Want More Consistency in Your Iron Game? Do This Like Tiger

The Key Move That Makes Tiger Woods an All-Time Great Ball Striker

The Super Bowl is over, as we get ready for the Genesis Invitational, there’s no better time to break down what makes him one of the greatest iron players of all time.

Tiger’s ball striking has been studied for decades, and while every golfer moves differently, there are key movements he makes that can serve as reference points for your game. Whether you already do some of these things or they’re missing from your swing, understanding Tiger’s technique can offer valuable insights.

Tiger’s Picture-Perfect Setup

Right from address, Tiger’s spine is tilted slightly away from the golf ball. This allows him to rotate freely and generate effortless power—a key component of his iconic iron play.

However, the real magic happens as he transitions from the top of his backswing into his downswing.

The Key Move: Shifting & Rotating Like Tiger

1. The Transition – Moving Pressure Forward

As Tiger reaches the top of his backswing, his pelvis shifts forward, transferring pressure into his front foot. This move is critical—it ensures a proper pressure shift and sets up a powerful strike.

👉 What to look for: Your weight should start moving forward before your arms start dropping in the downswing.

2. The Lead Leg – Stability & Power

Here’s where Tiger’s move separates him from most amateurs. As he shifts forward:

✅ His knee and hip stay inside his lead ankle.

✅ His entire left side stays stable and braced.

✅ He never lets his lower body slide too far toward the target.

👉 Why it matters: This alignment allows Tiger to maintain balance while still generating incredible rotational speed.

3. The Perfect Impact Position

As he reaches the ball:

✅ His hands are ahead of the clubhead.

✅ His lead leg is braced but not locked.

✅ His body is rotating through impact, not stalling.

👉 The result? The high, powerful, controlled iron shots that have defined his career.

How to Apply This to Your Game

Next time you practice, think about Tiger’s transition and impact position:

✔️ Shift your pressure forward before your arms start moving down.

✔️ Keep your knee, hip, and ankle in line as you transition.

✔️ Rotate through impact while staying balanced.

You don’t need to move exactly like Tiger to be a great ball striker, but studying the best provides valuable clues on how to improve.

So, take this to your next range session, give it a shot, and let me know how it goes!

Thanks for reading! I hope this inspires your next practice session. If you found this helpful, share it with a fellow golfer who might enjoy these tips. Have questions or ideas for future topics? Let me know—we’d love to hear from you!