Any time you face a shot from just off the green, a decision must be made. Some golfers prefer to putt whenever possible, while others would rather chip. By using a hybrid club, you can create a shot that’s a little of both. In other words, a hybrid chip/putt.

Most hybrids feature at least 18° of loft (compared with about 4° for a putter), so they’ll put a little air and spin on the ball – but less than you’ll get from a wedge or other lofted iron. The hybrid is ideal when you’re within a few yards of the green and want the ball to carry just onto the surface and roll out to the hole.

Using your regular putting setup and stroke is the best technique for the hybrid chip/putt. Here’s the routine:

• Set up with your feet close together and bend over as though hitting a putt. Your eyes should be directly over the ball or just inside it.

• Using your regular putting grip, choke up on the club to approximate the length of your putter.

• If you’re using a Thomas Golf brand hybrid, aim the alignment guide at your target.

• Make an arms-and-shoulders stroke as you would if putting, nudging the ball just over the fringe and onto the green.

The hybrid chip/putt requires a bit of practice to get a feel for how the ball reacts off the club. Because hybrids are built to maximize distance on full swings, the face is a little “hotter” than the typical putter’s, so the ball will jump a little more on contact and go farther than expected. The shot takes some touch, but with a little work it will soon become second-nature.

The hybrid chip/putt shot can be a great choice when you find yourself on the fringe of the green. This shot combines the benefits of a chip and a putt, allowing you to navigate the fringe grass and roll the ball smoothly toward the hole. Here are some reasons why the hybrid chip/putt is a valuable shot to have in your short game arsenal:

1. Fringe Navigation:
   • The fringe grass can be tricky to navigate with a standard chip shot due to its longer length and different texture. Using a hybrid club with its lower loft and longer shaft can help you glide through the fringe more smoothly and minimize the chance of getting stuck or chunking the shot.
2. Roll Instead of Air Time:
   • By using a hybrid club, you can minimize the amount of air time the ball spends and maximize the roll. The lower loft of the hybrid promotes a lower, more penetrating trajectory, allowing the ball to roll out smoothly on the green towards the hole.
3. Versatility:
   • The hybrid chip/putt shot can be used with different club selections, depending on the distance to the hole and the conditions of the fringe and green. You can experiment with different hybrids, such as a 3 or 4 hybrid, to find the right combination of loft and roll for the specific shot.
4. Control and Precision:
   • With the hybrid chip/putt, you can focus on controlling the roll of the ball by using a putting stroke. This helps to eliminate excessive spin and allows you to roll the ball more accurately toward the hole. The putting motion provides better control over distance and line compared to a full swing chip shot.
5. Consistency:
   • The hybrid chip/putt shot promotes a consistent stroke and technique. By using a putting stroke, you can maintain a steady tempo and rhythm, which can lead to more consistent results. This consistency is particularly important when you are close to the green and looking to get up and down efficiently.
6. Confidence Booster:
   • Having the hybrid chip/putt shot in your repertoire can give you added confidence around the greens. It provides you with another option when faced with different lies and distances, giving you the flexibility to adapt to various situations and make better decisions on the course.
7. Practice and Repetition:
   • Like any other shot in golf, the hybrid chip/putt requires practice to develop feel and consistency. Spend time on the practice green working on your technique and getting comfortable with the club and stroke. Practice different distances and green speeds to hone your touch and improve your distance control.

Remember, the hybrid chip/putt shot can be a valuable weapon in your short game arsenal, especially when you find yourself on the fringe of the green. Experiment with different club selections, practice regularly, and gain confidence in this shot to help you save strokes around the green and improve your overall scoring.