Chip It Closer
DEVELOP TECHNIQUE, THEN MASTER DISTANCE CONTROL TO SAVE STROKES AROUND THE GREEN.
We all know the short game is important because it’s where you can most readily save strokes, but do you know the difference between a chip and a pitch?
I’m always bewildered watching an average golfer turn a very simple chip shot into a difficult one by employing the wrong technique. Remember that, for the most part, pros on TV play courses with longer grass and much faster greens than we play, so when you see them employing pitch-style shots with sand and lob wedges all the time, they’re forced to because of the conditions.
I always abide by this short-game mantra: “Always putt when I can, chip when I can’t putt and pitch when I can’t chip.”
The easiest shot in golf is the putt — anyone can roll a golf ball on the ground. The second-easiest shot is the chip, so use these three steps to become a better chipper.
STEP 1: KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CHIP AND A PITCH
The chip shot is similar to a putting stroke, as it calls for swinging the arms and shoulders with very little or no wrist break. It’s normally played with a less lofted club, such as a 7- or 8-iron, when you are within 5-10 yards of the putting surface. The pitch shot, on the other hand, requires a setting of the wrists on the takeaway and no wrist break after impact. It also is usually played with a more lofted club, such as a pitching or sand wedge, when you are further from the green.
A chip has a much shallower angle of attack — the clubhead comes into the ball more level to the ground, putting less backspin on the ball and rolling more v after landing.
A pitch has a steeper angle of attack, so the ball has a higher arc in the vair with more spin and less release after hitting the ground.
Because chipping is quite similar to putting, the technique is much easier to learn than that of a pitch shot. Only employ pitching when you need more distance or spin on the ball.
FOR THE COURSE: PICK 3 GO-TO CLUBS
I believe having too many golf club options for chipping can cause indecision and not promote as much confidence and focus. So, pick three clubs with which you feel most comfortable when chipping — for example, a 7-iron, pitching wedge and sand wedge. Also, remember that green speed and firmness vary from course to course, so before your round, try setting aside a few minutes during your warm-up routine for the hit-and-roll version of the towel drill (opposite page).
STEP 2: LEARN HOW TO HIT YOUR SPOT
No matter which club you chip with, landing your golf ball on a specific point is the key to consistency. Try this drill next time you’re practicing:
• On a practice chipping green, lay your golf towel about 10 feet from the fringe.
• In line with the towel, set up with your golf balls about 10 feet from the green so you have a 20-foot carry distance to the towel.
• Try to land each ball on the towel. Start with a pitching wedge and then progress through your bag until you can hit the towel often with each club.
STEP 3: LEARN HOW FAR THE BALL ROLLS AFTER HITTING THE GREEN
The next step is to figure out how far the golf ball rolls after it first hits the green. Use the same setup in the towel drill, but instead try to land the ball next to the towel and measure how far it rolls. Start with the 7-iron and progress backward through your set (8-iron, 9-iron, etc.). As long as you employ the same technique, each higher- lofted club should roll a few feet less with the same stroke.