Golf performance coach Karen Palacios-Jansen demonstrates drills to help you stop hitting those chunks and think iron shots. For more information visit cardiogolf.com.

If you've ever struggled with chunking (hitting the ground before the ball) or hitting thin iron shots (striking the ball too high on the clubface), you know how frustrating it can be. These common problems can lead to lost distance, accuracy, and confidence. But fear not! In the drills in this video can help you explore the causes of chunking and thin shots and provide you with practical tips and drills to help you eliminate these issues from your game.

Address Your Setup:
A solid setup is the foundation for a successful golf swing. Ensure that you're doing the following:

a. Ball Position: Place the ball in the center of your stance for most iron shots. This helps ensure proper contact with the ball.

b. Weight Distribution: Shift your weight slightly onto your front foot (left foot for right-handed golfers) for iron shots. This promotes a descending strike.

Maintain a Steady Head:
Keep your head still throughout the swing. A common mistake that leads to chunking is lifting the head or swaying during the swing. Your head should remain relatively centered over the ball.

Work on Your Swing Plane:
A consistent swing plane is essential for accurate iron shots. Practice keeping the club on the correct plane throughout the swing. You can achieve this by using alignment rods or training aids to guide your swing path.

Master Your Tempo:
Maintaining proper tempo and rhythm is crucial to avoid chunking and thin shots. Rushing your swing or decelerating can lead to inconsistent contact. Focus on a smooth and balanced swing.

Weight Transfer and Pivot:
Ensure that you transfer your weight to your lead side as you swing through the ball. This will help you compress the ball properly and avoid chunking. Practice drills like the "step-through" drill to improve your weight shift.

Use Proper Club Selection:
Selecting the right club for the distance you need to cover is crucial. Trying to force a shorter club to cover a longer distance can lead to chunking. Similarly, using a longer club when it's not necessary can result in thin shots.

Stay Relaxed:
Tension in your grip, arms, or body can affect your ability to make clean contact with the ball. Maintain a relaxed grip and posture throughout the swing to ensure a smoother, more consistent strike.

Practice Your Short Game:
Improving your chipping and pitching can indirectly help with your iron play. By becoming more confident in your short game, you can better manage your approach shots and reduce the pressure on your iron play.

Chunking and hitting thin iron shots can be frustrating for golfers of all skill levels. However, with the right adjustments to your setup, swing, and mental approach, you can significantly reduce these issues. Remember that consistent practice and patience are key to improvement in golf. Use the drills in the video to refine your iron play and elevate your game to the next level.

Weekly Dose #012