If you are playing from the correct tee box, most par-3s you encounter should leave you with an iron into the green. There are times when a hybrid or even fairway wood will be required, but for the most part, you’ll be hitting irons off these tees.
For this reason, you need to learn how to hit irons off the tee. The technique is a little different than hitting an iron from the fairway, and in this episode of How to Hit Every Shot, instructor Erika Larkin breaks down the keys for hitting crisp irons off the tee. Watch the video above or read below for more.
1. Low tee
Tees that you use with a driver or 3-wood are usually relatively long in order to get the ball teed up higher, but when hitting with an iron from the tee box, you should use a shorter tee. It’s not a requirement but using a short tee will make it easier to tee the ball at the correct height, typically lifting the ball just slightly off the ground.
2. Level setup
You want to find an even lie for your setup on the tee box. Sometimes tee boxes aren’t perfectly level, so you want to be sure you find a spot where the ball and your feet are as close to even heights as possible.
3. Set clubface
With the ball teed up just above the blades of grass, you are in position to connect the clubface with the ball directly on the sweet spot. This spot is usually lower on the face and directly in the center, so make sure at address you set the ball up in this position.
4. Starter swing
Once you have all the setup variables accounted for, get ready to make your normal, starter swing. If you’re not familiar, check out the previous videos that explain all you need to know about the basics of a swing.
5. Smooth tempo
Make sure you have the correct club, trust the number and make a good swing with smooth tempo. Remember not to try to do too much with the swing and focus on smooth tempo for a balanced finish. If you can put it all together, you’ll be in perfect position to stick it close on the par-3s.
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