The 5 iron golf club is one of the most versatile clubs in your golf bag. Capable of hitting long approach shots, bump and run pitch shots, par three tee shots and more, it is especially effective on long chips from close to the green. It pays to practice using it from a variety of distances.

 

The 5 iron is a club you’ll come to depend on throughout your game. It has an average loft angle of 28 – 32 degrees, and the average distance ranges from 140 - 180 yards. While it is not one of the tougher clubs to hit, the 5 iron still demands a quality swing and clean hit. Take a look at these tips that will have you hitting the 5 iron like a pro.

 

Posture

 

Most players attempt to hit the 5 iron from the middle of their stance. We’re here to advise against this practice as your ball will not want to fly. For right-handed golf players, the proper ball position is closer to your left foot and forward of center – not in the middle of your stance. Play around with it and practice, practice, practice. You’ll figure out your best stance.

 

Target

When hitting a 5 iron golf club, it is essential to know your target. Approach shot? Calm the aggressiveness. Distance shot? Depending on your swing speed, it could be a big mistake picking a target too close to a hazard. From too far away, accuracy in pinpointing your shot is simply not there. If you’re hitting your 5 iron from a distance of more than 150 yards, aim toward the center of the green.

 

Shot

The five iron is one of the clubs you’ll want to get to know well. Practice time on the driving range will help you fine tune your 5 iron swing. While curving a shot does not naturally come easy to the non-pros, it’s easier to accomplish with a 5 iron club. The more time you spend practicing this shot on the range, the faster you’ll determine your natural shot shape. This will help you know exactly how to aim on the golf course.

 

Just like any other shot in golf, if you want to get better at hitting your 5 iron, you have to practice with it… often. The next time you play, plan ahead - if there are a few par 3s and 4s (and we’re betting there are), take a few additional minutes pre-game to hit a few 5-iron practice shots. Check out more tips for excelling at your golf game.