Problem hitting long irons off tee on Par 3s

I can hit my driver perfectly well off the and can hit 7 and 8 irons off the tee on shorter par 3s. For some reason if I elect to hit a 4 or 5 iron off a tee, I can often hit the ground a good 8 inches behind the ball which means i just about scuttle the ball a few yards. I don't have this problem hitting the same irons off the fairways. Any one come across this before?

The longer the iron the farther the ball should be up in your stance, or if you play the ball in the middle of your stance, the longer the iron, the closer your feet should be together.

this sounds more like a question of confidence to me than anything. just by posting this you are admitting that you are nervous on a long iron tee-shot. do your routine, set up to the ball, and take a deep breath. DONT THINK, KNOW THAT YOU CAN HIT THAT SHOT. if you can hit a long iron from the fairway, your heart should be swelling up when you get to tee it up.

make a good setup, and that will lead to a good swing

I was thinking the same thing myself. Some long Par 3s can look a bit daunting and can intimidate you into hitting a poor shot (I know because I've been there). When you're next on the course and are just playing a casual round, why not try taking a long iron to tee off on some of the Par 4s. You'll have a nice wide target to aim at and probably find you hit the ball sweetly. This will help your confidence immensely and those long Par 3s won't look quite so fearsome anymore.

Thats some of the best advice i"ve ever heard. Great comment ph kingston

Swing easy and trust the loft. Don't try and help the ball into the air and you'll be fine.

Thanks Gentlemen.

I played 9 holes and was playing to handicap (18) after 7 holes, having sunk a 25 footer for a par on the 7th, when I took a 5 iron on the 8th tee - and duly drove it into the water. Rather than drop out, I said I'll hit from the tee again and did the same thing again. Bizarre.

I'm playing again this evening armed with these tips and might try hitting a 4 iron on a couple of the par 4s beforehand.

ALWAYS take the drop. Unless there is a distinct advantage of hitting from the original position, you should always take the drop. Why take the chance of making the same mistake twice or adding extra yards that are not necessary???

This morning was practice. I could afford a 'Tin Cup' moment. This evening (just packing up now - sun is shining - woo hoo!) is for the money.

Good luck!