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Quick Golf Tips - Stop Duffing Chip Shots

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Duffing a chip is also frustrating. Duffed chips costs golfers more strokes than you can shake a stick at. Imagine being just off the green, with a chance to knock it home and save par, and you duff the chip shot. If that doesn't get you down, nothing will. Sometimes, duffed chips stem from a lack of concentration. Other times, they stem from mechanical error.

Below are the six keys to hitting a crisp, controlled chip shot:
1. Assume a narrow stance
2. Choke down on the club
3. Position the ball back
4. Shift your weight forward
5. Lean your shaft forward
6. Use a descending angle of attack

In a normal chipping stance, your feet are close together, the ball positioned just back of center, your weight shifted forward, and the shaft leaning forward toward the target. If you look down after taking your stance, you'll see a "y" formed with your forearms. Make sure that the "y" exists in your address position and you'll cut down dramatically on bad chips.

The key to this shot is not thinking about the "y" when swinging. If you do, you'll hit the ball rather stiffly. Instead, try making this a finesse swing. In other words, try making your impact position as smooth and natural as possible without having to think about it.

To do that, check to make sure that the "y" is there when you start your swing and that it's there after impact. If it's there in both spots, it was there when you struck the ball.

Also, try not to lose the hinge in your wrists when starting your swing and when going forward. If you have difficulty doing this, chip with a "dead arms" motion. Use your body turn, not your arms, to move the wedge back and through the swing.

Eliminate duffed chips from your game and you'll save yourself not only some frustration, but also several strokes.

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