Pro Tips
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.
USGA Ready Golf Tips For Better Pace of Play...
Playing at a better pace is not about hurrying up or rushing around the course. It is simply about being more efficient with your valuable time, as well as everyone else’ s. Adopting this mindset— and not being afraid to share it with your fellow players— will ultimately add enjoyment to your golf experience. Here are a few USGA recognized tips for improving pace of play:
Tee It Forward: Unless you are consistently able to reach greens in regulation from the back tees.
Minimize your time on the tee: On the tee, it is usually acceptable for players to“ hit when ready.”
Be helpful to others in your group: Follow the flight of all tee shots, not just your own.
Keep up with the group in front of you: Your correct position on the course is immediately behind the group in front of you, not immediately in front of the group behind you.
Plan your shot before you get to your ball: Once you are off the tee, think ahead. Determine your yardage and make your club selection before it is your turn to play.
Develop an eye for distance: You don’ t have to step off yardage for every shot. If you need to determine precise distance, consider investing in an electronic rangefinder or GPS device.
Eyes over ball like putt stance.
Slightly Forward Shaft
Angle.
Be efficient on the putting green: Mark your ball, lift and clean it when you arrive at the putting green so you will be ready to replace it when it is your turn to play.
Leave the Pin In: It’ s now legal and research shows that 80 % more putts go in with the flag-pin in the hole. Also speeds play!
Learn more tips at www. USGA. org and search“ Pace of Play.”
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.
Golf Tip If your playing partner says,“ Let’ s Play from the Tips today!” Tell him“ Nope!”
30 August 2025 TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE