| Everyone who plays golf has at one time or | | | | for the hands to lead the clubface through impact. |
| another faced their own bugaboo type shot. The | | | | The vast majority of thinned or fluffed chip shots |
| shot they either fear or wish someone else would | | | | occur when the clubhead overtakes the hands |
| play for them. For some people this could be the | | | | and is, therefore travelling on the upswing, rather |
| drive; for others, it might be fairway bunker play | | | | that delivering a descending blow at impact. |
| or putting. To each his own. But there is one type | | | | The first thing to do at set up is to move the |
| of shot that bothers a lot of players, regardless | | | | majority of your weight onto the left foot. The |
| of their experience. And those are the chip shots. | | | | ball is played towards the back of the stance, and |
| Many people can drive a ball a good distance, putt | | | | the hands go ahead of the ball. This is vital if your |
| as if they have radar in their heads, but it's that | | | | want to control your shots. Setting up your body |
| little peice of real estate close to the green that | | | | so your hands can do what they are suppose to |
| wonks up their scores on a routine basis. Poor | | | | do is crucial to getting this right. Do not |
| chipping equals much higher scores. It's that simple. | | | | underestimate the importance of a good, proper |
| And let's face it, there's nothing worse than | | | | stance when preparing to chip. |
| getting close to the green and watching your chip | | | | The chip shot can now be played with the correct |
| shot screech across the green, pass the hole and | | | | downward strike. You should NOT be trying to |
| go sliding off the other side. By that same token, | | | | slide the clubface under the ball, nor should you be |
| a high-flying chip shot that overshoots is just as | | | | trying to scoop the ball into the air. |
| annoying. | | | | The key now is to make sure that you keep the |
| Now I know (as I'm sure you do, too) there are | | | | hands AHEAD OF THE BALL and not allow your |
| a gazillion tips on proper chipping. Some of these | | | | wrists to dominate the shot. Players who get |
| are very good tips and should be followed by just | | | | "wristy" at impact run the risk of thinning it clean |
| about everyone. Others are, well, less than good. | | | | through the green or chunking it a few inches. |
| But as with all things golf, do what fits you best | | | | I'll share some more chipping tips with you in the |
| and works out for you on the links. | | | | future and you can decide if they work for you |
| There is, however, one chipping tip that everyone | | | | or not. But the one chipping tip you should truly |
| needs to know and understand and practice. And | | | | consider as being worthwhile, is the one you just |
| that has to do with your hands on impact. | | | | read. Keep those hands ahead of the clubface. |
| A major factor in hitting consistent chip shots is | | | | |