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Pressing the ball – this is the goal of any iron shot. You’ll get spin and stop shooting distance like you won’t believe. The trick is to hit the ball first and the ground second. Here’s how.
1. Set your setup
From a normal lie, make sure that 65 percent of your weight is over your front foot and — most importantly — that your nose is directly over the ball. (You’ll see why that matters in a second.)
2. Avoid swinging
As you swing the club upwards, keep your nose on top of the ball, as if in address. Many weekend players tend to move their heads (and nose) away from the ball. Fact: Your swing is always below your nose, so, when you move it behind the ball like you do when you swing, you’re just asking for ground contact first. not good.
3. Keep your nose forward
Start by pushing forward with your back foot while keeping your nose over the ball. Instant pressure!
Don Sargent is a Top 100 Golf Instructor and Director of Golf Education at Scioto CC in Columbus, Ohio.