I Need More Chipping Practice – Do You?

/ The Grateful Golfer

I have not played golf outdoors since 19 September 2019. That was my last day on the playing outdoors until four days ago when I built my DIY chipping area. Since, I have chipped a minimum of 100 golf balls from 25 yards. And I must say that I am not surprised at my results.

It is not hard to envision some rust on my short game after a seven month hiatus from golf. On a side note, due to cancer treatments in 2018 and moving in 2019 my golf game was on the back burner, as it should. But now, I am focused and ready for an awesome 2020 golf season. I had not consistently practiced any chipping, except for my five yard indoor area. And event that was spotty at best. Although I could swing my wedges, I realize that this indoor short area did not really keep my chipping skills up to snuff.

Since starting my outdoor practice, I realize that my aim is not all that bad. 96% of the balls stay within six feet on each side of the target. This means that my directional aiming is fairly solid and I am comfortable with the margin of error at this time. However, that is the good news.

Unfortunately, my distance control is atrocious. My first day I had a spacing of 25 yards. No that is not a typo. I flubbed a few, crushed a few, and miss hit more than I wanted on the first day. So, my distance control was not as accurate as I expected.

Hitting the links after my treatment in the fall of 2018.

Fast forward to yesterday. After four days of hitting a minimum of 100 golf balls (50 each with my 52° and 56° wedges) my distance control is not a whole lot better. I am making better contact, but I am still working on stance, grip, wrist movement, weight distribution, etc. After such a long lay off and playing very little last year, my short game has suffered.

Now the good news! I have a practice area to improve my chipping. I am grateful that I have the space and my darling wife fully supports me getting out for underfoot and practicing outside. I feel gratitude that I can stand out in the fresh air soaking up the sun and playing a game I love. I know my chipping will improve because “the more I practice, the luckier I get” ~ Arnold Palmer.

Our golf season is just around the corner and I can hardly wait to see if all my practice I have been doing will pay off with a quick start to low consistent scores on the links.

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

6 thoughts on “I Need More Chipping Practice – Do You?”

  1. Hi JIm,
    that quote about getting luckier with more practice, has been attributed to a few people, with the origins coming from outside sport, not sure that Arnold ever used it. I thought Tiger used it, but not according to google.
    Pete

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  2. Jim, you’ll be out there soon, get ready! I’ve noticed a big pickup in activity at the course behind my house as well. While we are still closed, you could hear the high pitched whine of machinery at 6:30 a.m this morning. It was clear they were edging the bunkers. Normally, they don’t work so early with power equipment, but I’m giving them a pass 🙂

    Thanks,

    Brian

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  3. Sounds like you’re on your way to a good start to me. I need to start thinking about a plan for me in that area too. I found out today that our facilities will start opening next week. And with the chipping area right outside my building, I’m thinking I should at least make a habit of spending a half hour there before walking to the first tee each time I play.

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    • Kevin

      Time is always the factor for avid golfers. I recommend you develop a 30 ball routine, hitting 10 balls from 3 different locations. This should not take long, but will warm up the mind and muscles. Great to hear that your facilities are opening.

      Cheers Jim

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