Tiger Woods' Iron Play: The Wind and the Hands
206 yards, a shifting wind, water on the left: Tiger Woods thinks out loud before hitting his 6-iron. He explains why he keeps two shots in mind, why a fade requires more speed than a draw, and why it all comes down to the hands.
To be continued
What the lesson shows
Tiger grew up playing with balls that spun a lot: the trick was to’remove spin, for example, hitting a soft 6-iron 150 yards into the wind instead of an 8-iron. He kept a ball with spin, because without spin you can’t control the ball in either direction, and these two options give him more targets. Every shot has its own speed: for a fade, less ball speed, because it doesn't travel as far, a swing to the left, and a full rotation; for a draw, a little less. Add to that the slopes and gusts.
Real-life example: 206 yards, about 180 to the front of the green, with a wind that alternates between a tailwind and a headwind. He’s torn between a full 6-iron and a back-handed 6-iron; with water on the left, he prefers a draw that starts off to the right, then takes a little power off when the wind shifts back to his back. He makes his decision at the ball, after one last glance at the water, the trees, or the flag. Tiger controls trajectory and shots with your hands, his only connection to the club; he also decides whether or not to shorten his grip and backs up the ball when the wind is blowing head-on. His first piece of advice for amateurs: get your clubs fitted.
The Exercise, Step by Step
- Measure the distance to the flag and to the front of the green.
- Read the wind and spot the danger (water on the left in the video).
- Choose the shot that keeps the ball out of danger: with water on the left, Tiger hits a draw that curves to the right.
- Keep two options in mind, then make your decision as you take your shot, after one last look at the wind (water, trees, flag).
- Adjust the speed: more spin for a fade, a little less for a draw.
- Adjust your grip (shorter or full) and move the ball back if you're facing a headwind.
Key Takeaways
Mistakes to Avoid
- Having only one shot at a difficult flag.
- Hitting a fade at the same speed as a draw: it doesn't go as far.
- Making a decision too soon, without double-checking the wind direction.
- Playing with clubs that aren't properly matched to your swing.
Driving Range Mode
Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.
- Same iron, same target: a draw, then a fade
- A longer iron played softly to reduce spin
- As a final check, look for signs of wind (water, trees, a flag)
- Short-set and full-set tests
Your Questions
Why is the fade asking for more speed?
Because he doesn't swing as far back. Tiger uses more body speed, swings to the left, and rotates fully for a fade, and swings a little more slowly for a draw.
How does he choose between two moves?
He considers two options and makes his decision as the ball approaches. In the video, the wind shifts within a few seconds: he hesitates between a full, powerful 6-iron shot, then tones down the power slightly when the wind shifts back to his rear.
Do you need to be aware of your body to control your path?
Not for Tiger. He says he's always played with his hands: they're what control the speed and make those small adjustments right before impact.
Does the fitting really change the direction?
Yes, according to him: a club that’s too upright generally sends the ball to the left, while a club that’s too flat sends it to the right. Only then is it up to the player to work on it.
Learn More
Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Tiger Woods). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons without hosting them.