Work on a go-to chip shot
A solid and reliable go-to chip shot at any time is important, but that is especially true in wet conditions, like we so often experience in the rainy season.
The state of the ground means any lack of precision will be punished by duffs.
A good set-up and technique are things you should master as they will help you make a simple swing and control the clubhead so you can guarantee solid contact on your chip shots.
Keep things simple and enjoy the ball rolling out towards the pin.
1 Towards target
A common and damaging chipping fault is the upper body tipping backwards in the downswing, creating a lifting or flicky motion. Favour moving your head an inch or two towards the target in the downswing to avoid this.
2 Club parallel
Your stroke is powered by your hip and shoulder rotation – the club bruises the ground with the trailing edge and finish parallel to the ground with the butt two or three inches outside the body.
Activate the bounce 3
With the ball in the centre of your stance, between the heel and clubface, get the clubface a touch open to activate the bounce. A gentle shaft lean at set-up and impact will prevent the clubhead from digging.
4 Stay connected
Your body and arms should stay connected, and legs quiet throughout the stroke. The swing is powered and controlled by the shoulders and hips rotating at the same speed.
5 Low point control
Try a narrow stance to get your left shoulder ahead of the ball, which will help you control the low point of your chipping stroke – this is vital for making solid and consistent impact with the ball.