When it comes to improving your short game, it is important to not fall into a routine of using the same club for every chip shot. Heather Angell, the director of instruction at Heritage Palms Golf & Country Club, recommends trying a fun drill where you practice chip shots with every club in your bag. This will help you expand your creativity and envision multiple scenarios for each shot you face. By experimenting with different clubs, you may discover new shots or techniques that work better than your usual go-to options.
Angell suggests starting with your putter and working your way through your entire bag, including wedges, irons, hybrids, fairway woods, and even driver. She even shares a favorite shot where she uses her hybrid like a putter for shots just off the green. The added loft of the hybrid allows the ball to launch on top of longer grass and roll across it like a putter, making it easier to get the ball closer to the hole than chipping. This unconventional approach challenges players to think outside the box and use the club they feel most confident with, even if it is not a typical choice for shots around the green.
This drill not only helps improve your short game skills but also encourages creativity and strategic thinking on the course. By exploring different club options for chip shots, you can develop a deeper understanding of how each club affects the trajectory and spin of the ball. This will ultimately help you make better decisions when faced with various lies and distances around the green. By incorporating a variety of clubs into your practice routine, you can improve your ability to adapt to different situations and become a more versatile player.
In addition to expanding your creativity, practicing chip shots with multiple clubs can also improve your overall confidence and decision-making on the course. By becoming comfortable with different clubs for the same shot, you will feel more prepared to handle various challenges during a round of golf. This increased confidence can help reduce anxiety and nerves when faced with difficult shots, allowing you to trust your skills and make the best possible choice in any situation. As you become more comfortable experimenting with different clubs, you will develop a deeper sense of control over your short game and improve your scoring potential.
Another benefit of practicing chip shots with various clubs is the opportunity to refine your feel and touch around the green. Different clubs have unique characteristics that can affect the way you strike the ball and control the distance and spin. By experimenting with different clubs, you can develop a better sense of how to adjust your swing and technique to achieve the desired outcome for each shot. This level of precision and control can make a significant difference in your ability to get the ball close to the hole and save strokes on the course. By honing your feel and touch through practice, you can elevate your short game performance and lower your scores consistently.
