Butch's basics: why you should choke down on short-iron shots

Golf Digest, Jan, 2004 by Butch Harmon

Choking down on the club is not just for sidehill lies with the ball above your feet. I think most amateurs should choke down on all standard shots from 130 yards and in. It has its limitations, but in general you'll hit the ball more solidly with greater control--and a lot more confidence.

You choke down by placing your hands an inch farther down on the grip than with your longer clubs. The cap at the end of the handle should be exposed, plus an inch more of the grip itself. This effectively makes the club shorter and lighter. It will make your swing arc narrower and the length of your swing shorter.

Be aware of three things: (1) You'll need to stand a bit closer to the ball because the club is shorter; (2) You'll need to take more club--an 8-iron, say, rather than a 9-iron, again because you've made the club shorter; and (3) The ball will fly lower, because your clubhead has less velocity.

Make your normal swing. The main reason I like this technique is that you can swing smoothly and stay balanced while still attaining all the distance you need.

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Butch Harmon runs the Butch Harmon School of Golf at Rio Secco Golf Club in Henderson, Nev. He works with Darren Clarke, Justin Leonard and Fred Couples, among other tour players.