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Why should you choke down on
short iron shots
CHOKING DOWN ON THE CLUB IS NOT JUST FOR SIDEHILL LIES with the
ball above your feet. I think most amateurs should choke down
on all standard shots from 130 yards and in. It has its limitations,
but in general you’ll hit the ball more solidly with greater
control – and with a lot more confidence.
You choke down by placing your hands an inch further down on the
grip than with your longer clubs. The cap at the end of the handle
should be exposed, plus an inch more of the grip itself. This
effectively makes the club shorter and lighter. It will make your
swing arc narrower and the length of your swing shorter.
Be aware of three things:
(1) you’ll need to stand a bit closer to
the ball because the club is shorter;
(2) you’ll need to take more club –
an 8-iron, say, rather than a 9-iron, again because you’ve
made the club shorter; and
(3) the ball will fly lower, because your clubhead
has less velocity.
Make your normal swing. The main reason I like this technique
is that you can swing smoothly and stay balanced while still attaining
all the distance you need.
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