Control chipping distances

[birdiedream]

After two days experimenting, I came up with a way of controlling the chipping distances by controlling the distance of the backswing.



Do you guys use the same method or do you prefer controlling chipping distance with 'feel'? I was controlling my chipping distance by 'feel' but sometimes I have problem getting close. I want to try this method for a while to see how it goes.

[pixel5]

I think it simply HAS to be based on feel. Feel is something you don't have to think about. It's visual and muscle memory.

[bkoguy07]

I think it simply HAS to be based on feel. Feel is something you don't have to think about. It's visual and muscle memory.

I lol'd at your sig...

and nice lil table, really brings an idea of what some beginners should be thinking about when addressing the ball on a chipping attempt.

[CalBoomer]

I think it simply HAS to be based on feel. Feel is something you don't have to think about. It's visual and muscle memory.

Not thinking about what you're doing is fine when everything is going well. When the wheels come off, though, you're up the creek without a paddle.

[Dr. Griefo]

I use the fly/role ratio when deciding what club to use. Then I go by feel for the back stroke but the ratios would be good to know on days when things just are not goin well. I like the chart and will probably fill out one where my chips fit in.

[birdiedream]

Things to note:

1. Fly distance is very consistent between clubs (for the same backswing distance). Only difference is more roll for the less lofted clubs.
2. Level means level ground. Uphill or Downhill clubs are meant to replace the main club in those situations. These are not fixed. For example, if you have only a slight downhill, you might want to replace the 7i with the 8i instead of the 9i as shown in the table.

[Paradox]

the day I can measure out 12, 18, 24 inches in the blink of an eye it takes to hit a chip shot..this chart will be handy! You can know those numbers all ya want but you still gotta feel the shot when it comes to chipping

[Zeph]

I use feel for all shots that I can't control by gripping down and taking a full swing. I can't even tell the difference of a 12" backswing and 24" backswing. I decide how I want the ball to go, find the appropriate club for the job, find the place I want the ball to land the first time, take my stance and hit it.

A chart won't work if you are chipping downhill one hole and uphill the next.

[Blades4me]

In my mind chipping is all feel and therefore takes a fair amount of practice. With that said, I've found chipping dead handed is the most accurate for me.

I don't pay any attention to my backswing. I just look at where I want my ball to land and do practice swings to get the feel for how much speed to put on the club to land the ball around that spot. Since I do about 70% of my chipping dead handed I get pretty good roll out, which I've found is easier to control than trying to check the ball.

[TourSpoon]

I think that this exercise will get you to the point where you no longer have to think about it and then you will know true feel. It's because you have hit the shot so many times your body just knows it. For the times when your body and mind don't know it, then you have something to fall back on. Any effort of this level to understand the short game will pay you back in some way.

[brgolf]

This is a great idea, something I had not yet thought of doing but will definitely keep it in mind in future.

Accurate distances and feel go hand in hand. You take the data and make adjustments for the situation.

I guarantee a player as equally as skilled as myself will not put the shots that he 'feel's from 150 yards closer on average than my shots where I use my rangefinder + feel.

You'll always be better off even with chipping when you know the exact distances.

[birdiedream]

I used this method successfully with my putting and I want to see if it will work for chipping.

To control the distance of the backswing, you can use two tees place on the ground 12", 18", and 24" apart to help you approximate your backswing. It doesn't have to be exactly 12". give or take 1 or 2 inches is normal. In addition, these tees can be used as alignment aid. After a lot of practice, the length of the backswing is ingrained in you and you won't need the tees to help any more.

the day I can measure out 12, 18, 24 inches in the blink of an eye it takes to hit a chip shot..this chart will be handy! You can know those numbers all ya want but you still gotta feel the shot when it comes to chipping

[Harmonious]

I think there are a few too many variables (grain, slope, green speed) to focus on backswing length. However, the ratio of fly/roll is very good. I was taught the "rule of 12", which is similar. The ratio of roll/fly subtracted from 12 gives you the club. For example, if you fly the ball 3 yards, and want 12 yards of roll, the ratio is 12/3 = 4. The rule of 12 says that you should use an 8 iron (12-4). Of course, there are variances, such as those mentioned above, that require a little bit of adjustment for any shot. But I've found this works very well as a starting point.

I just try to land 1-2 yards on the green, then do the quick figuring for the club to use. The lie also enters into it. Hard to chip a 7 iron from a grassy lie, for example.

[sean_miller]

After two days experimenting, I came up with a way of controlling the chipping distances by controlling the distance of the backswing.

I think you should keep using this method. In fact, don't ever take a shot without referring to it. Ever.

[2bGood]

Very cool, and good for you. This kind of thing is not for everyone, but for you it sounds like it works. I think much of golf is psychosomatic, if you believe it works and it gives you confidence, it will work (until it doesn’t )

I play all my short shots with my 56*, I can flop it or run it out. I have tried other things, but for now this works for me.

[KEEPITSIMPLE]

well, chipping is like a miniswing to me.Keep the wrist firm maintain the bow and lead with the elbow,or shoulder,depends on what I feel like that day. If I want more spin, I pick it straight up with the wrist and come down at the same angle with the elbow. More roll, I stay flatter.

As far as distance control,I am pretty mechanical like you. I try to maintain same length of backswing as forward swing and longer backswing means longer chips,I pretty much know where I am going to land but the roll,that my friend all depends on the course condition and feel and that is where being mechanical hurts me.

[B-Con]

I don't have anything nearly as elaborate, but I'm working on distinguishing 5 different swings. It's pretty easy to know about where the shaft is compared to horizontal, so that's what I measure relative to.

I use:
1/4 of the way to to shaft parallel to the ground
1/2 of the way to to shaft parallel to the ground
3/4 of the way to to shaft parallel to the ground
shaft parallel to the ground
shaft parallel to the ground + 1/2 to shaft vertical

It's pretty easy to distinguish 1/2 way to parallel, parallel, and vertical, so the others are just half way in between those points, pretty simple to remember. Then I just get an approximation for how a chip with that backswing will carry. Since I don't/can't physically measure anything with my on the course I'm just training myself by eye.

In short, I've picked an easy to remember series of backswing distances and I'm learning how far they go. If I need something in between, it's not to hard to estimate it. But because there's no actual measuring involved, I'd have to say it's based on "feel".

[MMouse]

Chipping for me is like putting. You've got to read it, where you want it to start , land. speed needed etc, practice the stroke, see it and then let it fly. I also only use a 7i or my SW depending on how much ground I have to cover before I let it land.