Chipping

Question
My chipping is not very good, it is what hurts my game the most.  I can never get the ball in the air! It always goes along the grass.  Is there something I should be doing differently?.. I don't break my wrists so is there more technique needed?

Answer
Greetings Shannon,

I'm very glad to hear that you are trying to improve the short part of your game. Without actually seeing your setup, my first inclination that I would be looking at would be just that...the setup. It is a bit different than your full-swing set-up in relation to where the ball plays within your stance.

It's also good to hear that you use very little wrist break when you chip. Your stance should be slightly open (if you are righty, your left foot is back away with your hips and shoulders aiming left of your target). Keeping that in mind, try to play the ball slightly behind center towards the right foot within that stance. What happens with that slight adjustment, it should naturally place your hands slightly forward, or ahead of the ball. With a smooth, accelerating stroke (don't jab), keep your hands ahead of the clubhead, thereby creating a descending blow (a steeper angle, and "popping" the ball into the air. Will it take practice...yes.

With this in mind Shannon, I would also consult with a local PGA/or LPGA professional to further demonstrate my verbal explanation. Us golfers would are always looking for another 10 yds, but many more strokes can be shaven by a confident, well executed chipping game.

I wish you the best of luck Shannon...keep it in the fairway...and have some fun!

Regards,

Ruth Ann Allen, PGA