all my irons go the same distance

Yes, my 9 goes shorter than my 5-iron. But there's really not much of a variance on my distance. If I hit my 9 good, it will go 100 yards. (I usually hit it bad and it goes 75.) But if I hit my 5-iron good, it might go 125 if I'm lucky. That's really not a big difference between the 9 and the 5. In general, I just suck at hitting my irons! I'm constantly leaving my shots short. Maybe one out of ten shots I take a divot AFTER the ball. But, usually, I either sweep the ball or I hit the ground BEFORE the ball thus causing a duff. I know that I'm supposed to hit down on the ball ... I just can't seem to do it consistently. My backswing is slow. I'm conscious to keep my eye on the ball and head still. I know that I'm not getting my body into it very well. I'm gonna take a lesson on my short game but in the meantime, any suggestions?

First, about keeping your head still. Don't try to keep it still. your head is going to move, you only need to keep your head behind the ball.

For a few quick tips, take a few practice swings taking divots. Remember where in your stance your divot starts. That is where your ball should be placed. Most people who sweep the ball have the ball approximately only 1/2 a ball width too forward.

As for the lack of distance, this sounds like it could be a few things or even a combination of a few things.

First thing that comes to mind is a reverse pivot which is a caused by an improper weight transfer. At the top of the backswing, ensure your left shoulder is over your right knee.
Second, it could be that you are releasing the clubhead too soon. Try to keep your right wrist cupped until impact.

Most important: stick to your plan of seeing a pro for a lesson. The info you will get from a 1 on 1 lesson with a good teaching professional in worth much more than than the price.

__________________
Gord

Quote of the month:
"It's easy to see golf not as a game at all but as some whey-faced, nineteenth-century Presbyterian minister's fever dream of exorcism achieved through ritual and self-mortification." ~Bruce McCall

I'll back Gord up.

Your idea of getting a short game lesson is fantastic - but get a full swing lesson (or three) first. Then, once you've got a golf swing (and start seeing different distances between your clubs) take a short game lesson.

Lessons from a good teacher is the best way to spend your money - better than training devices, better than equipment, better than the latest greatest thing on the Golf channel.

Wow, great suggestions. Thanks, guys.