I've discussed proper chipping technique in previous videos.
It's something I work with my students all the time, but there are certain situations where the normal technique doesn't work.
One situation is one I find myself in almost every time I play golf -- a bad lie close to the green. A ball nestled deep in the grass just off the green is a tough shot, unless you know how to adjust your swing.
Watch J. demonstrate this shot.
The basic chip shot consists of leaning on the front foot with the shaft pushed forward. Also, there should be very little wrist hinge throughout the swing.
But when there's a tough lie around the green, you have to allow your wrists to hinge, creating a more "V"-shaped swing. The "V"-shaped swing helps get the ball out of the long grass and land softly on the green. I call this technique "hinge and hold."
The set-up is similar to the normal chipping technique -- weight on the front foot, shaft pushed forward. Bunt on the backswing, hinge the wrists; then swing sharply down.
After contact, hold the club face.
This technique around the green should feel very similar to the way you approach a greenside bunker shot. Because like a greenside bunker, you need to get the ball out of a tough spot, but you want it to land softly.
If you're like me, and you find yourself with tough lies near the green when you play a round, practice this technique. It's something that will really help you lower your scores.
