How to Chip It Close

Golf Swing Instruction - How to Chip It Close to the Hole For Duffers
by Wayne Hudler

Uncover the mystery to the perfect chip shot. Discover the pre-shot swing thought that will have making crisp contact on every chip. Learn the proper set up for the chip shot and how it is different than you probably think. Read how you too can learn to chip it close every time.

While many of us focus on hitting longer straighter drives or improving our iron play to hit more greens we are thoughtlessly losing too many shots around the green. You know what happens, instead of the shot we want to hit we end up with chili dips, sculled shots, multiple bunker shots and list goes on.

It is common knowledge that most golf shots occur within 100 yards of the hole. How many times have you been laying two from a hundred yards or less only to take 4 more shots to hole the putt? Double bogey from 100 yards is what makes this game so frustrating.

Truth is the majority of the shots we waste during a round are taken from close around the green. If we were to work on it a bit, we could do more to lower our scores and improve our handicap than most of the other aspects of our golf game where we tend to spend most of our practice time and money.

Duffers don't usually see as much value in practicing the short game skills like they do in driving and putting skills. Although it is not as much fun there is more to gain from learning to chip better than the others swing elements we mentioned earlier.

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Dooley Duffer began having trouble around the greens. His troubles ran the gamut from hitting it fat just a few feet to the skinny shot driving the ball across the green and off the opposite side.

His worst experience was one where we were all embarrassed for him. From ten feet off the 6th green he chunked one about 4 feet. His next attempt was skulled across the green and came to rest about 6 feet off the putting surface. He tried again. This attempt was weak and barely flopped on the green. Sadly, he was laying 4 on a par 3 still 60 feet from the pin.

As he continued to struggle round after round the frustration began to affect other parts of his game. Dooley felt so much pressure on his short game that he stressed over his approach shots. Trying too hard to hit the perfect iron shot caused that part of his game to go south too. Putting suffered too. He was so upset about his missed chip shot that he couldn't concentrate on putting. He needed some help.

Dooley's swing instruction recommendations

The short game requires accuracy and proper technique. Learn how here.

$47

He found the help he needed online. Dooley downloaded a golf swing instruction guide. Listed below are some the pointers he put to use from the book to help him quickly correct his chipping issues.

Dooley suggest you should:

1. Choose one club for all shots around the green. He uses his gap wedge.

2. Open your stance. Move the front foot and hip away from the target line.

3. Weight forward. Place about 60% of your weight on the front foot.

4. Hands in front of the ball. They should lead the club face to the ball not follow.

5. Expect the ball to fly 1/3 and roll 2/3 of the distance to the hole.

6. Shoulders parallel to target line.

7. Relax. Tension will ruin the shot.

8. Use a putting stroke. Rock the shoulders up and down.

9. Maintain back wrist cock. This is the key to hitting crisp shots.

Dooley's swing instruction recommendations

Using a single club for green side work allows you to become an expert with it. Also it helps in the mental game. You will spend your time thinking about the lie and the type of shot you need. You don't need the further complication of deciding on which club to use as well.

If you have hours to practice then you might want to adhere to the other school of thought and use different clubs depending on the shot required. Dooley doesn't have that much time to practice. Neither do I.

Open your stance about 30 degrees. This clears the hips and allows for an unrestricted swing.

To encourage a descending blow move the majority of your weight to the forward foot. Keeping the shoulders parallel to the target line relax and employ a putting stroke.

The key here is to maintain the angle of the back wrist created at address all through the swing. Don't allow the forward wrist to break.

Dooley's swing instruction recommendations

Following these steps you will improve your chipping and eventually lower your handicap. You might even collected a few more skins in the process. Dooley sure knows it works. Put it to the test, it might be the answer you are looking for as well.

Find your golf swing help here: Dooley's swing instruction recommendations

Wayne Hudler is an avid golfer of over 30 years and golf writer. He has been recognized as an expert by the leading online article directory.

Dooley Duffer Golf is devoted to helping ordinary golfers (duffers) improve. Are you a duffer? Visit Dooley Duffer Golf where you will find an ever growing collection of improvement resources.

www.DooleyDuffer.com

Contact Dooley: dooley@dooleyduffer.com