chipping

Golf Drill – Chipping Drill Using Practice Flags

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Simple golf drills are the best! With 15 minutes of chipping practice before my round, I try to simulate what I will experience on the course. This drill uses the available course equipment and works all three of my Titleist Vokey wedges.

I like to start with my gap wedge, then sand wedge and finish with my lob wedge. I keep the same launch spot for all the shots for consistency of aim during all the chips. This drill follows the KISS theory and I use it almost every time I warm up.
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Golf Drill: Having Fun With Chipping

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Chipping is the second most important skill to master in golf; It sets up your putting (the most important skill to master). The closer the ball is to the hole, the easier the putt. I spend almost as much time working on my chipping as I do on my putting. Understanding the influences for each chip, which varies every time, is very important.

To be considered an expert short game player, I believe a 70% up-and-down percentage is required. To achieve this goal, a golfer should understand how the ball responds off their wedges and which wedge to use when. That comes with practice and all practice should not be arduous!

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Infographic: Golf Terms for Beginners

/ The Grateful Golfer / 4 Comments

When first starting golfing, most beginners and juniors are overwhelmed by the vast quantity of golf terms. Many terms focus on specific areas of play while others are adopted sayings that morphed over time through misuse or lack of understanding.

It is important for beginners, especially juniors, to build a strong base of knowledge and to develop strong fundamental habits right from the start. Proper use of golf terms is the first place to start. Therefore, The Grateful Golfer is starting a new series of info graphics focused on expanding the knowledge of beginners and in some cases, seasoned players.
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Golf Drill: Short Side Chipping

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Golf is a funny game. The more we want to succeed, the more challenging it becomes. There are many approaches to improving our games, so I have decided to take a proactive approach this year and practice areas I know will offer the most benefit to my goal of being a scratch golfer. These practice sessions are not a result of poor play (although I do make minor adjustments when things are not going well), but in areas that I know I need to strengthen.

Yesterday, I went to my local practice area to work on my short side chipping. As a benchmark, I consider anything under 10 yards to be the short side. My reasoning is that a delicate chip shot (closer than 10 yards) is required at least once a round. It is a shot I need to perfect to make sure my up and down percentage remains high and my scores go low. Continue reading →