Iona yet again demonstrates through her use of simple but insightful language why she has been an exceptional addition to golf coverage and instruction in the UK. Helping bring golf to a wider audience.
This is exactly what I've been looking. Always felt a bit lost and without a reference point for whether my back swing was hitting the fundamentals and this really gives me something to try and replicate. Would love a video explaining why these positions are optimal
Golf is a puzzle and at 64 I am still trying to solve it daily.. This is one of the most important drills I have come across and love how easy you have described the technicalities of it so eloquently and yet made it simple. Well done!
This will probably sound weird but this drill showed me I was standing too close to the ball. I couldn't get check point two right until I stood a little further from the ball.
Thanks Iona. Your drill made complete sense, and after practising it all morning in front of a mirror, I went out yesterday afternoon and played the best iron shots of my life. It's transformed my game and my confidence. Really looking forward to what you have to show for the woods.
I saw a drill recently for the 1a position. Place 2 balls on the ground, one to hit and one behind your club. On the initial takeaway, the rear ball should roll straight backwards. Any deviation from that means you're taking the club too quickly inside; if ball goes towards and behind you, or too outside if it rolls out and away from you. In other words, there should be no angle towards or away from you during the initial takeaway.
Iona… you’re a star! This explanation and my studied application has made a huge difference. Please, can you present another video demonstrating the critical check points of the driver swing. Love your work!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
It’s much debated who first said it, but this is a super example of the “If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough” maxim in action. Clearly you understand it and your communication skills are amazing, keep ‘em coming please!
That's so simple and yet so helpful, tried it down the range this afternoon and was hitting the ball really well. No doubt I'll be hopeless on the course tomorrow but I almost felt like I could play today.
Iona, this really help me out with my irons. You said at the 7min mark that "this is a drill for irons, you wouldn't do this with woods". Could you make another video explaining how to hit a wood (or even a driver) with a similar drill? Thanks!
While watching this video there was a “light bulb” moment. I’ve been working on drills for setting my wrists correctly and trying to figure out how to transition from relatively static drill into a fluid motion…..with position 1, the “hands over the right toes” did it for me …….thank you Iona.
Yeah, that "checkpoint point" is very helpful to me as well. From both perspectives meaning from left vs. right and from too far away or too close. I love that checkpoint for confirming both proper width (not too much or too little) and whether or not my overall turn & arm swing combination is good (on a good arc / plane).
That is the best and most simple description of the back swing I've ever heard. The issue with most golfers is consistency and these checkpoints can only improve that. Also watched the video with Adam Scott a few days ago and the bit about appreciating when you've reached the top of your backswing E.G. the transition really struck a chord with me, I had it as a "swing thought" on my next round and I shot the best score for several months, it really worked with the driver. Keep doing the videos, along with Gabby Golf Girl you’re the best golf ladies on You Tube. Gabby would be a great collaboration, she will be a star in the future much like yourself, either as a golfer or a presenter.
Thanks for the vid Iona it reinforces what my coach taught me at my first lesson (I've only been playing since August). Why do you say not to use this with woods, I've found it helps me keep it straighter.
Great video Iona check point one has been my go to check but never thought about two and three or at least not known what to look for in position 2 and 3 really informative keep doing the videos really entertaining❤
apparantly all the great ball strikers take away on the outside of the line and come down on the inside. I tried this today and played well with it on my longer irons using this swing thought
Thankyou, I had been figuring this out myself in a round about way, but this gives me much better focus on where I need to be. Your channel has quickly become my favourite. Can I ask why this drill isn't appropriate for Woods?
You described my exact thoughts. I try a million things but never know if its correct. Having a guide is a good thing, definitely going to practice this.
Iona. Thank you so much for sharing this. It has transformed my game. It is the most impactful golf lesson I’ve experienced live or via TH-cam. You’re the best!
Thank you so much for this. I will absolutely be doing this drill. Anything to help my body learn the proper technique, while having a measurable way to confirm whether I'm doing the right things!
Just discovered (and subscribed to) your channel today. I think this is a fantastic video. I'm 61 and for most of my life was not really knowledgeable about golf. I've spent the last couple of years pouring through hundreds of hours of TH-cam instruction videos with the goal of coming up with a synthesis that works and is fundamentally sound. IMO your instruction is at the top of anything I've seen. You're not trying to cover everything here (I'll definitely be looking into your other videos), but the points you make are so well explained and resonate as spot on. I like how you phrased it as having a solid foundation. I've seen way too many videos that exaggerate a given point to an extreme and ignore how different parts work together. I'd like to include a couple of sub-points that I think work nicely with your checkpoints. Starting with position 1A for every pro swing I've studied in slow motion I've noticed that the club head has slightly (slightly, not by much) started to outpace the arms. At address there will be an angle between your left arm and the club shaft but by 1A they have formed more of a single straight line. Not because we are intentionally manipulating anything with our wrist, but while turning around our spine (maintaining both the spine and shoulder angles), we allow for a feel of the weight in the club head as opposed to an overly rigid one-piece take away with too much tension. For me this is good feedback to test whether I'm too tense. Last sub-point I learned from the comments section on a TH-cam video. It has to do with the clubface throughout the backswing. I was in a fog over what to do with the club face in the backswing. The "commenter" (while not contradicting anything in your video) pointed out the wrist-joint is not capable of rotation (your forearm rotates but your wrists cannot independently rotate). He said with that in mind keep the clubface square to the arc of the swing in the beginning of the backswing but allow left arm rotation synchronized with the folding of the right arm as the backswing progresses. This means of course the clubface will need to start opening (naturally) relative to the arc of the swing at the point of forearm rotation. The thought of synchronizing it with the right arm folding really helped me create a well-timed / properly blended swing. I know this got wordy, but your drill is so helpful to me I wanted to see if I could pass on to your other subscribers some nuggets I've learned along the way that have helped me. Of course, if you see this and think anything I've said is incorrect or misleading please say so. Thank you from a new subscriber!
Im new to golf. I've had 6 lessons and I was struggling with my swing. I watched this video and along with a directional magnetic pointer on my iron I have mastered my swing. No longer am I hitting it left. My lesson today went great and its all starting to come together now. Thankyou.
Omg, I just worked at this outback on the simulator. My my my. It worked. It even shortened my backswing like I want it. Every friggin shot went straight and further than my stock distance, except for the one shot I tried to totally smash without doing the drill first. Patience is a virtue. Thanks a lot. No more thinking about positions for now but I will get back out there shortly and do some more.
I appreciate these videos of you at the driving range giving tips. You explain things in a simple way that I don't feel like I immediately get lost like other tip videos I've seen. I plan on hitting the driving range and watching your videos on repeat once the weather allows it!
You are the best. I love your content. I love seeing you do all your collaborations with other people on TH-cam. You bring such much fun, authenticity and knowledge to the game. I love learning from you. Keep it up!!
That’s a great drill and I think you right to have something like this on the range is something you can work with every time not complicated very nice and simple which I think is the best way to learn
Love your videos and personality! Keep up the good work! I just saw a clip of your Tiger story on another channel's video and it had me rolling! "I like your trousers" HAHAHA!
I have watched so many backswing videos and this drill is easily the best, thank you. Ha now I’ve subscribed I just need drills for the rest of the swing.
Iona, I cannot thank you enough for this video. I enjoy all of your videos and tips, but this has truly helped free up my swing. I have been struggling lately with my takeaway, even as soon as the 1a position and definitely far off by position 1b, and it produced a feeling like my body was getting in its own way throughout my swing. The way you presented the different positions just made perfect sense in my mind. The club face being the same angle as the spine in position 1 was huge. Now to work on this daily until it starts to feel like a permanent change. Sincerely, thank you very much for putting this instructional video together.
Thank you Iona!!! More than any other video, this one has helped me the most. Your clear instruction of this drill has just clicked with me. Love your content! This is my favourite youtube channel. Biggest fan! Best wishes from Australia
Straight away you have highlighted a fault for me, hands over right toe in pos 1, mine have been too far as I've been concentrating on pointing down the line at top of backswing, which has been a struggle. Thank you 👏
Wow, after a lifetime of trying to learn, improve and play, this is my first “understandable” description of swing mechanics. I went outside and tried it and gosh, it’s now so clear! I adore your channel, your video’s and wish you the very best in the future. Thank you!!! A fan forever.
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Iona yet again demonstrates through her use of simple but insightful language why she has been an exceptional addition to golf coverage and instruction in the UK. Helping bring golf to a wider audience.
This is exactly what I've been looking. Always felt a bit lost and without a reference point for whether my back swing was hitting the fundamentals and this really gives me something to try and replicate.
Would love a video explaining why these positions are optimal
Golf is a puzzle and at 64 I am still trying to solve it daily.. This is one of the most important drills I have come across and love how easy you have described the technicalities of it so eloquently and yet made it simple. Well done!
This will probably sound weird but this drill showed me I was standing too close to the ball. I couldn't get check point two right until I stood a little further from the ball.
I love this level of communication and coming from a proven and capable person, this is pure gold. Love it.
That right elbow points at the right hip structure has just changed everything for me
Thanks Iona. Your drill made complete sense, and after practising it all morning in front of a mirror, I went out yesterday afternoon and played the best iron shots of my life. It's transformed my game and my confidence. Really looking forward to what you have to show for the woods.
I saw a drill recently for the 1a position. Place 2 balls on the ground, one to hit and one behind your club. On the initial takeaway, the rear ball should roll straight backwards. Any deviation from that means you're taking the club too quickly inside; if ball goes towards and behind you, or too outside if it rolls out and away from you. In other words, there should be no angle towards or away from you during the initial takeaway.
I was taught that drill too when I came back to golf nearly ten years ago, and Iona has also demonstrated this drill too in one of her earlier videos
Iona… you’re a star! This explanation and my studied application has made a huge difference. Please, can you present another video demonstrating the critical check points of the driver swing. Love your work!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thank you for breaking this down, your explanation and the way you break down the swing is priceless. You have a new subscriber
It’s much debated who first said it, but this is a super example of the “If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough” maxim in action. Clearly you understand it and your communication skills are amazing, keep ‘em coming please!
They literally have buckets of balls!
Dear Iona
A masterclass; beautifully explained
That's so simple and yet so helpful, tried it down the range this afternoon and was hitting the ball really well.
No doubt I'll be hopeless on the course tomorrow but I almost felt like I could play today.
Love this so much! Could you do a similar video for your Driver swing?
Pls do more teaching vids...you're simple and uncomplicated and clear about the swing...just love your stuff
Simple and easy to understand. This will help me have a repeating backswing.
Iona, this really help me out with my irons. You said at the 7min mark that "this is a drill for irons, you wouldn't do this with woods". Could you make another video explaining how to hit a wood (or even a driver) with a similar drill? Thanks!
Same wish here…driver and fairway video would be awesome 🙏
Great drill, irons generally is less of my issues, driver is, great if you can do a similar video for driver.
While watching this video there was a “light bulb” moment. I’ve been working on drills for setting my wrists correctly and trying to figure out how to transition from relatively static drill into a fluid motion…..with position 1, the “hands over the right toes” did it for me …….thank you Iona.
Yeah, that "checkpoint point" is very helpful to me as well. From both perspectives meaning from left vs. right and from too far away or too close. I love that checkpoint for confirming both proper width (not too much or too little) and whether or not my overall turn & arm swing combination is good (on a good arc / plane).
That is the best and most simple description of the back swing I've ever heard. The issue with most golfers is consistency and these checkpoints can only improve that. Also watched the video with Adam Scott a few days ago and the bit about appreciating when you've reached the top of your backswing E.G. the transition really struck a chord with me, I had it as a "swing thought" on my next round and I shot the best score for several months, it really worked with the driver. Keep doing the videos, along with Gabby Golf Girl you’re the best golf ladies on You Tube. Gabby would be a great collaboration, she will be a star in the future much like yourself, either as a golfer or a presenter.
Check points are what I was taught as a junior. Great drill
Thanks for the vid Iona it reinforces what my coach taught me at my first lesson (I've only been playing since August). Why do you say not to use this with woods, I've found it helps me keep it straighter.
Great video Iona check point one has been my go to check but never thought about two and three or at least not known what to look for in position 2 and 3 really informative keep doing the videos really entertaining❤
I always refer to Iona as “my coach” to my friends and golf buddies…solid stuff here Lady Carson 🎉🎉🎉
Super helpful! Can we look forward to something similar with woods/hybrids and driver?
apparantly all the great ball strikers take away on the outside of the line and come down on the inside. I tried this today and played well with it on my longer irons using this swing thought
What i liked about this; is that in position 1 your hands are over your right toe! That helps a ton! Thanks for the video!
Thankyou, I had been figuring this out myself in a round about way, but this gives me much better focus on where I need to be. Your channel has quickly become my favourite. Can I ask why this drill isn't appropriate for Woods?
You have an uncanny knack of making it sound simple, I am playing tomorrow so will try and remember the checkpoints!
This lesson has helped me immensely, and I am flushing my irons better than ever, causing me to recalculate my distances for each club. Great Problem!
I love this, it matches something that my club pro is working on with me. But why not with driver or fairway woods? Thanks.
You described my exact thoughts. I try a million things but never know if its correct. Having a guide is a good thing, definitely going to practice this.
Iona. Thank you so much for sharing this. It has transformed my game. It is the most impactful golf lesson I’ve experienced live or via TH-cam. You’re the best!
Thank you so much for this. I will absolutely be doing this drill. Anything to help my body learn the proper technique, while having a measurable way to confirm whether I'm doing the right things!
Just discovered (and subscribed to) your channel today. I think this is a fantastic video. I'm 61 and for most of my life was not really knowledgeable about golf. I've spent the last couple of years pouring through hundreds of hours of TH-cam instruction videos with the goal of coming up with a synthesis that works and is fundamentally sound. IMO your instruction is at the top of anything I've seen. You're not trying to cover everything here (I'll definitely be looking into your other videos), but the points you make are so well explained and resonate as spot on. I like how you phrased it as having a solid foundation. I've seen way too many videos that exaggerate a given point to an extreme and ignore how different parts work together.
I'd like to include a couple of sub-points that I think work nicely with your checkpoints. Starting with position 1A for every pro swing I've studied in slow motion I've noticed that the club head has slightly (slightly, not by much) started to outpace the arms. At address there will be an angle between your left arm and the club shaft but by 1A they have formed more of a single straight line. Not because we are intentionally manipulating anything with our wrist, but while turning around our spine (maintaining both the spine and shoulder angles), we allow for a feel of the weight in the club head as opposed to an overly rigid one-piece take away with too much tension. For me this is good feedback to test whether I'm too tense.
Last sub-point I learned from the comments section on a TH-cam video. It has to do with the clubface throughout the backswing. I was in a fog over what to do with the club face in the backswing. The "commenter" (while not contradicting anything in your video) pointed out the wrist-joint is not capable of rotation (your forearm rotates but your wrists cannot independently rotate). He said with that in mind keep the clubface square to the arc of the swing in the beginning of the backswing but allow left arm rotation synchronized with the folding of the right arm as the backswing progresses. This means of course the clubface will need to start opening (naturally) relative to the arc of the swing at the point of forearm rotation. The thought of synchronizing it with the right arm folding really helped me create a well-timed / properly blended swing.
I know this got wordy, but your drill is so helpful to me I wanted to see if I could pass on to your other subscribers some nuggets I've learned along the way that have helped me. Of course, if you see this and think anything I've said is incorrect or misleading please say so.
Thank you from a new subscriber!
Im new to golf. I've had 6 lessons and I was struggling with my swing. I watched this video and along with a directional magnetic pointer on my iron I have mastered my swing. No longer am I hitting it left. My lesson today went great and its all starting to come together now. Thankyou.
Omg, I just worked at this outback on the simulator. My my my. It worked. It even shortened my backswing like I want it. Every friggin shot went straight and further than my stock distance, except for the one shot I tried to totally smash without doing the drill first. Patience is a virtue. Thanks a lot. No more thinking about positions for now but I will get back out there shortly and do some more.
On my very next round of golf, I shot my lowest round in over a year, with 3 doubles also. I got greedy on 2 par fives and 1 driveable par 4, ooops.
Great stuff Iona. Thanks
How can´t I fall in love with your videos! There just magical, love the Scottish English on top 😍
Hi Iona
Great video but you say this is purely for the iron swing.
Could you explain the 3 positions for woods / driver please
Iona great drill check point one helps me stay centered and not move off the ball. Hurrah something that actually worked for me.
Beautiful!
Brilliantly simple, thank you.
Took this drill to the range this evening. OMG loved it, thank you ❤
I actually love the words that come out ur mouth, explained in simple terms that we can all understand 😉👍
Great tips!! Thank you Iona
Love this Iona. So desperate to play after watching this just wish it would stop bloody raining!!
So glad you made this video because this is the exact thing I'm struggling with in my golf swing.
I appreciate these videos of you at the driving range giving tips. You explain things in a simple way that I don't feel like I immediately get lost like other tip videos I've seen. I plan on hitting the driving range and watching your videos on repeat once the weather allows it!
You are the best. I love your content. I love seeing you do all your collaborations with other people on TH-cam. You bring such much fun, authenticity and knowledge to the game. I love learning from you. Keep it up!!
Love the sequence of this, really good explanation, will take this to the range today
Iona. You have become 1 of my favs on TH-cam. Love the videos
That was very helpful & easy to follow ! can’t wait for the video on setup !
Great video! Can't wait to try after work! Ty!!
Thanks Iona really helpful video loving all your stuff❤
this was incredibly helpful and simple to implement, thank you.
Great video and explanation!
Could you do a similar video for transition and downswing? This was a helpful video. Thanks.
That’s a great drill and I think you right to have something like this on the range is something you can work with every time not complicated very nice and simple which I think is the best way to learn
Nick Faldo used to do this drill. He said he didn’t until the cows came home
Love this breakdown Iona, it helped me massively on the range yesterday with more consistent shots, thank you!!!
Love your videos and personality! Keep up the good work! I just saw a clip of your Tiger story on another channel's video and it had me rolling! "I like your trousers" HAHAHA!
I love it when you keep it so simple.😀❤️👍
Thank you so much. I've been looking for this information
This exactly what im working on (but you added some gold in there) - i like 1a /1 - now to practice - top girl👊👊👊
Where have you been? This is spot on no matter what your standard is. Get the set up right and the rest takes care of itself. Thanks Iona.❤
Can’t wait to give it a try down the range. You are very clear and concise in your coaching Iona thank you😊
Great drills and you explain and demonstrate them so everyone can understand more of these Iona
pure gold - more of the same please !
Very helpful. Thanks!
I have watched so many backswing videos and this drill is easily the best, thank you. Ha now I’ve subscribed I just need drills for the rest of the swing.
Thank you Iona, a clear and helpful explanation. The elbow pointing to the right hip is such an important point.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Bookmarked! Great drill and simple explanation.
Outstanding Teaching.
This video is so helpful. Just took up golfing last year. Still struggling with my swing …lol. But really enjoying it.
This is so useful.. and something to fall back on when things feel like they’re not working 👌🏼🏌️♂️
Great video! Just reinforces the lesson I had with my instructor. Thanks Iona, keep the videos coming.
Genius content!! Keep em coming 🙂
Brilliantly simple! Great insight Iona 100% using this drill!
This is wonderful, thank you. Wondering if you would do something similar for the driver since this doesn't apply!
Haven't got into this practice much yet but already seeing where I'm offline often. So will be reporting back on progress...thanks Iona for these:)
I took your chipping tip to the course and saved at least 5 strokes, Thank you
Great drill video tips
john 67 years thank you so much lost my way watched your video hitting ball lot better so keep up the good work x
Thank you, Iona. I imagine this drill will help me make better contact as well.
Iona, I cannot thank you enough for this video. I enjoy all of your videos and tips, but this has truly helped free up my swing. I have been struggling lately with my takeaway, even as soon as the 1a position and definitely far off by position 1b, and it produced a feeling like my body was getting in its own way throughout my swing. The way you presented the different positions just made perfect sense in my mind. The club face being the same angle as the spine in position 1 was huge. Now to work on this daily until it starts to feel like a permanent change. Sincerely, thank you very much for putting this instructional video together.
Clear, concise, 1 2 3 , appreciate your work!
Really informative. Love how you described that swing process
Absolute gem of a video exactly what I am working on at the moment aswell.
Thank you Iona!!! More than any other video, this one has helped me the most. Your clear instruction of this drill has just clicked with me. Love your content! This is my favourite youtube channel. Biggest fan! Best wishes from Australia
Iona. Can you tell me why you recommend stopping this drill at the 7 iron? Thanks.
Such a good visual drill Iona thank you, would love to see something similar for the Driver
Very interesting. Ty.
Thanks again Iona. I wish I had your swing 👏👏👏💙💙
Straight away you have highlighted a fault for me, hands over right toe in pos 1, mine have been too far as I've been concentrating on pointing down the line at top of backswing, which has been a struggle. Thank you 👏
Wow, after a lifetime of trying to learn, improve and play, this is my first “understandable” description of swing mechanics. I went outside and tried it and gosh, it’s now so clear! I adore your channel, your video’s and wish you the very best in the future. Thank you!!! A fan forever.
I will try this drill. Love your swing
Great demo, just started again after 30 years , will use this
Brilliant, thanks. I've been working on these exact checkpoints with my coach. Finally embedding a consistent backswing plane.