Many of us feel that since a chip shot is such a little swing
that we shouldn’t use our arms because the ball will go too
far.
Many of us feel that since a chip shot is such a little swing that we shouldn’t use our arms because the ball will go too far.
Often times players try to chip by simply flicking their wrists in a quick motion trying to scoop the ball off the turf and not hit it too hard. Unfortunately, it’s that flick of the wrists that causes the ball to go too far even if you aren’t using your arms.
In chipping, you actually want to use the big dumb muscles in the upper arms and shoulders because they don’t have the nerve endings and therefore have a better chance of a smooth swing not a jerky flick of the wrists.
When you place your hands on the club, the shaft of the club and arms form the letter ‘Y’. If the ‘Y’ remains consistent back and through, then your shot will become consistent. If you flip your hands at the bottom of the swing, then the ‘Y’ breaks down and so does your shot.
As a test, make sure that your left arm and the shaft of your club remain a straight line through impact and your follow-through. If this happens, you will improve your chipping.
Remember, when all else fails take a lesson. You’ll be surprised how much we can help.
To schedule a lesson with PGA-certified instructor Don DeLorenzo, call Gilroy GC at 848-0490.
