Some of the most frustrating shots in golf come about when you’re close to the green but not close enough to putt. These tricky shots fluster a handful of players with their inherent touchiness, but with the right approach, club and weight displacement, you can master these shots to help set up closer putts for lower scores.
Choose the right club
Although shots around the green are referred to as chips, you don’t necessarily have to use a chipping wedge. Oftentimes, you’ll find that five irons and eight irons are best suited for shots around the green. Ultimately, you want to give the ball the best chance to run on the green, rather than trying to drop it right next to the hole. To allow the ball to run, you want it to land early on the green. When using a five iron or eight iron close to the green, choke up on the grip and make a putting stroke. This will produce nice loft and allow the ball to land early on the green, setting it up to run toward the hole.
Choose the right stance
To properly choose the right stance for chipping, you have to assess the lie. If you’re on a tight lie – short grass/fringe – position your weight forward to keep the leading edge of the club down and underneath the ball. If you find yourself facing a fluffy lie, however, such as taller grass, keep your weight back to help the club level out and produce a higher arc on the ball.
Practice the right approach
When facing any shot around the green, follow these common short-game practices:
- Stand tall
- Position your feet toward the target
- Relax your hands
- Mimic a putting motion with your club grip rotating back from your belt buckle and through to the target
