There are many different variations of how to play a basic chip, but there are a number of fundamental points left handed golfers should implement into their game.
Probably the most important point to remember on a basic chip shot is to return the hands ahead of the ball at impact. This will encourage a slightly descending blow on the ball. This impacting of the ball first then turf will give the maximum amount of backspin and control.
Left handed golfers can follow this basic guide of how to set up and execute a correct chip shot.
- Hold the club slightly further down the grip for more control. You don’t need to grip all the way to the shaft but at least half way down the grip.
- The club face should be square to the ball-to-target line and the shoulders parallel to this line. This will help the club travel on a slightly inside-to-square-to-inside swing path.
- The feet and hips, however, should be slightly open to the target line. This is because the chipping swing is short and the golfer doesn’t have the time to build up enough momentum to turn the hips through impact. This is why golfers should pre-set the hips into an impact position. Getting the correct combination of slightly open feet and hips with a square shoulder alignment can be tricky but achievable with practice.
- The ball should be positioned just back of center in the stance with 60% of body weight on the right foot. The hands should also be opposite the right thigh. By leaning the shaft towards the target slightly it will be easier to create a clean contact and descending blow on the ball and produce more backspin.
- After taking the correct set up, the swing is mostly controlled with the shoulders rocking back and through. The grip should be kept as light as possible to increase feel. The shoulders, arms and club shaft lean towards the target to create a Y shape when viewed from face on.
- As the shoulders rock back, the arms, wrists and hands stay connected with each other. This means the arms move back under the control of the shoulders, the wrists move back under the control of the arms and the hands rock back and through.
- At impact, the left arm and back of the left wrist should be held firm to ensure there is no flicking of the club head at the ball.
- The hands return ahead of the club head at impact and the shoulders, arms, and club shaft maintain the Y shape.
Using this basic chipping technique, left handed golfers can achieve a more consistent set up and strike around the green.
