You chunk irons. Or, you don’t hit them very far. I have an idea why this happens: Most rec players release the club too early because of poor body mechanics.
To keep this from happening, delay your release by moving your body and trail arm like you’re throwing a ball sidearm toward the target. This will allow you to deloft the club, which produces more ball speed and positions the low point of your swing farther in front of the ball. When you get it right, you avoid hitting the ground before the ball and produce that ball-first contact that every golfer strives for.
So, in your practice, focus on making your regular downswing but keep your trail elbow in front of your hands for as long as you can as you approach impact (above). Key: Don’t drive your trail elbow into your trail hip; it should move in front of it and always be moving toward the target.
Groove this move and the ball won’t know what hit it.
Jason Baile is a GOLF Top 100 Teacher and the director of instruction at Jupiter Hills Club in Tequesta, Fla., and the 2025 PGA National Teacher of the Year.
