Experienced golfers will tell you that the short game -- chipping and putting -- is one of the toughest parts to master, because you're aiming for a smaller and smaller target with less room for error. From the tee, you have a nice wide fairway to aim for and you're happy to get a nice long bounce. But up near the green, you want to place the ball as close to the hole as possible. Hitting proper chip shots takes a lot of practice, as well as some changes to your basic stance, grip and swing.
Stance and Grip
With any chip shot, your feet should be closer together and in an open stance, so your feet are lined up a little left of your target if you're a right-handed golfer. By having your feet closer together, you minimize the amount of weight shifting and movement of your legs, which can affect the accuracy of your swing. Your grip should be firm, but there should be no movement, such as turning the wrists over as you might on a big iron shot. You want the clubface to line up with the target, so don't open or close it. You'll also grip an inch or so lower on the club some extra control.
Swing
Some inexperienced golfers believe they must swing much differently with a chip shot than they would with any other type of shot. But the basic swing mechanics are the same, except you aren't bringing the club back as far and you're maintaining control of the swing with your arms. The farther you are from the hole, the more you'll bring the club back, but make it a real swing and follow through. You want to strike the ball on the downswing, rather than "scoop" the ball up to help it along, so position the ball toward the back of your stance.
Right Touch
Hitting proper chip shots is often the result of having the right feel for your club and the conditions. Knowing how to hit the ball so it doesn't soar over the green or roll right past the hole and off the green can be just as challenging as making sure you don't hit the ball too softly and leave yourself another chip or an extra-long putt. Developing the right touch takes practice. If you're on the driving range, keep your driver in the bag and take out your pitching wedge and pick spots 10 to 50 yards away and practice placing the ball in those imaginary targets. If you have access to a practice green, get some chip shot practice in there, too. And if you're out on the course and no one is pushing you from behind, toss a couple of balls out near the green and practice.
Getting Backspin
The goal of a chip shot is to get the ball up in the air and down close to the hole and rolling in the right direction. If you're very close to the green, that might mean a short shot that will then have a long roll toward the hole. If you're a little farther away, you might want to get the ball up high and land it with some backspin so it will stay on the green and get you close. Don't be afraid to hit the ball with authority, rather than with a lazy, soft touch. A tight, compact backswing and solid contact can give you the backspin you want to stick the ball on the green.
Member Comments