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Chip Shot Setup Rules

It is an oversimplification to say that bad chipping always stems from a bad set up. But it is certainly true to say that a lot of golfers make life extremely difficult for themselves by neglecting this important aspect of the chip shot.

The correct setup for 99%PRCTG% of all chip shots can be expressed in one simple sentence:

“Ball back, hands and weight forward”

This promotes a shape of swing that makes the clubhead approach the ball on a slightly descending angle of attack, leading to crisp ball-turf contact.

Club Choice

The setup and the simple swing required to hit neat chip shots can be applied to different clubs. When you need to play a chip to carry some rough or a bunker between you and the flag, go with lots of loft, such as a wedge.

If a low-running chip shot is required, go with less loft such as a 7 iron or the 8 iron. The swing stays the same. All you have to do is make sure that in your setup, the ball is back and your hands and weight are forward, and that your hands lead the clubhead into the ball.

Learn From Tiger Wood’s Solid Stance

The next time you watch Tiger Woods putt, ignore for a moment where the ball goes and focus instead on his hips and legs.

You will notice that they stay absolutely rock-still throughout the stroke. This is hugely significant and one of the major points of difference between top players and many amateurs.

By keeping the hips and legs steady, Tiger establishes a solid foundation as he swings the putter back and through. It makes it easier to produce an in-line stroke on a more consistent basis, which leads to sweet strikes. This feature of Tiger’s putting stroke is well worth copying.

Notes:

- The size of the swing should be in proportion to the length of the putt. Too much swing will result in a loss of accuracy.

- Tiger uses the reverse overlap putting grip. It is thought to be the best way to control the putter.

- The putter meets the ball on a slight upward arc, imparting a smooth roll.

Chipping Away - Don’t Forget To Turn Your Body

Your average chip shot uses a somewhat short swing, however, this does not mean that the rest of your body does not have to work as a fluid unit.

Most often, poor contact is the result of the body not turning as the arms come down in the swing. This usually results in the clubhead overtaking the hands.

From this point on, make it a practice to bring your chest and back in perfect harmony with the swing of the arms. Not only does this give great momentum to your swing, but it also keeps the club moving in the proper angle of attack.

Notes:

1) The head only comes up long after the ball is on its way.

2) Hands, arms, and torso should work as a unit, turning together.

3) Grip pressure remains soft for maximum feel.

4) Adopt a narrow stance with flexed knees.

5) The clubhead stays low to the ground through impact and rises only at the end of the swing.

How To Read Greens & Take Action

No green is totally flat. Thus, most putts have a degree of break on them - often subtle, sometimes severe. The best way to deal with breaking putts and sloping greens is to treat every putt as if it is straight.

Here is how it works:

1) Identify how much break there is on a putt. For example, a 3 foot break from the left - the hole itself now ceases to be your target. Your new target is an imaginary hole positioned 3 feet to the left of the actual hole.

2) As you go through your pre-shot routine, aiming the putterhead and aligning your stance, your focus should continue to be the imaginary target.

3) Now hit a dead-straight putt at your imaginary target to the left of the hole, and the slope on the green takes care of the rest. The advantage of this method is that you are far more likely to make a pure putt stroke when hitting a straight putt than you are when trying to guide the ball on a breaking putt.

How To Hit An Upslope Ball

This is probably the easiest of all the shots from sloping lies, because there’s a sense of being able to launch the ball into the air. However, there are a few ways to make sure you play it well.

1) Your right shoulder should be markedly lower than your left and your weight favoring the back foot. Adopt a slightly wider stance and aim right of the target, because the ball tends to hook from an upslope.

2) Try to swing in harmony with the slope and maintain your balance. Do not get thrown back onto your right foot, or lean into the slope.

3) Keep your weight and your head down through impact. Let the natural momentum of your swing pull you into the finish position.

Points To Remember:

- Align the shoulders with the slope.
- Maintain balance.
- Keep your head down.