Don’t flip your chips. What could that possibly mean? Observing many, many amateur swings I have found that a common fault among average golfers is that when they get close to the green, they seem to want to help the club get the golf ball airborne. Their chip shot swing actually stops at impact but the club face will continue because they have “flipped” at the ball with their hands and wrists rather than swinging the club head to a finish.

Always remember that it is the club that strikes the ball. There is no need to help the ball get up in the air with your hands or your wrists. Let the natural loft on the club determine the trajectory of the shot.

I believe that you should always try and visualize the chip shot in your mind. Select a club with the necessary loft to launch the ball to the green and let the ball roll to the hole. Try the following method to improve your chipping.

Set up with a slightly open stance. This will allow you to swing the club through the ball to an abbreviated finish. Use a slightly narrower stance than normal. Place the ball in the middle of your stance. Even though you have opened your stance make sure that the club face is aligned directly to the hole or to a spot that, with the roll of the ball on the green, will get the ball to finish close to the hole.

Take a few practice swings trying to brush the grass with the club head. Make sure that when you strike the chip shot that your wrists remain firm to your abbreviated finish. If you have been a flippy chipper this may be a bit difficult to master. If you can’t seem to get it, practice with just your left hand on the club only. It is very hard to be flippy on a one-handed chip shot. Once you master the one-handed chip, put both hands on the club, but keep you wrists firm through impact. This method will make you a more consitent chipper.

Note: I am now giving lessons by appointment at my course, The Hawk at Rebecca Creek, in Spring Branch, Texas Ph 830-885-7495. We have a terrific practice facility here. If you visit the Texas Hill Country please give me a call. The golf course is in great shape.

Please leave a comment about your chipping woes. If you would like to join our community of golfers please sign up for the oldproblog newsletter. Until next time Good Golfing !!!!