Big Play

WHO: Stephen Ames

WHAT: Four-iron tee shot to eight feet

WHERE: 204-yard par-3 15th hole at Magnolia Golf Club

WHEN: Final round of Children's Miracle Network Classic

WHY
To hit crisp iron shots, Tour players make sure the shaft is leaning forward at impact so that the club face traps and compresses the ball against the turf. This, combined with better technology and fitness, has made modern pros amazingly long with their irons. Down the stretch, with several players bunched atop the leader board, Ames hit several spectacular mid- and long irons, including the one at 15 that put him in the lead.

ERIC'S TIP

Hit and Hold for Crisper Iron Shots

To trap and compress the ball, the hands and the grip must be ahead of the club face at impact. To learn how that feels, take a five-iron and hit half shots while trying to stop the club immediately after impact. Hold that position and check if your hands are even with your left thigh. The goal is to see how far forward you can lean the shaft at impact.

Eric Johnson teaches at Oakmont (Pa.) Country Club.

...AND ANOTHER THING