The wind is not your friend when hitting iron shots.

A lot of misses with your shorter irons are a result of hitting the ball too high. I should know: I’m a high-ball hitter, and I’ve been working with my coach, Eric Eshleman, to flight my irons down more. I want to keep them out of the wind as much as possible – and so should you to take advantage of your proximity to the hole.

Next time you’re at the range, grab your 7-iron or 8-iron and hit some shots with these key things in mind:

1) Stand a little taller at address with more weight on your left side than than normal and the ball roughly centre in your stance;

2) Take the club back without your weight noticeably shifting into your right foot [above]; and

3) Make a three-quarter swing, both length and pace.

Eric says to think about centring up your pivot and covering the ball with your chest at impact. These adjustments will help you hit more down on the ball and produce less backspin, lowering its trajectory. It’s kind of like a stack-and-tilt swing.

Davis Thompson shot 28-under-par to win the PGA Tour’s John Deere Classic last July. It was the lowest score to par in tournament history.

Photos by  J.D. Cuban