How To Golf: Chipping and Putting

Attempt my 4 iron chip shot. Simply bump it just past the fringe, & let it roll on out. I suggest using your putting grip and choke down a few inches on the club.

My short shots have become much more accurate lately by adding more clubs to my available chipping selection. In particular, on those long shots where you just need to get the golf-ball on the green in order to allow it roll out, I’ve had a good deal of success with a 4 iron . I used that particular shot this last weekend when golfing with a friend, which resulted in an easy 2-putt from twenty yds out.

I typically like using my reverse overlap putting grip as it can help me to make sure and keep my hands working as a single unit. Pretty much everything else I do is fundamental to chipping – I place the majority of my weight to my left foot, & position my golfball slightly back of center in a less than shoulder width but somewhat open stance. These things help to allow me make a descending strike into the back of the golf ball. Before I start to do anything, though, I determine the break & select an area on the other side of the fringe where I want the golfball to land.

Just as when I putt, I attempt to keep my head still after impact. Doing so will help me to hit the ball cleanly. Think of the path as being the width of the cup. Then, aim through a series of holes in order so that you can reduce the pressure.

Too many of the players out there are too concerned about the preciseness of their line. Most I’ve met tell me they imagine a thin line on the green running from the ball to the cup – but, the harder they try to hit that line, the more tense they get – and as it happens, it prevents them from making a relaxed stroke. Thus, the ball doesn’t stay on the desired target path.

Instead, I tell players to imagine a path from your putter to the cup like a series of sequential holes. Using this mental image allows you to relax & simply let the stroke flow through you, & will go a long way to help you picture an overall route to the hole. Once you are ready to put, think about striking the golf ball into the first hole only a few inches away – think about the actual hole when striking to control your distance only. Doing this will help to take off the pressure & make putting easier and more positive.

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