Tiger tips: to control your short irons, learn how to shallow out your swing

Golf Digest, April, 2004 by Tiger Woods, Pete McDaniel

The moment I learned how to reduce the spin on my short-iron shots, my ability to stuff it in there close increased dramatically. Because I used to swing all-out on just about every shot, I was not consistent in controlling spin and distance. One shot might land pin-high and suck back 30 feet. The next time I might allow for a real zipper and get very little. It was frustrating.

So I developed a "soft arms" shot. First, I take more club because I want to swing slower. Second, I play the ball slightly back of center in my stance to reduce the trajectory. Third, I shallow out my swing, which reduces my angle of attack. That not only produces a smaller divot but also helps slow down the pace of my swing. If you get too steep, the result is usually a deep divot and increased spin.

TigerTalk

Make club testing mandatory

As expected, the PGA Tour came out with voluntary testing of driver clubfaces this year to determine if the trampoline effect exceeds the USGA's maximum limit. I was the first player to have my driver tested, at the Mercedes Championships in Hawaii, and had no bones about it. My club passed.

While this process is a good start, it doesn't solve the problem. The testing has to be mandatory. I was in favor of that from the get-go because I don't think everyone is playing by the same rules. We're starting to find that out this year.

I know some players have taken drivers out of play after having them tested by manufacturers. It is not that much of a stretch to believe that some guys have been playing with products that are close to or even over the top. We know what the line is (see page 74).

The best way to regulate testing would be to submit your driver before the first round of a tournament, then do random testing like they do at NASCAR events. If somebody shoots a low score like 62, test the club.

I've been advocating mandatory testing for quite a while, but all I've heard is, 'We'll get back to you.' That's not good enough. I really believe the PGA Tour needs to be proactive. Mark my words: There's going to come a time when a player wins a tournament and one of his fellow-competitors demands that his driver be tested. What a mess that would be. Clubs should be tested upfront, so there's no suspicion.

Without mandatory testing, a fine and a penalty, players might be tempted to not have a driver tested and keep using a club that might be illegal. It's not enough anymore to rely on the integrity of the player. The only solution is to fine an equipment manufacturer or penalize a player. There has to be some kind of penalty.

Tiger Woods writes instruction articles only for Golf Digest.