Known to many as the reigning king of short chip shots is the 9 iron golf club. With a loft of 41°-48°, the 9 iron is the loftiest of the non-wedge clubs and will average 120 yards (180 if you’re Bubba). As such, the ball is not going to roll out as much as it would with the other irons in your golf bag. For the most part, when the ball hits the ground, it’s not going anywhere.

 

When a player needs that one club to bail them out of trouble from a short distance, many golfers run for their 9 iron to pop the ball close to the flag. It’s versatile. It’s trusted.

 

How to Hit a 9 Iron Like a Pro Hitting A 9 Iron

 

Stance and Ball Position: Start with your feet a little narrow—less than shoulder width apart—and place the ball directly in the center of your stance. The ball should be positioned below your sternum. Ease your weight slightly more toward your left side – this will promote a descending angle of attack and a beautiful divot.

 

Club Placement: You’ve got your ball situated in the middle of your stance. From there, position the club head behind the ball, with the club shaft leaning somewhat forward. Doing this allows for your swing to inevitably create a downward strike on your ball. If you do this correctly (remember, practice makes perfect), your golf ball will be tight between the clubface and the ground, and as such the ball will have a significant backspin on release, making it pop up into the air.

 

Swing: With the correct stance and a soft, easy swing, you’ll see a nice backswing that should put your ball right on target. Wrists should be straight and firm. Stay level when you swing. So many golfers who want the ball to pop up in the air think they need an upward swing. However, what they really need is a descending strike and a divot.

 

It’s safe to say that most golfers don't practice their short game nearly as often as they should; little do they know it’s quite possibly the fastest and easiest way to shave shots off their score and lower their handicap. There you have it – everything you need to know to hit your 9 iron golf club like a pro. Check out more tips for excelling at your golf game.