Instantly Improve Your Chipping with One Simple Move

Welcome to Play Smart, your go-to column for elevating your golf game. In the world of professional golf, even the best players miss greens in regulation. The real difference between scoring par and a bogey often comes down to a reliable short game.

The Statistics Speak

During the last PGA Tour season, professionals managed to save par after missing a green 58.5% of the time. While it may not be foolproof, getting up-and-down over half the time is a notable achievement.

When observing top golfers, you’ll realize they seldom resort to flashy shots like high flops or aggressive spins. Instead, they typically play it safe with a fundamental chip shot. Recreational golfers can greatly benefit from mastering this simple yet effective technique, although many struggle to stay consistent.

The Key to a Solid Chip Shot

1 Move to Fix Your Chipping

The essence of a successful chip shot is its simplicity. The goal is to eliminate unnecessary movement, particularly with your wrists.

As GOLF Top 100 Teacher Mike Dickson advises, “I’m trying to keep my wrists level. I don’t want to have any wristiness in the backswing.”

Many amateur golfers mistakenly engage their wrists during the backswing and downswing, which can lead to inconsistency. Instead, focus on engaging your core muscles to control the shot.

“When hitting a short chip,” Dickson emphasizes, “I tend to like my hips to be the controlling factor. I’m not really using my hands to move the club. It’s more my pelvis.”

By relying on your core to guide your swing, you’ll gain better control over distance and consistency. Try incorporating this technique to see a marked improvement in your chipping ability.

Specialized Golf Training Tools: Short Game Gains Ghost Holes

For golfers looking to refine their short game, consider using Short Game Gains Ghost Holes. These innovative training aids are designed to help you improve your performance both on and off the greens.

• Overview: Each ghost hole is the exact dimension of a regulation golf hole, designed with sturdy yet flexible PVC.
• Key Benefits:
  • Supports distance control drills with your putter.
  • Functions as a target for shots around the greens.
  • Enhances practice by simulating real-hole placements during events.

Affordable and effective, these ghost holes are available for $14.99 from Fairway Jockey.

By applying the core-driven chipping technique discussed, you’re not only streamlining your approach but also boosting your confidence around the greens. With practice, you’ll find yourself getting up-and-down more consistently, putting you in a better position to lower your scores.

Start today, and embrace the simple move that can transform your chipping game!