I often watch my playing partner select the same club for a variety of shots around the green. They generally used their pitching or gap wedge by manipulating their stance, hand position and ball position. They feel the most confident when playing their favourite club and think they are mastering their short game. I would suggest that they are introducing too many variables into each shot and as such will produce the consistent, quality shots around the green needed for low golf scores.
Continue readingchipping
Hinge and Hold Chipping By Phil Mickelson
Most golfers struggle with getting up and down from within 50 yards of the green. I know, I practiced these distances often in the past and with my DIY chipping area in my yard I can devote even more time to successful chipping. Phil Mickelson, arguably one of the best wedge player ever, talks about using the hinge and hold chipping technique out to 50 yards from the green. I use something similar, but after watching his video, I can see the value to Mickelson’s chipping tip.
Continue readingGet The Ball Rolling…..Or Not!
Chipping, like putting, is a very personal skill that most golfers have developed to one degree or another. Over the past few years, I adopted the practice of getting the ball rolling as quickly as possible around the green. I believe that this technique saves me strokes, but I realize that not all players feel the same way; it is a matter of choice.
Continue readingChipping Tip: Keeping My Head Still
One of the important chipping tips I discovered is to keep my head still. Not down, but still. There is huge difference between the two and I will expand on that later. Making solid contact in the middle of my club face is always my goal. And over the years I have tinkered many different stances, grips, head positions, and ball positions. Yet, my successes continue to be hinged on one important swing trait: keeping my head still.
Continue readingChipping Success With My 7 Iron
This year I adopted the use of my 7-iron whenever possible. I have found that I this particular club (my friend Rick uses an 8-iron with the same success) has allowed for a greater up and down percentage and lower golf scores. My ability to scramble has really increased my confidence when missing the green on approach shots; to such an extent that it is expanding into other areas of my game. And this is a good thing all around!
Continue reading
The Grateful Golfer 