IMPROVE YOUR CHIPPING

A straightforward chip shot demands an equally simple technique. Amateurs mostly go wrong by overcomplicating the action, introducing excessive hand/wrist action that puts unnecessary energy and angles into the strike. Here are three easy ways to streamline your chipping stroke. 1 USE ADDRESS TO PRESET IMPACT Great chippers strike the ball with just a slight downward blow; it promotes a crisp, clean contact. But in trying to create this strike many club players overdo it, moving the ball back, leaning on to the lead foot and chopping down too steeply.

‘GREAT CHIPPERS STRIKE THE BALL WITH JUST A SLIGHT DOWNWARD BLOW’

2 LEAD ARM/SHAFT UNIT

To eliminate damaging wrist action, picture your lead arm and the club working as a unit. A great way to train this feeling is to place a cane or second club against the first as shown, so it extends up against your lead hip. As you swing back, maintain connection between the cane/ shaft and the hip. 3 REDUCE GRIP PRESSURE

Take the headcover off one of your woods, and put it over the handle of your wedge. With the thick material between your hands and the club, it’s impossible to grip too tightly. Make a few practice swings like this, and then hit the balls. Feel how a softer grip pacifies your hands and improves your feel of the clubhead.