Too much wrist action while chipping!

Not again! I exclaimed on the course not to long ago. Everyone has heard of the yips while putting, well, I had a case of the chili dips! Yup, each time I walked toward my ball, I started to second guess my course management of hitting the ball as close to the green as possible to chip the ball in or close to the hole. Normally, this strategy works very well as my short game is fairly strong. However, during this round…..

“Chili dip” is a slang term in golf that refers to a type of mis-hit. When a golfer chili-dips his shot, it means that his club struck the ground behind the ball, digging up turf and resulting in little or no contact with the ball itself. The result of a chili dip is a golf ball that doesn’t go very far, possibly moving only a few feet or barely at all. (about.com)

The chili dip is the bane of most amateurs on the links. The number of miss hits around the green quickly jacks up their score and frustration. I gave it some thought and decided on three main reasons (although there are many more) why a player hits the ball fat while chipping. Here is what I see:

First, too much wrist action. Players try to help the ball get in the air and use too much wrist action to move the ball. As a result, they generally hit behind the ball causing an errant shot. To fix this error, try locking your lead wrist and keep it slightly ahead of the ball during contact. This action will allow for crisp and solid contact on the ball.

Second, ball position. If a player is consistently hitting the ball fat, hence causing chili dips, the ball is usually too far forward in their stance. Move the ball back slightly to were the club first makes contact with the ground. To know this position, try a few practice swings without the ball in your sight line. Where your club touches the ground is where the ball should be placed with that club.

Last, bobblehead action! Keep your head still! I have this challenge as I like to watch the ball fly through the air, land on the green, and roll into the hole. I never want to miss the action. Unfortunately, by moving my head too quickly, it puts the rest of my body out of position during my swing. As a results, chili dip all day long. To fix this, watch your club make contact with the ball, then count to one before you follow your ball. You will not miss any of the action and if keeps your body in the right position through the entire swing.

Chili dip is a challenge for most amateurs. With a bit of practice and patience, this golf tip will improve this aspect of your game. The three main points mentioned above are what I believe are the root causes for hitting poor shots around the green. What do you think?

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!