit an iron shot, there are a few fundamental components that can help you become a ball striking machine - but often amateur golfers neglect this advice... bring faults like the pulled iron shot into play.
Pulling iron shots refers to the flight of the golf ball, specifically where it starts straight and curves away to the left of the target for a right-handed golfer. This is often caused by an out-to-in swing path, with the arms swinging the club across the target line.
An important distinction from a hook shot is that a pull begins its journey travelling straight, whereas a hook starts left and goes left.
In this instructional video and supporting article, Golf Monthly Top 50 Coach and Advanced PGA Professional Katie Dawkins shares her top tips to fix this common issue and generally improve your iron shots...
Why Do I Pull Irons Shots?
A pull can be caused by a number of faults. Firstly, the ball position is perhaps too far forward, which caused the angle of your shoulders to open.
When you swing along the line created by an incorrect ball position, the club face is often closed at address. The start line of the golf ball in flight is dictated by the clubface, so this is the first aspect that needs to be addressed.
Pulling the golf ball can also be a sign that your body isn't working effectively, with the arms throwing the club over the top of the target line.
So, break it down. Hit some half shots where you are rotating your body through impact and transferring your weight towards the target in the through swing.
Thinking of the golf swing as two turns (one back, one through) is a great thought to give good rhythm and encourage the bigger muscles to drive the swing.
A simple and very effective way to do this is to focus on your finish position. Concentrate on swinging through to a full finish position and hold it (as if someone is taking a photo of you).
Without becoming too technical, you should be able to develop better weight distribution in the golf swing and more effective rotation.
Headcover Drill To Stop Pulling Iron Shots
A great range drill utilises your driver headcover. Place it down on the outside of the target line about a club head away from the ball.
The simple aim is to hit the ball without making contact with the headcover. The best part about this is you get immediate feedback, if your angle of attack is from outside the target, you’ll hit it.
If you are struggling with your rotation in the swing, you could also consider some fitness and mobility sessions. Improving lower body strength and flexibility will help your swing as it's initiated from the ground up.
How Do I Hit The Golf Ball Straight?
Learning how to hit the ball dead straight can help you to stay in-play and avoid danger on the golf course, as well as limit big scores on the card, but it takes time to master.
This checklist, from Golf Monthly Top 50 Coach Dan Grieve, is a great place to start...
1) Master the perfect golf grip and ball position
2) Learn how to use alignment sticks in range sessions to provide visual feedback
3) Adopt a low right shoulder (for right-handed golfers) and a wide stance
4) Relax! Your arms need to hang loose to control the spin on the golf ball
