Game Changer
Mike Harris on how the DST Compressor and Impact Line technology have helped his game
Iron play has always been the weakest part of my game. Even when I was as low as a 6 handicap, ball-striking was my achilles heel. A lack of consistency manifested itself in weak shots that often leaked out to the right and I was hitting far too many tops for a single-figure golfer!
For a long time, my short game got me out of jail and meant I could turn a blind eye to my iron play. When my short game blew up then I really was in trouble and it was no surprise that my handicap got up to 10.
Over the past two years, I’ve been having lessons focusing on iron play and one thing that became apparent to Martin Smith, my PGA pro, was just how neutral, even behind, my hands had become at address. That was causing me to flip at impact, resulting in the poor strikes.
Martin got me using the DST Compressor training aid in lessons to help achieve the feeling of hands forward – at first you can’t believe how far forward your hands should be – and I bought one of my own to practise with, which really helped with strike. However, adopting the correct hand position on the practice ground using a training club and consistently replicating that on the course with standard clubs is hard.
Having the impact lines lasered on to my irons and wedges at the start of the season has allowed me to always have a visual reminder on every shot, and the results have been incredible. I’ve become a much more consistent ball-striker – I am hitting my irons further, straighter and on a stronger flight. My short game is even undergoing a bit of a renaissance too!