IRON MUST BE PUNCHED' SAYS VON NIDA

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 September 1939, Page 9

IRON MUST BE PUNCHED' SAYS VON NIDA

’’Now we come to the No. 2 iron shot,” said von Nida to the beginner. “Don’t forget what happened, when you tried to help the ball up into the air by digging the club head into the turf behind it.” The result of the No. 2 iron shot was a clean miss. “You went to the other extreme then,” said von Nida.

“Instead of taking the club straight back low from the ball, you broke your wrists, no doubt in an endeavour not to swing too low. “Consequently your swing was incorrect right from the start. “The result was at the top of the swing your left wrist was not properly cocked under the shaft, due to your

Von Nida Plays Dunlop 65.

taking the club back almost solely with the right hand.

THE LEFT WRIST AND ARM WERE ACCORDINGLY NOT IN A POSITION TO WITHSTAND THE PUNCH DOWN OF THE RIGHT ARM AND HAND WHICH TOOK CHARGE IMMEDIATELY FORCING YOUR LEFT SHOULDER UP BEFORE ITS TIME. “And, of course, the club was pulled up with the shoulder, and, as you know, passed right over the ball. “There is only one arm. my friend, that can control the plane of the swing, and that is the left. “Keep that firm throughout the swing and you cannot fail to bring the club head back to the same position at the ball as on the address.

Von Nida Plays Dunlop 65.

“As the No. 2 c? No. 3 iron shot is invariably a shot to a green, accuracy is the keynote of the shot. “To attain this it is necessary that there should be a minimum amount of run on the ball,” continued von Nida. “The stance for the shot has accordingly to be modified slightly to that for the driver, byassey, spoon, and No. 1 iron.

“THE STANCE SHOULD BE TAKEN UP WITH THE BALL MORE TOWARDS MIDWAY BETWEEN THE TWO FEET.

“The grip and back swing are the same as with the wooden clubs, but instead of sweeping the ball away without taking turf as with these clubs you must endeavour to punch the ball into the turf.

Von Nida Plays Dunlop 65.

“This enables the ball to be struck just before the club head enters the turf.

“This not only puts back spin on the ball and curtails its run, but also gives accuracy because of the firmness.

“So now you know the difference between wooden shots and iron shots. “Get this into your head: — “DON’T TAKE TURF WITH THE WOODEN CLUBS.

"DON’T BE AFRAID TO THUMP THE TURF WITH THE IRON SHOTS, AS LONG AS YOU MAKE SURE OF CONNECTING WITH THE BALL FIRST.

“Now away to your practice.”

Von Nida Plays Dunlop 65.