The perfect chip shot

Getting it close and lowering your score

When playing short shots around the green, the first thing to remember is that you should use a variety of clubs, not just your wedge. When you practice your chipping, take out your nine, seven and five irons. Hit one shot with each club, trying to land at the same spot each time. The distance the balls roll increases as the loft of the clubface decreases. Using the same chipping stroke will produce many different shots, just by changing your club. You use this technique when you are a few feet off the green. Make sure you always land the ball on the green, never short of the green.

As you get back away from the green, in order to make the ball travel further in the air, you must use more lofted clubs. You can use a lob, sand or pitching wedge. You need to visualize throwing a ball underhand and landing it on the green, with the correct distance.

When you decide which club is right for the shot you are about to make, go through the following routine pictured on the facing page.

By practicing your chipping and learning which of your clubs suit the different shots you are faced with, you will begin to put the ball closer and closer to the hole, meaning more one-putts, which equals more birdies and pars!

1. Ball position is off the inside of your right foot, the shot will have better control because it will make crisper contact.

2. At address, keep your hands in front of your left thigh.

3. Stand close to the ball by choking down on the club, produce a pendulum motion to allow for better control.

4. Open your stance by dropping your left foot back; your body will now be in the correct position.

5. Put most of your weight on the left side; this will give you the correct take away.

6. NEVER break your wrist when you are chipping; your hands should be ahead of the club head at impact. Just brush the grass.

Dennis Nestle is a Professional Golf Instructor who has been based at Sun ‘N Air Golf Center in Danvers for the last seven years. Nestle, who resides in Danvers, has been teaching golf schools, clinics, private instruction and playing lessons for 40 years.