If you struggle with distance control on chips, your setup likely mirrors what you do on full shots. That often causes timid impact and inconsistent contact. If this sounds familiar, these adjustments can lead to more consistency and confidence:
SETUP
Bring your feet closer together and aim slightly to the left.
Stand closer to the ball, grip down on the club and start with more pressure on the forward leg.
The left thumb should go more on top of the grip and the left hand should feel like it’s in a weaker position, or rotated to the left.
STROKE
Make practice swings with a focus on where the club bottoms out. This mini-swing should feel like a slight downward brush motion, with the club contacting the ground just after impact with the ball.
At impact, keep your body relatively level and allow the top of the grip to lead the clubhead past the ball.
DRILL
Practice with two rods on the ground as a channel. If the setup is correct, you should be able to make a downward brushing motion without touching the rods.
Bryan Lebedevitch, PGA, is a master instructor at the PGA West Golf Academy in La Quinta. He can be reached at (760) 564-7144 or lebedevitch.com.
