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Tiger Woods Breaks Down His Iron Game – Use These Tips

Published

3 years ago

December 12, 2021

My swing and my game have evolved over the years, but one thing has remained consistent: I’m always confident with an iron in my hand.

I’m not one of the longest hitters on tour anymore—I can’t hit a wedge 150-plus yards like some guys do—so my iron game is absolutely critical to my success at this stage. It sounds simple, but the best way to make birdies is to hit your approaches close. To do that, you need to have distance control, which is possible only with consistent contact. For example, I hit my irons so pure last year at Augusta, and because of that, I had a ton of good looks at birdie. Two specific shots from Sunday’s final round come to mind: On 7, when I needed a birdie to jump-start the round, I hit my trusted low, trapping fade to tap-in range. Then on 16, I hit a high-draw 8-iron that plopped down in the perfect spot, took the slope and finished about three feet from the cup. That birdie gave me a two-shot lead and firm control of the tournament.

Note that one of those shots was a low fade and the other a high draw. I’ve always taken pride in my ability to vary trajectory and shape the ball both ways. Very few of my iron shots look exactly the same. Still, there are a few basics I try to apply to every iron shot, and they’re principles you can use for your game.

The first thing I do is take a good look at the lie. Is it anything out of the ordinary? Is it above or below my feet?

Is it in a divot? If it’s in the rough, is it a flyer?

Once I assess the lie, I shift my focus to the green complex. I like to let the course dictate what type of shot I’m trying to hit. Where is the exact spot I want the ball to land? Generally, I tend to hit more draws to left pins and fades to right pins, but there are exceptions. For example, sometimes it’s more important to have the ball working away from a hazard than toward the flag. Amateurs don’t think enough about things like that before they start their pre-shot routine.

As far as my setup, because of all my back issues, I’ve tried to avoid side bend in my swing, and that all starts with how I stand to the ball. I like to find a balanced and athletic posture that’s free of any tension in my arms or shoulders.

A good thought for me, and one that should help you make solid contact, is to keep your shoulders, hips and knees stacked on the same vertical plane throughout the motion. My baseline is to be as neutral as possible at address, with everything square to the target—then I’ll make adjustments to my stance and clubface for a draw or a fade, or for a low shot or a high shot.

I play the ball a bit farther forward in my stance than the average tour pro—it’s just my preference—and as a result I tend to sweep my irons more than dig. I’ll move the ball one ball forward in my stance if I’m trying to hoist one up, and I’ll play one ball back of normal if I’m trying to flight it down.

J.D. Cuban

When I swing, my thoughts are pretty simple and more feel-oriented than technical. I don’t watch my swing on video too often. I prefer to feel things with my hands, then confirm with my buddy Rob McNamara that he sees what I’m feeling.

My backswing has changed quite a bit throughout the years. I used to load up much more on my right side and try to create as much width as possible. As a result, my weight would move to my right leg, and my head would slide laterally away from the target. That’s how a young man swings the club. Now, to put less strain on my body, I try to keep my head and chest more stable and turn more around my right side.

To a large extent, my backswing is a function of my setup. At certain times in my career, I’ve had my hands lower or higher at address. For me, lower hands resulted in an earlier wrist set, and higher hands resulted in a later one. Now I feel like I’m quite neutral with my setup, which leads to a wrist set that happens around rib height.

Once I’ve completed my backswing—which almost always stops short of parallel because I’m concerned with hitting the ball the right distance, not the farthest distance—my main thought is to push down into the ground and clear my hips. That’s one reason my latest knee scope was so important. Toward the end of the summer, pain in my left knee prevented me from pushing hard. I was sliding a bit, which made it nearly impossible to get the hip rotation I needed to hit my cut. My other thought is to not let my hands get stuck behind me, which leads to having to save the swing and manipulate the face with my hands—that’s no good. The best way to avoid getting stuck is to not let the lower body out-race the hands on the downswing. My thought is to have everything synced when I reach impact.

J.D. Cuban

I like to think that my follow-through determines how high the ball is going to launch. In reality, my follow-through is a result of my angle of attack. When I’m steeper and trying to flight it down, I feel like I cut off the swing shortly after impact. If I shallow it out to launch the ball really high, I throw my hands way up over my head and let them finish over my left shoulder.

Again, I’m a shotmaker at heart, and one of my favorite parts of playing golf is carving iron shots. I wouldn’t recommend amateurs try to work it as much as I do, but the basics I’ve laid out here will help you make better contact, which will allow you to hit the ball the right distance—and hopefully give yourself some tap-in birdies like I had at last year’s Masters. –with Daniel Rapaport

This article originally appeared on Golf Digest.

Related Topics:equipment Swing Tip Tiger Woods

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5 Sneaky Hacks to Crush Your Spring Golf Game in 2025

Gear up, swing smart, and snag pre-season deals with ClickitGolf to kick off your 2025 golf season like a pro!

Published

4 days ago

March 2, 2025

Ms. Lexi The Golf Guru

Spring’s creeping up, golfers! The fairways are shaking off winter, and it’s time to get your game dialed in for 2025. Whether you’re chasing pars or just happy to keep it on the grass, here’s your chill guide to hitting the ground swinging. Let’s go!

Hack 1: Gear Check—Don’t Let Last Year’s Clubs Hold You Back

Dust off your bag and give it a look. Grips feeling like a slip-n-slide? Swap ‘em out—control’s king. And if your driver’s ancient, maybe peek at something fresh. We’ve got the lowdown on the Mizuno OMOI putters—heavier heads, smoother rolls, pure magic. Read the full review; it might just fix your green woes.

Hack 2: Swing Smarter, Not Harder

No need to rebuild your swing from scratch—just polish it. Try the “One-Club Challenge”: grab a 7-iron, hit the range, and mix it up—high, low, whatever. It’s all about feel over force. You’ll be outfoxing courses before the grass turns green.

Hack 3: Mindset Matters

Golf’s a mental game, and winter’s your prep window. Get inspired with some Pebble Beach greatness—like this hole-by-hole flyover narrated by Jim Nantz from Golf Digest. It’s a quick tour of every iconic shot at Pebble, perfect for daydreaming your spring opener. Visualize your ball sticking the green—you’ll be ready.

Hack 4: Score Early Deals

ClickitGolf’s serving up pre-season heat. The shop has deals flowing—Check out all the cool products. Grab ‘em now before the snowbirds invade. Road trip on the brain? Our HotelPlanner Travel partnership cuts costs on hotels and flights. More golf, less cash—done.

Hack 5: Ryder Cup Hype – Channel the Pros

Keegan Bradley captaining the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage? Unexpected and awesome. Start channeling that Team USA energy—watch Pebble Beach’s greatest moments on our video page for some clutch inspo. September’s gonna be a party; we’ll keep you posted on the news page.

Tee It Up!

Gear up, swing smart, snag deals, and get hyped—2025’s your year to own the course. What’s your spring prep go-to? Drop it in the comments—let’s get this crew fired up!

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Love on the Fairway: Heartwarming Golf Course Love Stories

Like golf itself, not all rounds end well

Published

1 week ago

February 24, 2025

Ms. Lexi The Golf Guru

Golf is often seen as a sport of precision, patience, and strategy. But for many, the golf course has been more than just a field of play—it has been a setting for romance, a backdrop to chance encounters, and a place where love has blossomed amidst the rolling greens and sand traps. From serendipitous meetings to long-lasting partnerships, love stories on the golf course are as varied as the game itself.

Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll: A Love Story Across Continents

One of the most well-known golf love stories is that of Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll. The two first crossed paths at the 2012 Ryder Cup, where Stoll, then working for the PGA of America, played a key role in ensuring McIlroy made it to his tee time on time after a scheduling mishap. What began as a simple act of kindness blossomed into a deep friendship and eventually a romance. The couple tied the knot in a stunning ceremony in 2017, but sadly ended their relationship recently.

A Proposal with a Hole-in-One: Dustin Johnson and Paulina Gretzky

For some, the golf course has set the stage for unforgettable romantic gestures. Dustin Johnson, one of the most dominant players in professional golf, found love with Paulina Gretzky, daughter of hockey legend Wayne Gretzky. The couple first met in 2009 but didn’t start dating until 2013. Johnson proposed later that year, and they have since built a family together. Paulina has been a constant presence at tournaments, supporting Johnson as he has claimed major victories, including his 2020 Masters triumph.

From Tee to “I Do”: Brooks Koepka and Jena Sims

Beyond proposals, many professional golfers have incorporated golf into their weddings. Brooks Koepka and actress Jena Sims, for example, have been an inseparable couple since they began dating in 2017. Known for their playful chemistry, Koepka and Sims tied the knot in a lavish beachside wedding in 2022. Jena, a passionate golfer herself, frequently accompanies Brooks to tournaments and has been a source of motivation through his career highs and lows.

51756dc3-Tiger-Woods-and-Lindsey-Vonn-Reuters

Love Beyond Competition: Tiger Woods and His Romantic Journey

Golf can be a competitive game, but for many professional players, it has also been a source of love and companionship. Tiger Woods, one of the greatest golfers of all time, has had a well-documented personal life. His relationship with former ski racer Lindsey Vonn was one of the most high-profile pairings in sports. Although they eventually parted ways, their shared passion for competition and mutual respect demonstrated how athletes from different disciplines can find common ground and support one another.

Senior Love Stories: Bernard Langer and Vikki Carol

Love stories on the golf course are not just for young couples. Many senior golfers have found lasting love through the sport. Take two-time Masters champion Bernhard Langer and his wife, Vikki Carol. Married for over 35 years, the couple has built a life together centered around faith, family, and golf. Vikki has been a steadfast supporter of Langer’s career, traveling with him across the globe as he continues to dominate the PGA Tour Champions circuit.

The Golf Course: A Timeless Venue for Love

There’s something about the golf course that lends itself to romance. Perhaps it’s the tranquil setting, the shared moments of triumph and frustration, or the simple joy of spending hours together in a relaxed and beautiful environment. Whether it’s a first date, a proposal, a wedding, or decades of companionship, the golf course has played a pivotal role in many love stories, including those of PGA professionals.

So the next time you tee off, take a moment to appreciate the connections that golf fosters—not just between club and ball, but between people. You never know if your next round might lead to a love story of your own.

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These 18 Golf Jokes Are So Funny, Even Your Scorecard Will Laugh!

If your golf game isn’t turning heads for the right reasons, keep your playing partners entertained with these 18 hilarious golf jokes—one for every hole!

Published

3 weeks ago

February 14, 2025

The Bogeyman "Boo"

Let’s face it—sometimes, your golf game isn’t exactly Tour-level. And when your drives are slicing into the trees and your putts are missing by a mile, you need a solid backup plan. That’s where humor comes in.

Next time you’re out on the course, distract your playing partners from your less-than-stellar shots with a few well-timed golf jokes. Not only will you lighten the mood, but you might just make them laugh so hard they forget to notice how bad your last swing was.

So, here are 18 hilarious golf jokes, one for each hole. Enjoy—and may your game be better than your punchlines!

Hole 1 – The Warm-Up

🏌️ Why do golfers always carry an extra pair of socks?
Because they might get a hole in one!

Hole 2 – Getting Into the Swing

🏌️ What’s the difference between a bad golfer and a bad skydiver?
A bad golfer goes, “Whack… darn.” A bad skydiver goes, “Darn… whack.”

Hole 3 – The Early Struggles

🏌️ Why did the golfer bring two pairs of pants?
In case he got a hole in one… again!

Hole 4 – Time for Some Trash Talk

🏌️ Why did the pro golfer bring string to the course?
To tie the score.

Hole 5 – That First Lost Ball

🏌️ Why did the golfer wear two different shoes?
Because he had a rough time deciding which was the right one.

Hole 6 – The First Bogey of the Day

🏌️ Why don’t golfers ever get locked out of their cars?
Because they always have plenty of “drivers.”

Hole 7 – That One Friend Who Takes Golf Too Seriously

🏌️ Why did the golfer take an extra club to the course?
Because he heard the drinks were on the house.

Hole 8 – Time for a Drink at the Turn

🏌️ What’s a golfer’s favorite type of music?
Swing.

Hole 9 – Mid-Round Meltdown

🏌️ Why did the golfer bring a ladder?
Because he heard the course was on another level!

Hole 10 – Starting the Back Nine Strong

🏌️ Why did the golfer bring a light bulb to the course?
Because he wanted to brighten up his scorecard.

Hole 11 – Watching Someone Miss an Easy Putt

🏌️ Why did the golfer put his money in the fridge?
Because he wanted cold, hard cash for the skins game.

Hole 12 – That One Friend Who’s Always Complaining

🏌️ Why did the golfer bring sunscreen?
Because he didn’t want to get burned on the scorecard.

Hole 13 – When Your Friend Thinks They’re Better Than They Are

🏌️ What’s the difference between a golfer and a fisherman?
A golfer lies about how many strokes he took, a fisherman lies about how big his catch was.

Hole 14 – Golf Etiquette 101

🏌️ Why do golfers always tell the truth?
Because they can’t handle any more penalties.

Hole 15 – The Last-Ditch Effort to Save Your Score

🏌️ Why do golfers love donuts?
Because they’re always working on their “hole” game.

Hole 16 – The Final Stretch

🏌️ Why did the golfer get kicked out of the party?
Because he kept trying to address the ball.

Hole 17 – When Everyone’s Feeling Good

🏌️ What do you call a golfer who always gets a par?
A liar.

Hole 18 – Wrapping It Up in Style

🏌️ Why did the golfer bring an umbrella?
Because he heard there was a chance of showers on the scorecard.

If your golf game isn’t making people smile, at least your jokes can. Keep a few of these in your bag, and even if your drives aren’t straight, your humor will be right on target.

Now go out there, crack a joke, and enjoy the game—because at the end of the day, golf is supposed to be fun! 🏌️‍♂️🤣