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Chipping from the Fringe

When you’re at the golf course and chipping around the green, what is the main goal?

1) Firstly it is to get the golf ball onto the green.

2) Then, get the golf ball as close to the hole as possible (in the hole would be a preference).

How do we achieve the above goals?

1) We need to get the ball over the longer grass, and then on the green as soon as possible.

So a high lofted wedge is not the answer. We need a little less loft, say a 9 or 8 iron would be best. It has enough loft to carry the ball 2-3 metres and get it rolling quicker.

2) In order to get the ball close to the hole on a consistent manner, we need to get the ball rolling as soon as it touches the green. Clean contact is an essential part of consistency and in order to do this, we need to make some adjustments in our setup to insure solid contact time over time over time.

A) Setup square with the ball middle to back in the stance.

B) Feet just inside shoulder width.

C) Grip down on the shaft an inch for better feel.

D) Push your hands slightly towards the target so the shaft is leaning slightly.

This will promote a downward strike on the ball, with cleaner solid contact.

Now all that is left is to practice this setup with a smooth “putting stroke” action.

Let’s hope the golf weather is good to you and gives hours and hours of range time.

Article Contributed by PGA Pro, Christo Pistorius

Part of the WGT Media Network