Many golfers find themselves in a frustrating position: they hit their irons well but struggle to transition that same consistent swing to a driver. In this YouTube lesson from Performance Golf’s Eric Cogorno, he breaks down the key differences between iron and driver swings.
We’ll also provide drills to help you make the necessary adjustments for each golf swing. By understanding setup angles and learning to swing around your body correctly, you can improve your iron and driver consistency and distance!
Understanding the Difference Between Irons and Drivers
One of the biggest distinctions between irons and drivers is the angle at which they sit at address and impact, as seen in the photo above. Irons are more upright, leading to a steeper, more vertical swing plane, while drivers sit at a lower angle, requiring a more horizontal or around-the-body swing.
If you tend to use the same up-and-down iron swing with your driver, you may struggle with inconsistent contact, excessive fade, and lost distance. The key to improving is adjusting your swing path to match the needs of each club.
The Baseball Swing Drill
To help you feel the correct motion in the swing, here’s a simple but effective drill. Be sure to watch the video to see it in action, then keep reading!
- Level Swing: Hold your driver parallel to the ground and swing it back and forth as if you’re swinging a baseball bat. Keep the motion as horizontal as possible.
- Gradual Lowering: Move from the level position to a 45-degree angle, maintaining the same around-the-body feeling.
- Near the Ball: Bring the club just above the ball and continue swinging with the same sensation.
- Full Swing: Finally, hit the ball with these same rotational feels, promoting a medium-flight draw rather than a high fade.
The Swing Path Drill
To reinforce this motion, we suggest using a physical barrier, like an alignment stick placed just above the ball. This helps prevent excessive up-and-down movement and encourages a low, inside approach to the ball, crucial for a solid, powerful driver strike.
Steps to Implement:
- Stick an alignment stick in the ground and above the ball, roughly a grip and a half above it.
- Focus on keeping the clubhead moving from inside and under the stick.
- Start at half speed, gradually building up to full-speed swings.
- Ensure the clubface is closing properly to avoid excessive rightward ball flight.
Master the Iron and Driver Golf Swing, Easy!
By adjusting your swing to be more around rather than steep, you can take your solid iron game and successfully transfer it to your driver. These drills help build the right feel for a more effective, consistent driver swing. Try these techniques before your next round and integrate them into your pre-shot routine for better drives off the tee. Give it a shot and you’ll love the results!
