Greatest ever ball striker with the irons?

Steve Smith

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#1
Since we on a forum with the world's best maker of irons, I thought I would ask an opinion or two?

My all time hero is Seve but I don't think he was the greatest iron striker

My nominations would be -

Long irons - Jack Nicklaus, Ian Woosnam
All irons - Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer

Of course this is all subjective :)
 
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Brattz

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#3
If you have ever been close enough, Tiger hits a ball like no other. It is a ridiculous blend of power and precision. He has 9 flights for every club and at a demo I went to he hit every one in turn with PW, 8, 6, 4, 2 irons..... all of them landing within FEET of the target he had called out. Unbelievable control and ball striking
 

PaulBoy

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#4
I think when you see the Tour Pros up close it's hard not to be impressed - When Langer was in his prime he used to practice at my old club (Woking) when playing a local tournament (like Wentworth et al) - He would get his caddy to stand down the practice ground with one of those practice ball bags, at a certain distance & hit shots at him - The caddy would only have to move a pace to his left, right, back or forward & catch the ball in the bag after it bounced once! - Very impressive to watch ...
Can't argue about Tiger's prowess - Hugely impressive
Jack Nicklaus of the older players was the best ball striker by miles
Of the current players Rory is the best I've seen
Paul
 

WalkerCup

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#6
Greg Norman, olazabal , Nick Price, Rory and a crazy guy called Mac Ogrady !
 
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#7
I remember watching Eduardo Romero hit balls on the range at the Scottish Open in the late 80s/early 90s (he was a Mizuno man back then if memory serves). Very powerful striker of the ball.

Spent time watching Woosnam too at that time but wasn't very impressed. Everything a low hook, sounded very slappy though.
 

DCB

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#8
In his prime Sandy Lyle was one of the best ball strikers of his day. Shame he lost his swing and suffered a fall into the wilderness as a result. I remember seeing him practice at Muirfield in 2002 during the Open and he could still shape the ball precisely on the practice ground. The sound of the ball zipping through the air was incredible. A real shame he was never able to build on his Open and Masters sucess.
 
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Deemac

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#9
Show me someone on the tour who isn't a great ball striker!

I know that sounds like a smart ass glib statement, but seriously - all these guys are good!
 
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#10
Surely it has to be Sir Nick ? of the current crop Paul Casey is the one i'd opt for.
 

DennisMiller

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#11
I've always been a Hogan fan when it comes to ball striking. I do remember one comment Jack Nicklaus made years ago, saying Andy Bean hit long irons better than anyone else on tour.

BTW - This is my dog... His name is Hogan...
 

MizunoMade

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#12
Many great ballstrikers in this thread but when it comes to irons and long irons in particular I would say Henrik Stenson. He compresses the ball like crazy with his long irons.
 
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#13
I like the way Sergio hits them and Mo Norman was legendary. The rest of the pros used to watch him on the range while he would repeat to himself 'bacon strips' while flushing it
 
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Depends on what is available :-)
#14
Hi all

I’ve been fortunate enough to watch professional golf from a young age and even aspired to become a tour player until I played in a proam and saw how good ball strikers all the players are. If you’re not a good ball striker you won’t make it onto any tour!

What I did notice from the players mentioned above is the right club and shape for the shot needed. That really makes the difference between a 4ft and a 15ft put.

Nick, Tiger Langer and all of the major winners I have seen really know how to control their distances with every shot.
 
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