Golf Tips » June 1999: The Two Deadly Sins in Chipping

This month’s tip comes from Rosemary Conlin ofToronto, Ont. Canada who writes,

“Although I follow your 6-8-10 method of chipping, I often seem to come up either short or past my target – please help.”

In the November 97 lesson I covered the basics of chipping and club selections for various chipping situations. However, for further help, I feel I need to stress two important factors :

1. Pace – When you make your practice swings be very aware of the pace at which you are swinging the club. Â When you execute, try to make sure it is at the same pace as the practice swings. Â Usually I see the shot hit faster or slower than the practice swing, thus changing the speed at which the ball lands on the green. This, of course, produces a poor result.

2. Stay down – I know this has been said hundreds of times, but I see more chips spoiled by movement than any other reason. Keep your eye on the spot where the ball was after you have hit it. The best pro I have seen chipping is Greg Norman – he doesn’t move his head at all. Make sure you are in the same posture following the chip as you were at address.

Work on these two important points along with the November 97 article, and I promise you, your chipping will improve.

If you have questions about any of our golf tips, please feel free to call us toll free at 1-800-624-4653. Read all of Mel's tips in the Golf Tips Archive.

What if you could bring Mel Sole right into your own home to analyze your swing and offer drills to improve your technique and mechanics? Video Golf Coaching is your ticket to better golf!