On The Tee with Hank Johnson

Chipping: A low running shot from just off the green

Objective: To improve up and down percentage from just off the green by;
(5 yards or less from the edge of the green)

1. Chipping the ball within three feet of the cup a high percentage of the time.
2. Chipping the ball within six feet of the cup 100% of the time.

Practice technique: Use coins or ball markers to create a three foot circle and a six foot circle around the cup to which you plan to practice. With 10 ball like the ball you play with, drop them in 10 different locations around the green and from one to five yards off the putting surface.

Without improving your lie, play the ten shots. You may use different clubs for the shots if you wish. Use your full pre-shot routine just like you would on the golf course. Mark the balls from previous shots so that they will not interfere. You may leave the flag stick in if you wish.

Your goal: All ten shots within the six foot circle and at least half of them in the three foot circle.

Things to remember:

Club choice should be related to the amount of roll you want after the ball lands. More loft gives you less roll, less loft gives you more roll.

Every chip turns into a putt when it begins to roll. Don’t forget look for slopes that will cause the ball to break left or right. Also be aware of any uphill or downhill slopes that will affect the speed and therefore the distance the ball will roll after landing.