The short game can make or break a golf score, especially when you miss the green on your approach shot and need to get close to the cup, to save par. More bogies come from the golfer having a long put remaining to save his par. You have to agree that if you could chip within 3-5 feet consistently, your chances of making par increase dramatically. I will discuss 4 things to help improve your chances, grip, stance, golf swing and club choice.
Let's start with the grip. It's the easiest to understand. Quite simply, you use the same grip you always have. All you need to remember is to choke down on your club. Choking down slightly is to give you better control.
Now let's talk about the proper stance. For chipping, bring together your feet, spacing 6-10 inches apart (find a distance where you are comfortable in your balance). Draw back your front foot (foot closest to the target) about 4 inches. Play the golf ball off the heel of the front foot, with 60 percent of your weight shifting to your target side (front foot), with your knees bent, remaining bent throughout the swing. Push your hands forward at address, so the back of your upper hand is just in front (even) with the target side of the ball. This allows you to d-loft the club. Also at contact your hands are ahead of the ball, putting them in this placement at address helps make this happen.
Your swing consists of a shorten back-swing with an equally shortened follow through. Play these shots crisply, keeping the club head low on the back-swing. When chipping, your wrists are stiffer than normal and it is important to follow through (keep the club head moving) towards the target (don't quit on the shot at impact). I tell my students, when you're just of the green, think of it as a long putt and use your putting stroke (a little exaggerated to allow for distance).
Club choice is a personal preference. I teach my students to try various clubs, depending on the lie or length and distance of grass. I know the flop shot is popular today, but I teach my kid's old school, using anywhere from a 5 iron to a 9 iron.
Personally my 7 iron is my favorite club for around the greens. If I am just off the fringe I use a five iron and if 6-8 yards off (depending on the slope) I use 8 or 9 iron. I prefer my chances of getting close, by rolling the ball to the cup (like a putt) instead of bouncing, the ball (flop shot).
The rule of thumb to the old school chip and run is to land the ball 1/3 of the distance to the cup and let it roll out the other 2/3's. This will vary depending on the greens, some being faster or slower than others, depending on the course.
Give it a try. Next time you're on the practice green, you might be surprised at the results.
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