DISTANCE BETWEEN YOU AND THE BALL FOR BOTH DRIVING AND IRONS

Question
QUESTION: How do I know how far to stand back from golf ball when I'm driving and hitting my hybrid irons?

ANSWER: Hi Tom:

It's not about how far you stand back from the golf ball when hitting your hybrids or any other club for that matter.  Your set up should not change for any club.  You need to learn how to set up to the club, not the ball.  Here is what I mean.

Say you have a 7 iron.  You put your grip on the club and approach the ball.  You set the clubhead down behind the ball and then you need to get comfortable to the club to complete your set up position.  You need to learn to set up to the club and get square to the club and centered to the ball.  

Obviously, if you have a longer club (like a hybrid or a driver) in your hands, you will be standing further away from the ball than if you were hitting an 8 iron.  But the set up is the same.  The routine is the same.  Set the clubhead down behind the ball, then get comfortable to the club.  

Here are a couple of simple checkpoints to help you.  At your address position (when you are set up and ready to go), your hands should basically hang below your chin.  You should have enough room between your hands and your thighs for your arms to swing freely (about 6-12 inches) into the finish.  Again, it's about getting comfortable to the club, not the ball.  

My set up is the same for every club, the distance away from the ball only changes due to the length of the club.  I set up to the club when it's placed on the ground behind the ball, then I get comfortable to the club.  Notice how many times I say comfortable?  There is a reason for that.  It's the best way to eliminate tension in your swing.  

Let me know if you don't understand this Tom, it's very simple to do.  Look into a mirror and make sure your hands are underneath your chin when you are set up to the ball.  Then do that for every club.  

Eddie Kilthau
PGA Member

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I feel very comfortable with my set up with my driver and how to turn slowly and go back with the back swing.  I'm not that comfortable with the back swing with my irons.    

Do I take the back swing with my irons, all of them, the same as my driver?  I'm thinking that I don't but I don't know how far to go back with the irons.

My last question.  Is there a PGA location to take a lesson or two from near Bullard, TX.  We are located about 120 miles from Dallas, TX.  Since I have two boys in that area, my wife and I are there quite often.  

Also, how much would a one hour lesson be for me and a 1/2 hour lesson for my wife.  She doesn't have the stamina for a one hour lesson.

Answer
Tom:
I don't believe you should try to make a different swing with a different club.  I don't. Nothing changes from lob wedge to driver.  Again, obviously, your swing may feel different because of the length of the clubs, but as far as what I am doing or what my swing thought may be, there is no difference.  

In reference to your lesson question, I am in Phoenix, Arizona so I have no idea about Bullard, TX.  I would go online to PGA.com and search for an instructor in the area.  For an idea of the prices, I charge $80 per hour or $100 for the hour for two people.  I don't give half hour lessons.  But please check for yourself because many Pros do.  

Have fun Tom.  

Eddie Kilthau
PGA Member