The 'Hit Down' Myth Is Destroying Your Iron Distance
Alex Fortey of The Art of Simple Golf explains why the 'hit down' obsession often leads to fat shots and lost energy. He demonstrates the High Tee Drill, where using a wedge off a driver-height tee forces golfers to achieve proper shaft lean and a 'through' rather than 'down' delivery.
Trying to hit down too steeply disperses energy into the ground rather than through the ball.
A proper iron strike involves a 'through' motion with a shallower delivery and shaft lean.
The High Tee Drill provides immediate neurological feedback; if you hit down too much, you hit only the tee.
Use a wedge on a high tee to practice turning high-lofted clubs into penetrating shots by controlling the hands at impact.
The goal is a 'compressing strike' where the clubhead moves through the strike zone rather than digging or flipping.