Do you find yourself using the same chip-shot technique, with the same club, regardless of the shot you face? No matter where you are in your game-improvement journey, it’s common to fall into a one-dimensional routine as soon as you get around the green. Sometimes, we simply default to trying to execute the same shot with the club we’re most comfortable with — even if it’s not the best choice.
One way to improve this area of your game is to work on expanding your creativity, says Heather Angell, the director of instruction at Heritage Palms Golf & Country Club in Fort Myers, Fla.
“There are so many aspects of golf that do not allow for creativity,” she said. “With the short game, think outside the box.”
According to Angell, one way to do this is to challenge yourself with a fun drill: try practicing a chip shot with every club in your bag.
“Observe how the ball reacts with each club, then determine which club you feel most confident with that will get the ball closest to the hole,” she said.
Practicing in this way will help you envision multiple scenarios for each shot you face. And you may even discover that you prefer a different shot or technique over your general go-to.
“One of my favorite clinics I teach is one where I go through my entire bag for a shot around the green,” Angell said. “I start out with my putter, demonstrate the shot, and explain how the grass it too high to use the putter consistently for my liking. Then I proceed through my wedges, 9-iron, 8-iron, 7-iron, 6-iron, and even 5-iron, talking about each one and whether I like the result and ease of execution with each club.”
There are no limits with this drill. Angell encourages players to try hitting shots around the green with their hybrids, fairway woods and even the driver.
“I encourage using the club you most confidently feel you can get closest to the hole, even if it’s not a ‘typical’ club to hit around the green,” Angell said. “One of my favorite shots is using my hybrid like a putter for shots just off the green, because the added loft of the hybrid allows the ball to launch on top of the longer grass and roll across it like a putter would on the green. The shot has become a favorite of my students as well, as it is much easier to get this shot closer to the hole than chipping.”
So the next time you find yourself with some practice time in the short-game area, give some unexpected clubs a try. You may be surprised by the quality of the results — and your handicap will thank you.
