I'm getting ready to go do a little chipping practice. Normally chipping means using my 60 degree or 56 degree wedges. I'm getting pretty good around the greens but I'm still struggling with consistency. At times, I look as silky as Phil Mickelson, one of the best short game players of all time. Then there are times when it appears like it is the first time I am holding a golf club.
In one of his recent posts, Mike Southern shared the video at the end of this post. It is an instructional on how and why chipping with a 7-iron is a better choice for golfers who may be uncomfortable when faced with having to get up and down from just off the green.
Mike said there are three important "technique" things to note:
- The shaft is in line with your forearms. This makes it much easier to use your putting stroke for this shot. (Side note: If you're having trouble with your putting and you aren't holding your putter so its shaft is in line with your forearms, you now know part of your problem. Check my Basic Principles of Good Putting -- this is #4.)
- The 7-iron is slightly up on its toe. There are other ways to chip with an iron, but this one creates less resistance as the head slips through the rough. You'll need to try a few practice strokes before you try this on the course though; the loft of the club is now at an angle, so you may have to grip the club so the face is slightly open.
- Of course, you need to make sure that you hit slightly down on the ball.
I think what I'll do today is compare the outcome of hitting my 6o degree wedge through my 7-iron from the same spot to see which one gives me the most consistency. I'll let you know how it goes in a follow-up post. If you have any stories of what club you use to chip with, feel free to leave a comment. Have a great round and always hit your target.
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