HOW to MASTER THE GREENSIDE
Chip and Run Shot ...
by Robert Wilson , PGA Professional
The chip and run shot is one of the easiest , but one of the most underutilized shots in an amateur ’ s golf game . Everyone likes to try the flop shots like Phil and company , but it takes hours upon hours of practice to execute shots like that time after time , and most amateurs do not have that practice time .
Chip and run shots can be played with many different clubs , anything from a 5-iron to a pitching wedge . The objective of this shot is to have the least amount of airtime possible . The longer the ball is on the ground , the better chance we have to get it close .
Many amateurs have very similar putting strokes , so that ’ s a good starting point . The only difference between the chip and run shot and a putt is that you will play the ball towards the toe of the club and hold your hands high so the heal of the club is off the ground . The reason for playing the ball off the toe is it creates less spin and more roll on the golf ball .
1 ) Address the ball just like you would a putt . 2 ) Position the ball in the center of your stance or a slightly ahead of center . 3 ) Make sure to keep your eyes over the ball . 4 ) Have a slight shaft lean towards the target ; this can be a forward press before starting the swing . 5 ) Make sure your weight favors your left-side .
When making the stroke , just like a putt , there is no wrist hinge — no extra motion in the swing . If you have 20 feet to your target , swing the club as if it were a 20-foot putt . Remember , we are only trying to get the ball on the green and rolling . The less green you have to work with to the pin , use a higher lofted club . The more green you have to work with , use a club with less loft .
Eyes over ball like putt stance .
Slightly Forward Shaft Angle
In the photos above , on the left you can see my eyes are over the ball like a putt and the shaft is more upright . In the photo on the right , you see the ball is positioned in the center of my stance , and my hands are set slightly ahead of the ball .
Practice with different lofted clubs to get the desired results , and you ’ ll stop hitting those heavy or thin sand-wedge shots and shave strokes off your game .
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Robert Wilson the PGA Professional at Lake Valley Golf Club . For more information , contact him at 573.346.7218 .
30 January 2024 TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE
Juniors Play Golf for Only $ 5
Youth On Course Guide Juniors ages 6 - 18 Play Golf for Only $ 5 at these Kansas City Area YOC Participating Golf Courses . ( Courses listed are subject to change .)
MISSOURI Location Phone Drumm Farm Indep ., MO 816-350-9900 Eagle ’ s Landing Belton , MO 816-318-0004 Excelsior Springs Excelsior Springs , MO 816-630-3731 Hidden Valley Lawson , MO 816-580-3444 MariMack Golf ( 9-holes ) Kearney , MO 816-628-4800 River Oaks Grandview , MO 816-966-8111 Shamrock Hills Lee ’ s Summit , MO 816-537-6556 Shirkey Golf Club Richmond , MO 816-470-2582 Tiffany Greens Kansas City , MO 816-880-9600
KANSAS Location Phone Heritage Park Olathe , KS . 913-829-4653 Leavenworth GC Leavenworth KS . 913-727-6600 Oak Country De Soto , KS . 913-583-3503 Sykes / Lady Overland Park , KS . 913-897-3809 St Andrews Overland Park , KS . 913-897-3804 Twin Oaks Golf ( 9-holes ) Eudora , KS . 785-542-2844 Tomahawk Hills Shawnee , KS 913-631-8000
© 2024 Tee Times Golf Guide™ Inc . All Conceptual Designs Are Proprietary & Reprint Rights Reserved .
What age do I have to be to play golf for $ 5 or less ?
● You must be at least 6 years old and not over age 18 to join YOC .
● Young members should play with an adult for safety .
For more course availability information , visit www . youthoncourse . org / play .
To become a Youth On Course partner , visit www . youthoncourse . org , call 831.625.4653 . or visit Central Links Golf at www . centrallinksgolf . org .
To be added to this YOC Course Guide , email your course details to Editor @ TeeTimesMagazine . com .
Winter Golf Tip
If you ’ re not on the green after 2 good shots on par-4s , then leave Ego in your pocket and move forward one tee box . You ’ re playing the wrong tee boxes !