| Having precision in the short game is the key | | | | from the hole. The more accurate your chip |
| to low scoring in golf. If you can land the | | | | shots are, the less accurate your putting |
| ball within a close distance of the hole from | | | | needs to be. With the chip, you will set up |
| inside 120 yards, than consistent pars and | | | | almost as if you are pitching, except your |
| birdies are easily attainable. This is where | | | | feet will be closer together. They should be |
| accurate pitching and chipping comes in. | | | | less than shoulder width apart, but far |
| | | | enough apart that you have proper balance. |
| Pitching | | | | Again, open your stance so your feet are |
| | | | positioned as if you are aiming to the left |
| Anytime a shot is about 40 to 120 yards from | | | | of the target. Make sure that the clubface |
| the green, you will most likely be pitching. | | | | is facing the target. The ball will again be |
| As is apparent, the best club to use from | | | | relatively back in your stance. The key to |
| this range is the pitching wedge. When | | | | chipping is hitting down on the ball with a |
| pitching, set up the same as if you are | | | | solid stroke. Don't decelerate on the |
| hitting an iron shot, except when pitching | | | | downswing. When chipping, the backswing will |
| you will have an open stance. This means | | | | be much shorter than the pitch shot, but |
| positioning your feet as if you were aiming | | | | again, in order to vary the distance the ball |
| slightly to the left of the target (if you | | | | is hit, vary the length of your backswing. |
| are right handed), but keep the clubface | | | | |
| facing the target. Line up so that the ball | | | | Practice pitching, and chipping at a driving |
| is slightly back in your stance compared to a | | | | range and on a practice green. Obviously, |
| normal iron shot. In order to vary your | | | | you will be aiming to get the ball within a |
| distance with pitching, vary the length of | | | | very close distance to the hole. In order to |
| your backswing. Bring the club farther back | | | | become more accurate with pitching and |
| for longer shots, and vice versa for shorter | | | | chipping, you must get a feel for the |
| shots. Just like with any normal iron shot, | | | | distance you are hitting. This can only be |
| be sure to hit down on the ball; do not | | | | accomplished with a lot of practice. |
| attempt to scoop it up into the air. | | | | |
| | | | Sources: |
| Chipping | | | | |
| | | | Newell, Steve. The Golf Instruction Manual. |
| Anytime you chip the ball, it should land | | | | New York: Dorling Kindersley Publishing Inc., |
| within an easily attainable putting distance | | | | 2001. |