Short Game: 5 steps to perfect your chipping set-up

• Posted on Grant
• in Golf Fundamentals, Golf Set-up, Short Game
• on December 2, 2013
• 2 Comments.

My chipping set-up position ensures that I will make solid contact every time. Here’s 5 steps to perfect your chipping set-up:

1. I start with my feet close together. Because my feet are close together, I will be able to have some knee action/rotation through impact. This rotation will keep my the club accelerating to the finish. If I do not use my knees, I will run the risk of just stabbing at the ball with my hands.

2. I point my toes in front of the ball. This helps me take the shorter back-swing that is needed for the little chip shot. Also, when I point my toes in front of the ball, it opens my hips at address. Open hips at impact is another key to consistent acceleration on any golf shot. (Always remember to keep your shoulders square to your target line no matter how much you point your toes at address.)

3. I lean left. Putting about 70% of my weight on my left foot forces me to hit down on the ball. Any time the ball is resting on the ground, the club-head must be traveling downward at impact to strike the ball before the ground.

On a full swing you have time to transfer your weight to the left side before impact because a full swing is a big swing that takes more time. However, the chip requires such a short swing that you would not have time to transfer your weight during the swing. On the chip shot, you must leave your weight on the left side from start to finish.

4. I point the butt end of the club at my left hip.  This is the position that I want to be in at impact. On every shot in golf I always want the club to be in the same position at impact as it was at address.

5. I take a weak left hand grip. For the short chip shot, this weaker grip allows me to rotate the club-face freely on the back-swing and follow-through. Club-face rotation is key to consistent acceleration on these delicate shots.

If your chipping has been off lately, I recommend that you check your set-up. I know you will be glad you did!

GB