Open Stance: Stand square to the ball and have the ball in the middle of your stance. Now, “open”
your stance. What happened? The ball which was opposite your sternum is now opposite your
trail shoulder. Unknowingly, you moved the ball position.
Ball Back: Whether you meant to or not, the ball being placed behind the middle of your stance
exposes the leading edge of the club. On relatively soft fairways, if the leading edge of the
wedge or iron were to break the surface we have a major problem. A problem that has it’s own
name in fact, the Chili Dip. Placing the ball back in your stance or opening your stance will make
the chili dip a definite possibility.
No wrist hinge: This technique will work fine if you do not need to generate any energy. If you
are going to chip with an 8-iron for example and are only looking to carry the ball a few feet in
the air. Anything beyond that and by not hinging your wrist you will end up flipping or scooping
at impact.
Not delivering the club into the proper position at impact is the Number 1 problem I see with
people that are struggling to chip. We will define the scoop as the club head getting in front of
the handle at impact and the lead wrist going into extension. From a proper set-up, including
proper ball position, you can deliver the club in a slightly leaning position. This allows the sweet
spot of the club to find the middle of the ball. Consistently achieving a solid strike will allow
you to quickly develop good touch and feel for these shots around the green. The video below
will allow you to master this fundamental shot. Master this and you will save a lot of pars. Save
more pars, shoot lower scores and enjoy golf even more.
George Connor has been teaching and coaching golfers of all
abilities since 1989. The two-time Connecticut PGA Teacher of
the Year is based at Farmington Woods GC in Avon, CT. George’s
student’s include Division 1 College Players, Professional Players,
State Amateur Champions, Club Champions as well as beginners
and intermediate players.
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