The secret to pure iron striking? Don't look at your golf ball!
PGA Professional Tom Blanckaert explains why looking directly at the golf ball can lead to poor iron contact. By shifting your visual focus to a point or a tee placed slightly in front of the ball, you encourage a downward strike and move your swing's low point forward. This technique helps golfers achieve the 'ball-then-turf' contact required for pure iron shots and consistent divots.
The low point of the swing for a right-handed player should be in line with the left shoulder/wrist at impact.
Staring too intently at the ball can cause the golfer to stay 'stuck behind' the ball, leading to thin or fat shots.
Looking at a spot 2-3 inches in front of the ball helps the club bottom out in the correct position for a clean divot.
Professional players actually move their heads and turn their eye lines through the impact zone rather than keeping them perfectly still.
Practice hitting the grass at a specific point in front of your ball to develop a consistent downward strike.