Chipping from the rough is a challenge. The problem is the tall grass: it wraps itself around the club and twists it at impact. But making this chip from the rough can turn two strokes into one, so if you're serious about lowering your handicap, you must master this shot.
Before the swing, here are some steps you take to properly position yourself for the chip shot:
Move the ball forward in your stance.
Move your hands down the club and grip it firmer than usual.
Shift your hands and body slightly forward.
If you're dealing with a long chip shot, plan for more roll.
During the swing:
Hinge your wrists to produce a steeper swing than normal.
Hit the ball with a slightly downward blow, brushing the grass after impact.
Focus on swinging through the ball, since the grass will prevent your club from doing so.
If the grass is really thick, play the chip like a greenside bunker shot. Open your stance and clubface at address, causing the ball to come out higher, but with less roll. Now swing away, focusing on allowing the clubhead to come through the ball, as before.
To practice this shot, place a ball on the fringe of the green where the grass is longer than an inch. Instead of hitting the ball, practice just sweeping the tips of the grass. Use a low sweeping motion, employing just your arms and shoulders. After ten sweeps, address the ball and chip it, using the same motion. Now, place the ball in higher grass and repeat the sequence.
Chipping from the rough isn't easy. But executing the shot correctly gets you out of trouble, creates makeable putts, and cuts strokes from your score-all while building confidence in your game and lowering your handicap.
As published on:
http://www.golftipssite.net/Article/Chipping-from-the-Rough/49
Labels: Chipping