Why All Your Irons Go the Same Distance (And How to Fix It)

If you've ever stood on the range and noticed your 6-iron, 7-iron, and 8-iron all landing in roughly the same spot, you're not alone. It's one of the most common issues I see with amateur golfers - and the fix is simpler than you think.

The Real Reason Your Irons Don't Gap Properly

Most golfers assume distance comes from swinging harder. But iron distance is actually about loft at impact - specifically, how much dynamic loft you're delivering to the ball. When you add loft through early extension or a scooping motion, every club effectively becomes the same loft. Your 6-iron is delivering 35 degrees instead of 26, which is basically your 8-iron.

It's About Strike, Not Speed

The key to proper gapping is consistent low point control and shaft lean at impact. When you strike the ball with the shaft leaning slightly forward, you deliver the designed loft of each club. That's what creates the 10-15 yard gaps between clubs that you see with better players.

A Simple Drill to Fix Your Distance Gaps

Try this: place a tee in the ground about 2 inches ahead of the ball. Your goal is to strike the ball first, then brush the tee out of the ground. If you're hitting behind the tee (or missing it entirely), you're adding loft and losing distance. Start with your pitching wedge and work up through the bag.

What Proper Gapping Should Look Like

For a mid-handicap golfer, you should see roughly 10-12 yard gaps between each iron. Pitching Wedge at 115-125 yards, 9-iron at 125-135, 8-iron at 135-145, 7-iron at 145-155, and 6-iron at 155-165. If your gaps are less than 5 yards, there's definitely something we can work on.