Phil Mickelson: How to Shape Your Iron Shots

Phil Mickelson teaches you the proper techniques on how to curve the ball both ways with your irons.

[@andrewc5202]

I can hit all of these shots, I just don't know when it will happen

[@BrianPex]

LMAO!

[@reubenkaseba5712]

💯

[@gregburnett6281]

I see this comment on every single shot shaping tutorial haha

[@JamieSmith-fz2mz]

It always happens beautifully for me..... at the range on Tuesdays. League night is Thursday.

[@minormayor7899]

Jajajaj

[@Ayetown16]

Kept it simple today Phil. Stayed within my element and proceeded to Shoot a 110 .

[@silverfox9948]

That's one of the best golf comments I have ever read. You have a great sense of humor. I love it. But guess what? Do you know what the nice thing about playing a round of golf with me is? You will always go home feeling good about your own game because mine sux. If they ever hooked up a vacuum gauge to measure my golf swing - even on my best swing the needle would bend. I spend 18 holes spraying shots all over the place, without even making any of the adjustments Phil talked about in this video. Enjoy this great game and maintain your wonderful sense of humor. Cheers.

[@redwall1521]

@@silverfox9948 Yeah, I hit around 100/110 as well. I used to hit 120+ (sometimes even 150 lol) before Covid hit. The key was just to practice the technique, stop flatting and basically being able to hit the ball forward. Even if you hit an 8 iron 100 yards, it's much better than shanking it and hitting it 20. Or even, it's worse than slicing it into the rough and trying to hit it back, effectively hitting 2 shots for something that might be at most 1.5 shots. I figure a lot of what Phil says in this video is aimed at lower handicap players, such as those playing around 80 or lower. For us, it's all about mastering the swing and the technique so we can hit the ball consistently forward (and hopefully straight).

[@philippaik5371]

Cool Phil! But how do I stop shaping shots?

[@MajinBuusha]

Literally the first thing he taught

[@NickMart1985]

The truth is that there is no such thing as a straight golf shot. Sure, some go straight, but playing for one isn't consistent. Learn to control the shape.

[@andrewkruzienski770]

Agreed as soon as I stopped trying to hit a "straight drive" I went from low 90s to low 80s

[@steventhebroker]

😂 this is it. This comment right here! 🤣

[@bobstrempie9424]

I love his instruction style. Simple and to the point. Most of the other golf channels on here blather on and talk too much around the point they are trying to make.

[@lindacarriere3330]

exactly

[@johnjutton103]

Phil is the greatest not only for risk reward golf but also one of the greatest teachers of the game. How simple has he made that people shoukd listen to him but showing some fantastic controlled fades or draws. We can make it simpleor complex as Phil says I prefer simple so I can focus all my energies on trying to get that ball as close to that pin as I can. His brand of golf and his personality made me want to play this game

[@jameskinchen2148]

You understand this?

[@MrDrew2121]

Dammit Phil now you are in my head with this madness. My game revolves around not thinking about what shot to take but to go out there and hack away to success. You are killing me man making it look so easy.

[@jonknudsen1999]

Phil, best teaching videos I’ve ever watched. Simple is so much better. You’ve helped me with my chipping with your short game vids and now I can’t wait to go try and learn how to shape my shots! Thank you

[@billybeasley5131]

Thankyou Phil. Shot shaping us something im working on for this year and so far it's eluded me. Thanks for explaining it

[@realtoast7036]

When I wanna take a couple yards off my 5 iron, I merely swing with my 5 iron

[@capecodfortrumpbill7372]

I find the best way to take yards off any club is to swing real real hard

[@theotren9127]

That was explained well, Phil….it actually makes simple sense for me and the bending of the elbows for the draw… great way to not overthink while swinging for that draw…other tips I’ve heard of just doesn’t click mentally for me, hard to duplicate such a throwing the bucket of water over your shoulder or working with the hands…this seems easy to duplicate. I’ve been doing this at the range today , drawing the ball…but it was not consistent… can’t wait to try out this thought process. I think it’s going to work to make consistent shot shaping. Many thanks!

[@RyanBlaze]

I know this video is old but I first saw this video last night and went out to the range today and this absolutely fixed my slice by turning over my wrist at my waist and for the first time ever I’m able to shape shots and I was calling my shots and hitting multiple greens with ease. Thank you Phil! You’re a legend 🙏🙌🏌️⛳️

[@CorekBleedingHollow]

Amazing. He makes shot shaping look fun

[@Alan_Edwards]

This stuff is gold. I don't try and move the ball that much when playing because I don't have that much confidence in my ability to do it consistently. But when I do and the shot goes off like I visualised....it is a great feeling. Maybe these tips will help give me the confidence I need.

[@OccultVolcano]

Phil's tips have saved me the most translatable strokes of all the youtube videos I've watched thus far.

[@KW-md1bq]

That's so funny to me. All his fades and draws are beautiful and subtle. At my handicap, anything that ends up on the fairway counts as straight. I don't care if it bounces off trees, cart paths, pedestrians or is carried there by a bird. That's straight.

[@keithconrad3237]

Great stuff - love how he explains stuff in his videos.

[@robertmazzarachio7939]

Great video and Wow what expert instructions Thanks for sharing your expertise

[@irishdevil258]

Truly amazing.

[@ianshepherd6476]

Thanks Phil!

[@highgatehandyman6479]

Gotta say I have picked up a few useful game changing tops from Phil's clips

[@franks4973]

Phil, thank you! That was the simplest and most clear explanation I have seen. Being a weekend golfer my consistency is all over the place but, I will certainly try this.

[@johnjutton103]

Yep he's the greatest for risk reward and feel golf. My idol

[@jonothanbryant940]

So simple..... untill I try it. Lol. Great to watch a master at work!

[@atxbowlingcoach]

Explain very well thank you

[@rikumoi3136]

This shot shaping / controlling the trajectory - sounds like fun. Golf just got interesting again. :))

[@danieltibaldi1971]

Phil, un placer ver tus videos y que compartas tu sabiduria del golf con aficionados amateurs, pero si fuera posible necesito, y estimo que muchos de habla hispana, que los videos sean subtitulados en español, muchas gracias, un saludo cordial, Daniel Tibaldi, Argentina

[@henryyang3695]

Phil is a great player and coach!

[@lgood5122]

true.

[@jaywa3363]

They do make it look easy

[@j98c]

What a flex that he only took enough golf balls to demonstrate each swing done perfectly the first time. Legendary skill, great explanation and demonstrations

[@lindacarriere3330]

thank you .....

[@gregvetter5070]

Phil Mickelson is one of the nicest/coolest golfers.

[@xslash10x]

Yeah guys, do it just like that. It's very simple.

[@ShayneJellyman]

30 years of mastered technique in 3 minutes....makes it sound too easy!!

[@goodrums]

He makes this look and sound much easier than I can on the best of days. I just want to be able to hit the ball in the center of the face most of the time. Ha He’s truly the GOAT

[@mmurph2686]

‘“…and it should go roughly three yards less.” THAT is precise ball striking!

[@Beatsify]

Will this help me? No. Am I impressed? Hell yes!

[@JB-iq2pi]

He was born with it

[@spy-c-boi5864]

Phill real good at shaping them into the water 😆

[@TheArfdog]

4 minutes of masterful technique... that takes a lifetime to master! then you're dead

[@asapbrook6257]

😂

[@davidbarnard1409]

Hey Phil,. Can you show us how to hit a fat iron, how to thin it and also how to shank.... Your viewers need to know you can play their shots as well

[@jordanweller7485]

Clearly a master at his craft!

[@solidformula8854]

is Phil golfing Gold Canyon golf resort in Az? Looks like it to me

[@MrMerko89]

Used to love Phil...but now it's not the same. Let's hope there's a way back for you to pga!

[@justinhankins7253]

Im gonna need Phil to hit these shots right handed so it will translate to my game! LOL

[@davetravis7245]

Thanks P ~ all over it

[@DA-pt1em]

Guy is a wizard

[@darrenmcc1968]

Great tip! Playing off 8 but starting to take it really serious this year been shooting mid 70s consistently in the off season, hoping to get to scratch in 2 years

[@iro9486]

Update?

[@tyson2259]

Update

[@darrenmcc1968]

Finished the season at 4.8, but had 3 good scores that I had to improve on at the start of this season obviously was a little bit rusty first couple of medals bounce back up to 6.7, just starting to get back into it this year, never done anything through the winter

[@darrenmcc1968]

@@tyson2259 👍

[@darrenmcc1968]

@@iro9486 👍

[@roberthummer3513]

How do you come in steep on your back swing?

[@mobydick3895]

One thing I think most players miss is the rationale for trying to hit a fade or a draw. On many golf shots, there is truth to the notion that your shot is more strategic if you look at most shots as either a draw or a fade. Consider that a draw or a fade, in general, is going to afford you a wider range of leeway in the result. for example,if the fairway hooks left, you get a wider fairway if you hook your shot. I assert that actually, it should be easier to hit a draw or a fade than it is to hit a dead-on straight shot, partly because purposely hitting a draw or a fade makes you understand the contrast in the swings. Amateurs are often just trying to hit the ball straight, perhaps not even realizing that a path of draws and fades is the strategic way to navigate a golf course.

[@Godisgood1980SA]

We all miss the 'old' Phil M

[@tonytribble2977]

If he could hit his driver a little better, no telling how many more wins he would have. Great player, no fear !

[@GreenNgold7]

I have never heard the folding of the elbow. Trying that at the range tomorrow, never been able to hit a draw to save my life

[@johntatum1951]

Looks likke some kind of snake behind the bush in the background when the camera is directly in front of Phil. Sorry about that, I am here to see Phil's swong...love it.

[@jamesnoonan9302]

When I was taught to shape shots I was taught that swing path shaped the ball, and if you're swing path is set to draw the ball then aim a little to the right (for right handed). Phil and Tiger both close or open the face. I like only slight close or open, unless I am absolutely trying to work the ball around something, but it gets complicated for me because I do not do this often. Then only other trick I know is using a weak or strong grip, but this makes it so complicated that it's best to stay with one shot shape and only shift the grip maybe a bit stronger than you already have it, just for a little extra draw. The amount of time I spent with a literally open face, trying to just get the feel for what sort of swing path would create more draw. I was taught stance creates the swing path so put your back foot back for more draw so you swing inside out, and put the front foot back to come more over the top. Then eventually you create a natural draw that happens even without the stance, which makes it more complicated.

[@TheXcizer]

I have a natural draw but have never been able to hit fades with irons using stance and swing path changes. Somehow adding a shoulder/spine tilt to my driver has made me only hit it for a fade

[@Chukartramp]

WHAT does open or closing your face mean?

[@maxsmart8954]

I need help shot shaping my shank.

[@patricktully9661]

Great video of an elite rofessional drowned out by stupid background music. Not your fault Phil excellent tips

[@carramrod8232]

Can you please show us in righty now

[@ecosse543]

It is easier to hit a fade and a draw than to hit it straight. Far too many golfers out there trying to hit it straight and getting angry. Straight is the hardest shot in golf, play a fade or play a draw whatever comes more natural. But never try to always hit straight. The pros very rarely hit a straight shot.

[@creamabdul-jabbar6722]

I had ah ha moment. Only saw Rick shiels besides this that the face is slightly open and the body is a little more open. Or slightly closed more closed. I been setting up body but face completely square and wonder why it was snap hooking or slicing off the planet. It’s almost 3 lines when you swing. Target line, face line and path line. Face should split the other 2 to me could be wrong but I’m getting the ball to move how I’d like

[@ericstenzel6835]

Phil looks great after his weight loss; contrary to the media's perpetual criticism.

[@redneckReno]

wow...Phil does well at the masters and he comes up in my feed again huh...hahahahaha

[@joeybhoy67]

oh is that all

[@bostoncityofchampions6581]

Do these tips work in Saudi Arabia?

[@atn2666]

The music is making it hard to listen

[@DavidGScott707]

Phil: we’re going to keep it simple today. Start by hitting a straight shot. Me:🧐

[@Supermoneygang12]

“Just aim left/right/straight.” Hmm why didn’t I think of that

[@catxnc]

very simple... if you're Phil Mickelson.

[@MathWasa26]

I'm probably a Big fade expert without knowing it😅

[@prebengjestang4636]

Hmm, seems simple. But first, how the hell can i hit straight? My swing produces hooks, slices, fat/thin shots, hossle shots++ :D

[@kawa4521]

Wish the background music is muted

[@stefanomaniscalchi4983]

Phil actually when you tried to hit a fade the ball went left and when you tried to hit a draw the ball went....right

[@jordan19862000]

Which is a fade and draw for a left-handed player. You didn't know that?

[@geansai333]

While I'm trying to reverse the mechanics each time Phil says left or right, the unnecessarilly loud Rock music is pretty much beating me. : (

[@nyashagenious3769]

i hit all these shots but absolutely no idea when they happen its becomes some flashes of brilliance, which end up me shooting a 100 consistently lol

[@HausOfPain]

I'm gonna tell my kids this is Patrick Reed.

[@shofey]

Late hit is out. Early hit is in.

[@johnblow12]

Annoyingly good

[@perfectjays]

Jeez, “roughly 3 yards less”… it’s crazy how dialed in these guys are.

[@4coopdawg]

I’m just trying to hit the fucking ball straight !!

[@MH3GL]

Why is there MUSIC WHILE HE'S TALKING????

[@touristguy87]

damm, he didn't say anything about club lag

[@GB-ue6wr]

I could hit a rounded hook… I just can’t stop hitting a rounded hook…😂

[@andrewbyron5579]

Come in steeper…. But we still don’t need to take a divot😂

[@bernardsimsic9334]

why do pros insist on using steel spikes when they know it fuks up pristine greens??

[@Neuguy69]

Pffft. Whatever Phil. Sometimes when I'm having a great round, I decide to hit the ball super high and curve it into some bushes. Or I might even try topping the ball so it leaves its own divot. I practice these shots on a regular basis just because I like showing off my ball striking control. I'd make a video but I didn't come here to show you up Phil. If you'd like some lessons I might be available.

[@jamesdavis5517]

Add major pressure...fold.

[@Swegen7]

So enlightening...if you want a fade, hit a fade. If you want a draw, hit a draw. Watch me hit a couple.

[@redghost3170]

Phil, if you really want to help, tell me how to hit through a big oak tree.

[@garrettnobles8956]

Funny how he says aim body where you want ball to start and club where you want it to end...that might be his thought but it’s not what’s happening. Ball is starting where club face is pointing

[@Werdnasemajjamesandrew]

He was my favorite until he shit on detroit and the rocket mortgage classic because one person wrote an article about his gambling. Then he went bat shit crazy and tried to kill the pga.

[@joelliotjake1]

... keep it simple now.. Get to the complexites later... I'm scared already😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣

[@capecodfortrumpbill7372]

What he's basically saying is if you do these 4 things wrong you can hit it wherever you want. I do 27 things wrong. Showing up being the main problem. Teaching pros start new careers after working with me. Many develop sleep disorders. My handicap card has "don't ask" in very fine print on it. My doctor suggested golf to help me relax. We"re in litigation. After playing golf with me most guys go home and hug their kids. If standing on one foot and facing Mecca allowed me to shape even one shot I'd do it. Do yourselves a favor and divorce this game. It's only going to take your money and leave you in a van down by the river.

[@Werdnasemajjamesandrew]

Im right handed this doesnt work.

[@rogersstone7064]

Background music is very annoying

[@JohnnyDSR]

Its really not that complicated is it LOL !

[@jace5790]

I miss chunky Phil

[@jameskinchen2148]

I think he is making most of this up. You can’t ‘fold’ your elbow. Notice on that shot the camera angle changes making it impossible to see. Lots of edits to get the right shots for the corresponding, made up, swing.

[@goforbirdies]

I think I can do better, every time is different.

[@joicobbs1]

Background music isn’t needed. Good video otherwise ❤

[@fredcrossman5133]

Show off

[@swiftbobber]

I've got more shots than phil.Unfortunatly.