golf123
GETTING the ball as close to the cup as possible is important to keeping your scores low.
A pyramid practice drill around the green illustrates just how to achieve that.
A good chipper of the ball has the ability to control both the spin of the golf ball – involving high quality contact and loft delivery – and the distance it travels, which is correct club selection and swing length.
It can be difficult for amateurs to prosper in all these areas. And it often becomes a juggling act that scrambles the mind and leads to one, or more, area being executed poorly.
With the key principles of good chipping in mind, apply the following technical points on a chipping Pyramid Cane drill.
This “contact and trajectory” exercise should be performed with a pitching wedge or gap wedge – less loft is key around the greens.
Arrange two canes as in a pyramid shape – if you don’t have any canes, you can rest a club against an umbrella stuck in the ground – approximately one or two metres from you.
Your goal is to chip the ball into the hole travelling underneath the canes.
In doing so, you’re naturally encouraged to make a slight downward blow, applying pressure to the back of the ball to pitch it underneath the triangle.
Remember to note the footwork for a chip. The right foot should roll onto the instep to ensure correct weight placement at impact on the left side as well as helping the body rotate to face the target in the finish.
Multiple benefits
Hit 10 balls underneath the peak of the triangle you’ve created. This will stop you from “lifting” the ball onto the green by adding loft incorrectly, and help you deliver the club’s optimal loft for a chip shot. Create a point of focus and improve your accuracy.
Consistent stance
Stand one clubhead width apart with your feet so the weight favours the left side. Stand square with your toes and body to promote a neutral club path.
Connection point
Imagine the grip of the club is connected to your belly button during the stroke to stop the swing from becoming overly long and to stop over-using the wrists.
