Learning golf – 5 Chipping

By Lucia Blash on October 6, 2008 4:17 PM |

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Director of golf at Canary Wharf's Citybunker Pete Fuller reckons he can take anyone and turn them from a beginner into a confident and competent player.
In his Wharf column, Learning Golf, the PGA pro passes on his knowledge through a step-by-step guide.
This lesson sees the Pro taking the beginner through the stages of Chipping.

The chip shot is used when you are only a few yards away from the putting green. It is usually played with a low-lofted club in order to get the ball rolling on the green as quickly as possible. The key to this shot is getting the right set-up and motion.

Grip. Move your hands three-quarters of the way down the grip.

The stance. Bring your feet in closer together, moving your right foot slightly further forward than your left one.

Weight transference. Shift around 70 per cent of your weight to your left-hand side (to the right side if you are left handed).

Position. Place the golf ball to the right of centre of your feet. Your hands should be towards your left thigh.

Motion. With your arms straight take the club back well below waist length. Smoothly and rhythmically bring the club back towards the ball. Strike down on the ball, ensuring the wrists remain straight, not flexed, throughout the shot. After impact turn through with the torso in a controlled manner. The follow through should be the same length as the backswing.

Aim. Focus on a point on the green you need to land the ball to get it to finish near your target. This way the length of your shots will be much more consistent.

Quick tip. Keep the backswing short and slow. This will give you greater control over your momentum (you do not want to decelerate in the downswing) and over your wrists (they must not break).