| Many people can drive a ball a good distance, putt as
if they have radar in their heads, but it's that little peice of
real estate close to the green that wonks up their scores on a
routine basis. Poor chipping equals much higher scores. It's that
simple. And let's face it, there's nothing worse than getting close
to the green and watching your chip shot screech across the green,
pass the hole and go sliding off the other side. By that same token,
a high-flying chip shot that overshoots is just as
annoying |
| Now
I know (as I'm sure you do, too) there are a gazillion tips on
proper chipping. Some of these are very good tips and should be
followed by just about everyone. Others are, well, less than good.
But as with all things golf, do what fits you best and works out for
you on the links.
There is, however, one chipping tip that
everyone needs to know and understand and practice. And that has to
do with your hands on impact.
A major factor in hitting consistent chip
shots is for the hands to lead the clubface through
impact.
The vast majority of thinned or fluffed chip
shots occur when the clubhead overtakes the hands and is, therefore
travelling on the upswing, rather that delivering a descending blow
at impact.
The first thing to do at set up is to move
the majority of your weight onto the left foot. The ball is played
towards the back of the stance, and the hands go ahead of the ball.
This is vital if your want to control your shots. Setting up your
body so your hands can do what they are suppose to do is crucial to
getting this right. Do not underestimate the importance of a good,
proper stance when preparing to chip. |
| The
chip shot can now be played with the correct downward strike. You
should NOT be trying to slide the clubface under the ball, nor
should you be trying to scoop the ball into the air.
The key now is to make sure that you keep the
hands AHEAD OF THE BALL and not allow your wrists to dominate the
shot. Players who get "wristy" at impact run the risk of thinning it
clean through the green or chunking it a few inches.
I'll share some more chipping tips with you
in the future and you can decide if they work for you or not. But
the one chipping tip you should truly consider as being worthwhile,
is the one you just read. Keep those hands ahead of the
clubface.
Robert Partain has been an avid golfer for over 40
years. He publishes a golf blog that is updated 4 times a week with
tips, techniques, and information to help your golf game. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Partain |
