The surest way to shoot lower scores is by shaving strokes around the green. That can be done in a variety of ways: by avoiding three putts, by chipping the ball closer to the hole, by escaping cleanly from a bunker or simply by remaining composed under pressure.
Here are a few tips that will help you make more pars and avoid those dreaded double bogeys.
- Stick to a Routine
A preshot routine will help take out the guesswork, reduce your level of anxiety and build consistency. Find a routine that is comfortable and stick to it, regardless of the shot or the situation. It could be two or three practice swings or none at all. Whatever works for you will help you remain calm and focused.
- Learn to Read
This means reading the greens properly so you can gauge the speed and slope. Take the time to assess the terrain of the green. Look at your putt from all sides to determine the contours and the grain of the grass. Then, find a mental image for the path the ball will take. This is something you should also do when chipping from just off the green.
- Keep Calm
Golf is a mental game, especially around the greens when you’re hitting a putt and taking a delicate swing on a chip. Don’t rush. Take a deep breath and hit the ball with confidence.
- Set-Up on Chips Matters
Your address position is critical in order to execute chip shots consistently. Stand with your feet approximately six inches apart and open slightly to the target. Play the ball in the middle of your stance, with most of your weight on the front foot. Grip down slightly on the club for control. From this position, use your normal putting motion, keeping your weight on the front side. This promotes a slightly descending angle of attack to the ball, preventing you from hitting under the ball too much or scooping it.
- Understand the Situation
One key to executing chip shots is evaluating the situation and selecting the correct club. It’s best to keep the ball low whenever you can, since low shots are easier to control. If you need to play a higher shot, use a club with more loft and let the loft of the club get the ball in the air.
- Lock Those Wrists
Too much wrist action inevitably leads to poor chips. Practice eliminating wrist action by gripping down on the club and hitting pitch shots with only one hand, making sure to pivot your body during the backswing. This not only eliminates unnecessary wrist action but also forces you to pivot more. After hitting a few shots this way, add both hands to the grip and repeat the motion.
- Use Those Wrists
Unlike a pitch, hitting out of a bunker requires more wrist action mainly because the swing requires more speed to propel the ball out of the sand. You need to make sure you are hinging, unhinging and re-hinging your wrists. Here’s a good practice drill for that. Position yourself close to the back edge of a bunker and stick a tee in the butt of the grip. When you bring the club back, set the wrists quickly so the clubhead misses the lip and the tee points straight down. Re-hinge your wrists on the follow-through, which will engage the club’s bounce and create speed. Remember, the wrists create the speed.