Short and Sweet - Mastering the Chip Shot

Short and Sweet - Mastering the Chip Shot

Katie Dawkins

PGA Professional

Mastering that really tiny little chip shot is easier than you think. Add this cute little shot to your armoury and prepare to transform into the short game goddess we all know you are. So many golfers fear the short chip so often opt for an unpredictable putt. Fear not as I guide you through these cheeky chip shots…

First things first this is a teeny tiny shot - so your set up should also be teeny tiny. This means grip down the club, right down, make the club smaller Will give you added control. Feet closer together. It’s a little swing you only need a little base. This is the most important part to get right in the set up… LEAN on that front foot. Towards the target. Your shaft will lean forward as you lean on the left (for right handed golfers).

Most golfers make the mistake of thinking they need to help the ball in the air so they set up almost ready to scoop the ball. With the shaft leaning back. Correct this set position first and foremost.

Now rehearse. The swing needs to be really short. I often use my feet as markers - it’s really only a short putt length stroke. But because you’ve leant on your front foot you’ll fin you don’t just tickle the grass but you hit down on it and bruise it. Keep that swing short and sweet and with attitude. Commit to the shot. Too many golfers swing the club back too far then decelerate and chunk this shot as they try and control the distance with less speed. Keep the tempo the same and give it a bit more swing on the way through, it helps to have almost a metronome in your head, 1-2 or tick-tock. Each time the 2 or the tock is through gently gritted teeth. Like we mean it ladies, like we mean it.

To practice this you can utilise your space at home. A taste of GardenGOLF practice can be squeezed into a busy day and will save your bacon about those greens.

Place an upturned umbrella on the lawn (or a truck, wheelbarrow or washing basket) and take your most lofted club. Place balls a few yards away and take 2 practice swings beside the ball. Short, firm and with feeling. Then take a 3rd with the ball in the way. This is a great approach if your struggle with chips on the course.

Good luck and keep your eyes peeled for tons of GardenGOLF tips that will have you practising on long summer evenings, G&T in hand as your golf game begins to really shine!

If you’d like an online lesson, or even better would like me to come and give you and a group of friends a lesson in your garden. Shout!

Katie@katiedawkinsgolf.co.uk
Happy Golfing Everyone!

 

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