Hit Seven Distances with Every Club

By Dr. Gary Wiren
GOLF Magazine Top 100 Teacher
Published: April 01, 2007

When you're stuck between clubs, don't try to swing faster or slower to produce the distance you want. Altering your swing tempo inhibits your release, and you'll spray shots all over the place. Dial in specific distances by changing your grip and backswing length, not your tempo. Use the chart below as a guide.

3-iron Regular Grip Mid-Choke Full Choke
Full Swing 195 185 175
Chest-high Swing 175 165 155
Hip-high Swing 155 145 135
4-iron Regular Grip Mid-Choke Full Choke
Full Swing 185 175 165
Chest-high Swing 165 155 145
Hip-high Swing 135 125 115
5-iron Regular Grip Mid-Choke Full Choke
Full Swing 175 165 155
Chest-high Swing 155 145 135
Hip-high Swing 135 125 115
6-iron Regular Grip Mid-Choke Full Choke
Full Swing 165 155 145
Chest-high Swing 145 135 125
Hip-high Swing 125 115 105
7-iron Regular Grip Mid-Choke Full Choke
Full Swing 155 145 135
Chest-high Swing 135 125 115
Hip-high Swing 115 105 95
8-iron Regular Grip Mid-Choke Full Choke
Full Swing 145 135 125
Chest-high Swing 125 115 105
Hip-high Swing 105 95 85
9-iron Regular Grip Mid-Choke Full Choke
Full Swing 135 125 115
Chest-high Swing 115 105 95
Hip-high Swing 95 85 75
PW Regular Grip Mid-Choke Full Choke
Full Swing 115 105 95
Chest-high Swing 95 85 75
Hip-high Swing 75 55 65
SW Regular Grip Mid-Choke Full Choke
Full Swing 90 80 70
Chest-high Swing 70 60 50
Hip-high Swing 50 40 30

Mixing and matching choke distance and backswing length gives you an arsenal of 81 different shots! Better yet, you now have a dozen ways to get it close from the tricky distance of 100 yards.

Note: - Choking down to the middle of the grip takes off 10 yards
- Choking down to the bottom of the grip takes off 20 yards
- A chest-high swing takes off 20 yards
- A hip-high swing takes off 40 yards