Learning the most common chipping mistakes and how to fix them ensures that one of the most prominent aspects of your game is around the green.
Golf is a sport loved by countless people worldwide because it brings out the best in you. It’s a test of skill and perseverance more than raw talent. For golfers, few things are more satisfying than a well-executed chip shot that lands where you wanted it to. However, as with any sport, there are challenges to overcome and common mistakes to avoid. Let’s discuss the most common chipping mistakes and how to fix them to keep these bad habits off the course. We will explore the most common chipping mistakes committed by golfers and how you can overcome them to perfect your shot.
Focusing Too Much on the Ball
One mistake golfers often make when chipping is focusing too much on the ball. While it may seem natural to focus on the ball, doing so shifts your focus away from the shot’s target. To overcome this, begin by aligning your body before addressing the ball. Once you take your stance and turn your body toward the target, focus on the intended destination rather than the ball. This change will improve your accuracy while also helping you remain relaxed.
Incorrect Weight Distribution
Another mistake golfers make while chipping is failing to distribute their weight correctly. Placing too much weight on your back foot will cause the strike to be thin or make contact above the ball’s center, which could cause you to top the ball. Put around 60 percent of your weight on your front foot and 40 percent on the back foot to achieve the ideal weight distribution during a chip shot. Touch is more important than power, so finding that balance is critical. Save the power hitting for when you’re on the tee.
Using the Wrong Club
While using the wrong club may seem like a minor issue, doing so often leads to frequent misses. For instance, using a sand wedge on a tight lie may result in you hitting the ball too high and overshooting your intended target. To prevent these errors, assess each shot and determine the best club to use for that specific shot. Practice with each club to determine which works best for you.
Poor Shot Selection
Lastly, poor shot selection can lead to mistakes while chipping. Some golfers may try to make a low-percentage high shot or a flop shot from a tight lie. The professionals on the tour make these shots look easy, but it’s not that simple. It’s essential to make rational decisions about the shot and choose the most viable shot. This way, you’ll have a better chance of avoiding costly mistakes and executing shots more accurately.
Golf is a sport of skill, patience, and expertise. Chipping is a significant aspect of the sport, and avoiding the most common chipping mistakes is important. Fixing them will take time and dedication, but you must possess these skills on the course to earn the lowest score. Keep practicing, and you’ll soon find yourself easily executing perfect chip shots!