7 iron swinging into the new season

By Erik Thompson

For the first time since September I dusted off the clubs, shined up my shoes and headed out to the driving range to hit a few balls. Despite the sub-par temperature it felt great to get the clubs out.

I got some strange looks walking out of my house with a golf bag considering there was still snow on the ground but I was determined to hit balls.

Sporting my brand new golf bag, I went to one of my favourite spots, the Eaglequest Golf Dome just off Deerfoot Trail and 32 Avenue in Calgary. I find they have a great facility and very reasonable prices. Fortunately it wasn't overly busy and I was able to get a stall right away.

The first ball was hit, and immediately it felt good. I find golf very relaxing - just like riding a bike. Once you learn the game and get a consistent stroke that works for you, you'll never forget it. Despite a couple months off the swing came back right away.

My routine every year for my first driving range session is to start off with the 7 iron. I hit the first one right in the middle, the sweet spot. Perhaps that will be a good omen for the upcoming season. I continued to hit another 20 balls with my 7 iron; some good, some bad, some really bad.

I start with the 7 iron every time because it is a club I feel very comfortable with. It allows me to just trust my swing and it is a very forgiving club. Trying to start with a driver or long iron, which can be unforgiving clubs, immediately can give a golfer an unfriendly vibe.

The 7 iron also allows for you to ease into the swing. You don't have to load up to pound the driver and you don't have to take some off for the wedges. I recommend golfers start with mid- range irons when at the range. They allow for a nice even flow swing, so you don't have to over exert yourself right off the bat, and they loosen up your muscles.

After the 7 iron I just could not help myself. I had to bring out the driver for just a couple balls. I've been hitting the Cleveland 460 Launcher for the past four seasons. I love that club. Despite the odd slice, my driver is reliable nearly 100 per cent of the time.

Even with all the new technology that is used to build today's drivers, I am of the mentality that if something isn't broke don't fix it. The driver is my trusty stand-by club that I have confidence pulling out of the bag at any time.

After a few swings with the driver, I could feel my shoulders starting to tighten up and my hands starting to get sore from gripping the club, having yet to build up the calluses for this year's season. So I switched back and finished off with a couple dozen 7 irons.

After about 80 to 100 balls I figured it was time to shut it down in the best interest of my muscles. So after one last 7 iron, that was hit pure, my first session was complete. My attitude is to always end on a good one.

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