Tip From the Archives
The Three Wood Chip
Problem
The ball landed against the fringe. Using a pitching wedge usually leaves you with an uncontrollable ball flight due to using too steep of a swing or you come up too short because of decelerating your swing at contact.
Cure
Half of the success of a good chip comes from commitment to the shot; this is usually assisted by accelerating though the impact zone. Practice is crucial to mastering a chip shot. If you have not practiced this shot enough or just do not feel comfortable at making the shot while on the course, try using your 3 wood instead of a wedge. This lets you take a shorter, slower, and therefore a more controlled swing.
Therapy
Just as you would when using a hybrid for a chip shot, your swing should feel more like you are putting. Choke down on the grip and align your hands with clubface. Place the ball between your forward heel and the middle of your stance. Stand a little more upright than you would when putting. Keep a slightly open and narrow stance. To help lift the ball over the apron, your downswing should be a level pendulum motion by moving your arms and shoulders only with no movement in your wrists. Your follow through should be similar to a putting stroke and will help determine the length of your shot.
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