PRIVATE LESSON
PGA Teaching Professional Charles Kares reveals the highs and lows of chipping.
SAVING shots around the green is the key to improving your handicap and scoring.
The difference between a touring professional and a club golfer around the green, is the touring pro makes the correct club selection and understands how to use the clubface angle to create the correct flight and spin for the shot required.
Many golfers try to ‘scoop’ (pic 1) and ‘control’ the flight of the ball with their hands rather than use the bounce of the wedge.
By setting up the club with the correct face angle, you will be in a better position to start the ball low or launch high. A square clubface (pic 2), with your hands in front of the ball position, will send the ball on a lower trajectory. An open clubface (pics 3 & 4), with your hands more in line with the ball, will send the ball higher and the speed of the clubhead through the shot will impart more backspin.
Remember, a high launching shot will normally stop faster with more spin than playing a low launching shot (pic 5) which rolls out more once it lands on the green.
The type of grass you are playing on will also dictate the kind of shot you will need to play. It is easier to run the ball through couch grass, while it is easier to loft the ball off kikuyu. When hitting a shot into a kikuyu fringe, be aware the ball will more than likely get stuck and not release onto the putting surface. Understanding this will help you make the correct decision for the shot style and club selection.
One pro secret you can also use is to set up to any chip with a soft grip pressure and swing with a smooth tempo. Tension in your hands will create inconsistent flight and spin when chipping, which is not ideal.