Tiger Woods and Morikawa on Iron Play: Spin and Target
In this TaylorMade session, Tiger Woods and Collin Morikawa share their insights on playing irons. How to reduce spin in windy conditions, why to aim at a specific spot rather than the flag, how to choose the right shot, and how to adjust your distance with the same club.
To be continued
What the lesson shows
Tiger Woods grew up playing with balls that had a lot of spin: to keep them from being blown off course by the wind, he learned to slow down the entire swing and reduce spin. He says it’s great for reducing spin but not so good for adding it. Collin Morikawa, who grew up shaping his shots on the course rather than on the driving range, emphasizes creativity and body awareness. He learns mostly by watching Tiger Woods: everyone has their own feel for the game, and Tiger Woods acknowledges that What he feels isn't always what he does.
Tiger Woods cites some advice he received: he almost never aims for the flags. He chooses his point, sometimes far from the flag, and always attacks aggressively. Collin Morikawa adds that you have to play the right shot with confidence and know your flaws so you can work on them. The two players change the distance by curving the ball and by adjusting the speed of the hands: Tiger Woods gains ten yards less with a high draw. Collin Morikawa points out that slowing down doesn't mean stopping the body: you move the same way, just more slowly.
The Exercise, Step by Step
- Assess the wind: when sailing into the wind, try to reduce the spin first.
- Slow down your swing without stopping your body.
- Choose your target—it doesn't have to be the flag.
- Attack this shot with confidence rather than trying to guide the ball.
- Choose the design that makes you feel confident about this flag.
- For a medium-range shot, curve the ball or adjust the speed of your swing.
Key Takeaways
Mistakes to Avoid
- Hit the ball hard against the wind and send it soaring.
- Always aim for the flag.
- To play a move you don't feel confident about.
- Slow down by stopping your body.
- Copy another player's moves without adapting them.
Driving Range Mode
Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.
- Use a 7-iron into the wind, slowing everything down to reduce backspin
- Same flag with a draw followed by a fade
- Same club, different distances by adjusting hand speed
- Choosing a different aiming point than the flag for each shot
Your Questions
How does Tiger Woods hit his irons in the wind?
He slows everything down to reduce spin and make the ball fly downwind. He learned this from the old balls, which had a lot of spin.
Is Tiger Woods aiming for the flag?
Almost never. He picks his spot—sometimes several meters from the flag—and always attacks it aggressively.
How does Collin Morikawa learn from Tiger Woods?
By observing him rather than asking him questions. Everyone has their own feelings, and Tiger Woods acknowledges that what he feels isn't always what he does.
How do they adjust their distance with the same club?
By curving the ball and controlling the speed of the hands. Collin Morikawa points out that slowing down doesn't mean stopping your body: you move the same way, just more slowly.
Learn More
Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Tiger Woods). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons without hosting them.