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Golf: Right club selection critical for chipping

April 28, 2008|BRUCE BROWN

Improper club selection is the number one reason most golfers are poor with their greenside shots.

When students want a chipping lesson, it is important to observe what clubs they actually use from different locations around the green. Most often one would find that various lofted wedges are the clubs of choice.

The oldest and most important rule of chipping is often either forgotten or ignored. I can remember as a young man my father repeating this rule over and over again.

"Minimum air time, maximum ground time". Put quite simply, this means get the ball on the green and get it rolling. Throwing the ball up high and landing it near the hole only increases the margin of error.

Many evils are invited into the equation when this rule is not followed. Wind becomes a factor and so does spin, or a lack of spin. Jack Nicklaus often chipped with a five- or six-iron from around the fringe area of the green.

Most golfers need to increase the loft as they get farther from the actual green. As an example, on a flat surface I encourage golfers to use the seven-iron from one to two feet out. When one is three to four feet out, the eight-iron would be the club of choice and the selection would continue as the distances increase. Obviously, there are exceptions when obstacles must be avoided as in the case of bunkers or mounds that need to be carried.

When practicing and actually hitting these shots, it is important to select an area or spot where you want the ball to land and roll. I like to have students put a ball on a tee at the precise spot and knock the golf ball off with their chip. This teaches not only distance, but also assists in developing accuracy.

If you want your score to improve, the ability to execute this shot is crucial. A consistent short game comes down to making the right club selection.

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