A simple trick to hit crisp chips shots every time

You flub chips. It happens, and it’s not only the result of poor technique. There are tricky lies everywhere around the green, the most difficult to assess being when you’re chipping into the grain. Even Tour players struggle to recognize it.

When you’re into the grain, using your standard chip swing with your sand or lob wedge usually leads to the leading edge of your club digging into the ground behind the ball, even with a great swing. It’s just one of those things. 

Luckily, you have clubs in your bag that can turn this missed shot into a great chip almost automatically. You just have to think beyond relying on your sand wedge or lobber, the design of which promotes digging in, especially when you’re into the grain.

So try this (and not just for into-the-grain lies). Grab your gap wedge or pitching wedge and set up like normal but lean the shaft back, getting the handle to point at your rear hip (above left). This does two things: 1) it adds loft to the club, turning, say, your gap into a sand wedge, and 2) it lifts the leading edge off the ground and positions the trail edge to better help the club glide across the turf instead of dig.

The result? A clean strike with zero flub. It’ll take a little practice, but the results will be fantastic, whether you’re chipping into the grain or from anywhere else.

Kevin Weeks is a GOLF Teacher to Watch who teaches at Cog Hill Golf & CC in Lemont, Ill.

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