After playing golf for many years, I comes as no surprise that I believe our approach shots are critical low golf scores. The greens in regulation stat is by far the most critical and i am always on the look out for different chip shots that will increase my GIR. For the most part, practice is key. However, are we practicing with intent and focus or are we just hitting balls to pass our practice time. Personally, I like the latter; how about you?

Through the years, I have found that chipping to a specific distance is very important. Not where it stops, but where it lands. The goal of chipping the proper distance takes effort and repetitive swing action. Annika Sörenstam offers a drill that is both fun and hits goal of chipping to a distance.

Personally, I would not have someone shag flies as I hit them with a golf ball and nor do I recommend you do either. What I do like is having a smaller specific target paced off from a known distance. Once I select that distance, will chip about 25 balls in order to dial the swing I need to hit from that distance. It is something that I do in the spring in my yard with a chipping net in the distance.

This year, I will be extending this distance to include 50 and 75 yards. I have the room in my back yard and it is time to take my practicing outdoors. At the beginning of my practice, chipping 50 balls per session is enough. But, that number will expand as my season progresses.

Learning to chip to a specific distance is important. It allows us to approach shots to the green with confidence. I will, however, recommend that you use several different clubs from each distance. In my case, from 25 yards I use a PW, GW and SW. As the distance increase, I will lower my club selection. It is a chipping drill I have used for years and do not see any reason to stop. Do you use a drill similar to what Annika recommends?

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