If you’ve found yourself excelling with your wedges and short irons, but struggling as you progress to longer clubs, you’re not alone.
Many golfers struggle with this transition and lose their confidence on the drive. However, you’re in luck because expert Eric Cogorno has what he has coined as a “magic move” that can greatly help any golfer who’s struggling to move into their drive from their iron.
Let’s jump into this easy-to-follow move that helps bridge the gap and improves your golf swing from your 8 or 9-irons and the longer driver clubs.
Be sure to watch the YouTube video here!
What is the “Magic” Move?
Coined by Eric Cogorno, this golf swing tip revolves around the crucial shift in the swing plane when transitioning from short irons to the driver.
In the video above, he demonstrates the disparity in setup angles between a driver and an 8-iron, highlighting the need for a more horizontal, around-the-body swing for longer clubs.
The “Magic” Move involves practicing a distinct swing plane that ensures solid contact, improved consistency, and increased distance.
Key Concepts: Why the Struggle Exists
If you find yourself struggling with moving into your driver, pinpointing the key issue is crucial in improvement.
- Differing Setup Angles: Short irons and drivers have distinct setup angles, demanding adjustments in the swing plane. The more vertical angle of short irons contrasts with the horizontal angle of drivers, necessitating a shift in approach.
- Swinging Around the Body: The nature of the driver swing requires a more horizontal, around-the-body motion, akin to a baseball swing. This is in contrast to the vertical swing often employed with short irons. Failure to adapt to this change can result in inconsistent hits, fades, and reduced distance.
Tips for a Seamless Transition
Here are some easy tips to improve your swing transition from irons to drivers:
- Gradual Drill Practice: Begin with the level-to-the-ground drill, gradually progressing from level to 45 degrees and just above the ball. This helps in developing a feel for swinging more around the body, crucial for longer clubs.
- Incorporate an Object: Utilize an alignment rod just above the ball to discourage excessive up-and-down motion. This object prompts a lower and inside approach, aligning with the desired swing plane for drivers.
- Body Turn Emphasis: Throughout the drills, emphasize the turning of the body. Ensure that the swing is not merely up and down but incorporates a rounder motion, mirroring the necessary movements for an effective driver swing.
- Start Slow, Build Speed: When practicing the “Magic” Move, start at a slower speed to focus on technique. Gradually build up to full speed as you become more comfortable with the adjusted swing plane.
- Addressing Club Face Issues: If you tend to swing too steep, be aware of potential open club face issues. Work on closing the clubface through impact to mitigate a persistent curve to the right.
For more helpful tips on improving your golf swing, hitting difficult shots, incorporating drills into your practice routine and more, be sure to subscribe to the Performance Golf YouTube channel!