Ask any golfer which club is the most difficult to hit and most likely every single one of them will tell you the long iron. However, nothing beats the precision of a beautifully-hit long iron golf club. Your 3-iron is one of the longer irons in your golf bag. As it leaves very little room for error, it is sometimes avoided by many players. However, when the 3-iron is hit just right, your ball will soar like that eagle you’re trying to make.

 

As one of the tallest irons, its design allows for the player to hit the ball long distances (180-260 yards) with a low launch angle. Structurally, irons have a smaller clubhead than the woods, especially front to back, where they are relatively thin and etched with grooves to help grip the golf ball, giving it a good spin when launched. The 3-iron has the lowest loft and the longest shaft (after the 2-iron) and is most often used from the fairway or rough. It’s also an excellent choice for those trouble spots such as when you’re hitting out of the trees.

 

Tips to Hit a 3-Iron Golf Club

 

Some will say the 3-iron, with its small club face and delofted status, is an unpredictable club. Therefore, they may opt for the safer hybrid club. However, it truly is like any other shot in golf: practice makes perfect. If you want to get better at hitting long irons, you have to practice with them – and often. We’re going to show you two simple steps to use that will help your long-iron game.

 

Posture: When you approach the ball, get in your normal stance. From there, address the ball bending at your waist while ensuring the angle of your spine is correct - straight, not hunched. Balance your weight evenly front to back with your feet, and then just slightly back.

 

Swing: When you start your backswing, keep your head level and swing gently through. Remember this is a longer iron – don’t give it the more aggressive, downward swing that typically happens with a short iron. Upon impact, connect with the inside half of the ball. Make note – the smaller the club face, the more you will need to hit the inside half of the ball (closest to you).

 

In the beginning, plan on hitting the ground before and during impact with the ball. This is not what you want to happen, but it is part of the learning process when using the temperamental 3-iron club. The more you practice, the more you will make solid contact with the ball first, before the ground. From there, you’ll be the envy of every golfer on the course. Check out more tips for excelling at your golf game.