There
are a number of reasons why amateurs fear the long irons. Chief among
them is the anxiety that comes from looking down at such a small,
straight clubface. When we don't feel confident with a club we tend
to want to get the shot over quickly, forget to make a good turn and
swing too fast. So, working back in reverse, to solve the problem
we have to focus on creating a good turn, swinging the clubhead with
a better rhythm, and trusting the clubhead to take care of the ball.
With the long irons, my thoughts are centred on creating width with
the right
arm in the backswing and then releasing the right arm fully in the
downswing. I like to think in terms of building momentum slowly (a
sense of swinging in slow motion is great with these clubs) and let
the clubhead collect the ball. That's
a good mental key. Don't hit at the ball, simply let it get in the
way of the clubhead as you unwind all the way to a full and balanced
finish.