All golfers chip the ball for about 40 yards. The fact that we do not have enough distance to make most long par 4 holes, this shortish distance plays greatly the shots required to get up and down. The principles of chipping the ball from 40 yards are similar to around the green. The technique I recommend focuses on how we use our wrists from this distance and why it is an important skill to master.

The 40 yard (+/- 10 yards) is one of more difficult shots I face when playing golf. I try to avoid this distance, however during our scramble men’s night, 40 yards seems to be a distance we hit from quite often. This is a distance I work on in my yard because of the frequency at which it happens when I play. Additionally, this distance plays a prominent roll when I use my hickories as well, so understanding how to hit from this distance is critical to keeping my golf scores low.

What I like about the video is that Vosler offers two simple skills that are needed to consistently hit 40 yard chip shots. To broaden the discussion a bit, the techniques can be use on any chip shot because the tips are universal. The first tip is to deaden the use of our wrists. This tip is very important and demonstrates how to consistently hit the same distance with the same club but using the big muscles in the shoulders and back. Sometimes called the ‘clock method’, this technique is easy to replicate, simple to understand, and sustainable to the amateur player. limiting my wrist movement has helped improve my short game and directly lowered my golf scores.

The moving the head forward as a way to keep our weight on the front leg is a good tip, however I am not sure I like his description. I think keeping our head still is important. By doing so, it will naturally slide a bit towards our lead foot; it is just body dynamics. The root of the discussion is to ensure our weight finishes on our lead foot. This weight distribution will prevent chunking our chips and allow the bounce of the club to do its magic. Regardless of which explanation works for you, finishing with our weight forward will help facilitate clean crisp contact.

Golf can be a complicated game. By creating repeatable chipping skills as seen the video above, your short game will move the next level. Reducing our wrist movements and finishing with our weight forward are two important tips for that 40 yard chip shot. This is a skill we can practice anywhere and when we master it only good things will happen to our golf score.

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