I have never met a golfer who does not wand to lower their score. The number of tips available to all players seems limitless and sifting through all the noise is a challenge. Well, that is what most golf blogs are for and The Grateful Golfer is no different. One of the interesting aspects of finding a drill that works is it has likely been talked about using a different name. This is the case for today’s drill and it is a universal fact that it works. But first, you should watch the short video.
There are many things to unpack in this video, but we will discuss the main gist of the topic later in the video.
The main theme of the video is hitting your landing area. It really does not matter how you hit your landing area, but it is critical to great chipping. I have written about this many times and here is a good place to start: https://thegratefulgolfer.com/2016/10/17/is-a-landing-area-important-in-golf/ There are so many different viewpoints about chipping and mine focuses on the landing area.
Depending on the club, there is a varying degree of chipping distance relating the roll out of the ball on the green. I develop a simple drill that does not require a great deal of set up to figure it out. Basically, place two clubs on the green about 3 feet apart (one pace) about 15 yards from the practice pin. Then, step back varying distances and chip your ball between the clubs and watch it roll out. Make sure you use varying distances and different clubs. This information will be vital for when you are playing your next round. For more information on this drill you can check out my other article: https://thegratefulgolfer.com/2019/12/03/guessing-the-distance-needed-to-land-my-chip/
As you develop your golf game, take time to find your landing area when chipping. This skill cannot be overrated. As your expertise develops with this skill, you will find that your score will lower and it will be easier to shoot consistent lower scores in the long run.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 
Solid advice on chipping! Hitting that landing spot consistently will definitely drop scores. The drill is easy to do and effective — kind of like drilling fundamentals on a pickleball court. by team 3rd shot by strokess
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Thanks.
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It is very hard for me to part with these two wedges. I had two friends over to play today and from inside 30-40 yards my wedges left me inside 3 feet over half the time. And inside 80 they were never outside 10 feet. And that’s just not an easy thing to give up.
I won by 10 strokes today. It certainly wasn’t from great iron play. I don’t think I hit a single good shot with the new irons today. Just lots of decent misses that didn’t harm me because my wedges left me one putts. I shot par thanks to those two old and very used wedges and of course 1200 plus rounds of course knowledge.
More spin is a two edged sword. While it certainly allows more aggressive play, it also makes for smaller tollerences and greater variation. I’ve experienced that even with these old wedges when I play with super spinny balls. And I would argue that once you do gain control of that added spin to keep it you have to keep buying new wedges. It’s a cycle that’s self sustaining. And I’m just not convinced it’s worth it.
I still have to solve the gapping issue but I’m really thinking that buying used wedges to meet my gapping needs might be a better option for me than new ones.
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I’m curious. How often do you replace your wedges? Mine are 10 years old and are likely closing in on 2000 rounds of play. Way, WAY past recommended use. But they provide consistent spin if not blazing spin. And that means picking landing areas is also simplified and consistent.
My new irons cause a small gaping issue. And I kind of dread buying new wedges with razor sharp grooves because I know it’s just going to bring me increased pain choosing landing areas.
I’ll hold of a while at least. Adjusting to new irons brings enough trouble to the table and gapping doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s helpful but not an absolute requirement.
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Kevin,
Great question! I replace my gap wedge (52°) every three or four years because I use it the most. My sand wedge (56°) and lob wedge (60°) rarely as I do not use them that much. If your wedges have that much use, I recommend to change your gap and or sand wedges because of your new clubs. You might as well learn how to use them all at the same time. The sharper grooves will be a benefit in no time. That is what I would do, but you have to decide if it is too much all at the same time. I hope this helps.
Cheers Jim
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