MY GOLF BLUEPRINT

Poor iron compression: translate the feeling into checks: checks and practice

An iron clubhead beside a golf ball on short grass. — Photo: Mikhail Nilov / Pexels

“Compression” is often used loosely to describe a solid iron strike. Useful checks are contact location, ball speed, low point and delivered loft.

Possible causes

Ground-first contact
Off-center strike
Delivery that changes launch and speed

Simple checks

Record face contact and turf contact separately.
Use a short iron at moderate speed.
Measure carry or ball speed consistently when possible.

A practice drill

Make ten short shots and classify each strike before judging the sensation. Compare a reliable strike with one that feels weak.

Avoid this trap

Do not force exaggerated shaft lean or a steep downward hit to create a sound. A feeling is not a measured delivery parameter.

The checks narrow the possibilities; they do not confirm a diagnosis. Keep a record of several shots and ask a qualified coach to connect the pattern to your swing.

Keep learning

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