Impact is clearly an important aspect in the game of golf. The ideal impact position, with relation to iron play, is to hit the ball on a descending angle, compressing the ball, while taking a divot.
This is easier said than done. It is very common to hear of golfers that barely take a divot or no divot at all. Taking a divot is extremely important because it is telling us that you have compressed the ball, which will give the shot maximum power, when done correctly.
Many golfers struggle to take a divot because they are trying to scoop the ball into the air by manipulating the club face with their hands. This on occasions can result in a straight shot, but with no power. A powerful shot is created from positive rotation and allowing your arms and hands to drop into the ball rather than trying to clip the ball or scoop the ball.
Using the body puts more power into the shot compared to just using your hands. A golfer using their hands will feel very powerful, but the shot will come out weak, yet on the other hand, when using your body, it will feel like you have done very little, yet the ball will come off the club very strong.
Golfers who are afraid to take divots because their divots are too deep, should not be scared. The deep divots are caused because the golfer has stalled at impact with their body, which causes their hands to hit on a very steep angle causing the club to get stuck in the ground. Rotation helps the club take the divot and continue through the ball, rather than getting stuck at impact.
When hitting a hybrid, it is important to hit them like an iron. Do not try to scoop the ball or “sweep” the ball.
Many golfers “top” the ball or hit right in the middle of the ball which results in a sculled shot. This can easily be prevented by hitting down on the ball.
Hitting down on the ball is as simple as letting your arms and hands fall into the ball, while rotating your body. Below is a drill to try and help you understand what is required to create a more consistent impact position.
Go to the top of your swing and then just let your arms drop while holding the club. You will find that you hit the ground well behind the ball. Go to the top of your swing again then slightly rotate your body and then drop your arms. You will find that you have hit behind the ball again, but you are getting closer to the ball. Continue to do this drill until you have rotated enough so when you drop your arms, you hit the ball. This is the feeling you need to have when swinging into the ball. This drill will help with your rotating and taking a divot, which will help you improve your trajectory, accuracy and power.