Chip it close and lower your scores!!

There is no doubt that having a good chipping game can save you several shots per round and help you lower your scores and your handicap. Here is a guide to help your sharpen up your chipping technique.

1 Set Up

Here you can see that the ball is back in my stance, toward my right foot, and my hands are ahead of the ball. You can also see that my knees have turned to the target slightly. This helps to put my weight onto my front leg whilst keeping my head over the ball. This set up position will help to promote a slightly steeper angle of attack – essential for making contact with the ball before the ground.

2 Backswing

At the end of my backswing you can see that my knees and my body have stayed very still and that the chipping action is very much an arm swing. Also notice how my wrists have stayed firm. ‘Breaking’ your wrists is a common fault in chipping and can lead to you making contact with the ground first or striking the ball half way up – neither are good for consistent chipping or low scoring.

3 Impact & Follow Through

In the impact picture my wrists are still firm and my knees have stayed still ensuring my weight is still on my front foot therefore creating the correct angle of attack. You can clearly see I am striking the bottom of the ball and letting the loft on the club do the work.

TOP TIP* try practising your chipping with all your clubs, not just your favourite club, this will give you more options around the green.

In the follow through picture, my hands are still firm and are leading the clubhead. This ensures the clubhead stays low to the ground and makes solid contact with the ball. If your clubhead is high off the ground on your follow through it’s a sure sign you have got ‘wristy’ during your stroke.

If you would like to improve your chipping or any other part of your game call Tapton Park Golf Professional Craig Pollard on 01246 239500. Lessons are available to players of all ages & abilities.