August 2017Golf World 27Select the
correct club
Thegoldenrulewith
chipping is to increase your
margin for error by
ensuring that the ball
spends as much time on
the ground as possible
withasshortalengthof
backswing as possible. So
useaclubwiththeleast
loft that lets you carry the
ball onto the green. It
raises the margin for error
on technique and feel.
STEP 2
Feel the
swing
Confident that you can see
theshotinyourmind’s
eye, rehearse the swing
and technique you need to
play it. It’s a good idea to
look at the hole while
doing this since your brain
will automatically begin to
compute what your eyes
see. Make several practice
swings until you’re
confident you’ve got the
right feel.
STEP 4
Visualise
the shot
Once you’ve assessed
thelieandselectedthe
appropriate club, spend
some time visualising
exactly where you want to
landtheballonthegreen
forittorunouttothehole.
Remember to factor in the
distance as well as the
break because once the
ball hits the putting
surface it’s going to run
outlikeaputt.STEP 3
Commit to
it & trust it
This is no time to second-
guess yourself. Keep the
feel – the length and pace
of swing – in your mind at
address and recreate it
when you play the shot.
Trust yourself to execute
the chip based on your
preparation. And don’t
forget, even the world’s
top players mess up every
so often, so don’t get too
down if you fail to get par.STEP 5
WINNING GOLF