Chipping the golf ball in or near a hole is an important skill every golfer needs to master. There are many different steps that a player can use in order to hone their chipping skills. There is, however, a fundamental movement that all players need to conquer in order to lower their up and down stat. It is simple and easy to execute as long as we stay focused on the chipping movement at hand. Therefore, if you want to lower your golf scores, I suggest you adopt this swing mechanic immediately.

There are thousands of teaching points offered by a plethora of professional golf instructors. I try to find instruction that is simple, easy to replicate and sustainable. As far as chipping goes, I found this one video that explains the concept of chipping by moving the upper body more in order to achieve success. I support this concept and use it all the time during my rounds.

Basically, Christina Ricci advocates rotating the upper body when chipping. By using the ‘big muscles’ of our core, this movement helps develop a consistent touch around the green. The rotation of our body while chipping helps us develop the muscle memory to make any chip. There are a couple of points I think that need to be added that a short video cannot capture.

First, you will notice that she does not use a great deal of wrist and arm movement when chipping. Much like a putting stroke, these limbs are fairly rigid in order to set the stage for repeatable movements. If we are always moving our wrists and arms, how can we develop a consistent chipping motion that is repeatable and sustainable.

Lastly, notice the movement of her legs while chipping. The ability to move here lower body in order to have her chest finish at her target is also important. Although the leg movement is minor compared to a full swing, however there was movement in order to facilitate a smooth swing mechanic. It is important to have a smooth flowing movement in order to chip well and slight movement in the lower body is required.

The core point for today’s article is finish with your chest at your target. Do not forget to use stiff arms and wrists and to help the rotation of your upper body with some leg movement as secondary goals in order to improve your short game. Chipping can be a delicate movement, but by finishing properly you will develop a consistent and repeatable movement that will likely lower you golf scores.

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