Golf Tips

Chipping

Chipping with Phil Mickelson as seen on the School of Golf

There are a hundred ways to putt but only one way to chip with your lob wedge (60 degree wedge). You have to keep the leading edge down. To do this you need to:

1. keep your weight forward on your front foot

2. decide if you are going high or low with your shot. If you are going high, the ball must be located off your front foot. If you are going low, the ball must be located off your back foot. Never chip with the ball between your legs as this is an indecision on your part.

3. keep your hands ahead of the ball. You cannot chip with your hands behind the ball because the leading edge is coming up on to your ball. Your hands have to lead and stay ahead of the ball.

Uneven Grass

There are 4 types as described by Golf Fix's Michael Breed:

1. Uphill slope shots (like on hill #3 and #7) Shoulders parallel to slope. Trail foot back. Regular swing makes the ball go to the left so aim right and it curves to the left OR line up straight and open the club face for a straight shot. Because you are golfing uphill, the ball will go uphill so adjust your club to a lower number or even two numbers.

2. Downhill slope shots (like on hill #4) Ball lies lower so a ball will go farther than normal. It puts a slice spin on the ball. So weight forward, hands forward, shoulders slanted to the hill, and chase the ball down the hill. Go UP a club number. Open club face, position legs so ball is forward and shoulders parallel to ground

3. Up-hill side lies (like on #4 at the corner or on #7) – the ball is above the feet. Weight a bit forward on toes. Grip down a bit to adjust height. On the uphill lie, golf a little to the right and the ball will go straight. Aim to the right and the ball curves to the left to where you want it to go. Legs a little taller, hold the grip lower. Aim right as the club face is more shut OR grip the club more “open-faced” to compensate still aiming a bit to the right

4. Down-hill side lies (like on hole #6 approach) – the ball is below the feet. When standing downhill on your ball, golf a bit to the left and the ball will go straight Aim left to get it to curve to the right where you want it to go. Caution to not “top” the ball so do a wider stance and stick your butt out and practice staying down with a few practice shots before striking ball. Legs a little wider, knees a bit more bent, the club-face is now a position to naturally go to the right so you have to aim to the left. This is mostly arms and hands and not so much legs so go a club lower to meet the distance required…ie 6 club aim 20 feet left or a pitching wedge aim 5 feet left of your target.

Professional Golf Tips Videos

The BC Golf Pages has excellent "how to" Professional Golf Tip Videos for beginners, intermediate and advanced golfers - click HERE