How to Swing a 9-Iron Golf Club

Golf can certainly be a frustrating sport to dally at, much less master—particularly the pesky 9-iron shot that, when executed properly, can bring the ball inches from the hole. Learning how to swing a 9-iron is key to your golf game—“flying the hole,” or sending the ball past the green, is not only embarrassing but adds 1 to 3 shots to your score. The 9-iron club is a short-range utility club to be used 100 yards or closer to the hole. It’s also a good golf club to use on a short par hole. Don’t be intimidated by this useful tool—with a few quick steps you’ll be swinging away like a pro.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Access to a 9- or 18-hole golf course (or a driving range)
• 9-iron golf club
• Golf balls
• Golf glove (optional)

1. Position your feet so that you achieve a narrower stance than you would for hitting with a wood. This narrow stance will cause the ball to appear as if it is being played in the center of your stance for shorter golf clubs.

2. Take the golf club in your right hand as if you are shaking hands with the club. Place your left hand adjacent to the right hand, closer to the top of the shaft, and interlock the right pinkie finger with the left forefinger if you choose to do so. Some golfers prefer to keep the hands side by side rather than slightly overlapped. Grip the club so that your left arm is pinned to your ribcage and the club face is at a right angle to where you want the ball to land.

3. Distribute your weight to the front leg in the beginning of your swing. Bend your knees slightly and get a good purchase on the ground, with your feet close together.

4. Rotate through the hips on the downswing. The rest of your body will follow. Swing power comes through weight shift, swing arc and body rotation. Rotate your hips back and forth quickly and your arms and hands will move quickly in response.

5. Keep the golf club face square to the ball on the downswing and upswing. Use a full downswing for a 100-yard shot (approximately) and a shorter downswing for a closer chip shot. Rotate through the upswing.

Tips & Warnings

• Come down hard on the golf ball for chip shots so that the ball moves with enough loft in a proper parabolic arc. The 9-iron has approximately a 45 degree angle so remember that the ball should rise and land gently on the green.

[vpadmana]

on 8/1/2008 One more point as to the position of the ball between your feet. For shorter irons like the 9-iron, the ball should be at the center or just right of center (for right-handed players). As your iron lengths increase, the ball should progressively move towards the left . So, for a 2-iron (if you are still using one in this age of hybrids and rescues), the ball should be just right of where you would place it for the driver.