How do I execute a "one hop and stop" chip shot on slick, fast greens?

[SAGolfLuvr]

Please tell me how to do that. I am a 12 handicap and when I hit a green in regulation, it is normally a very long birdie putt. That's fine on normal municipal greens because I simply lag and then make the second putt. THIS weekend, I am playing a course with SLICK greens. My lag would go WAY past the hole (based on my previous experiences on fast greens). So I think a better strategy is to miss the green short, then do the one "hop and stop" chip that I see the Pro's do. Problem is that I don't know how to do it. I am using the new grooves for competition and a Pro V1x ball. I Thank You All for your replies in advance.

[inthecup]

Originally Posted by SAGolfLuvr

Please tell me how to do that. I am a 12 handicap and when I hit a green in regulation, it is normally a very long birdie putt. That's fine on normal municipal greens because I simply lag and then make the second putt. THIS weekend, I am playing a course with SLICK greens. My lag would go WAY past the hole (based on my previous experiences on fast greens). So I think a better strategy is to miss the green short, then do the one "hop and stop" chip that I see the Pro's do. Problem is that I don't know how to do it. I am using the new grooves for competition and a Pro V1x ball. I Thank You All for your replies in advance.

I am not sure I understand slick greens?  I just played in a course that is going to host a Champions tour event next year.  They ran the greens up to 11 as a test.  They were certainly fast (which may be slick to you) but the ball would stop on approach.  If you mean really firm so you get a big bounce on approach I guess I can see your point.  The key to being able to hit a decent lag putt on fast greens is to stay below the hole.   So coming up short is certainly a possibility but I would not do it on purpose as a rule.

In answer to your question to get a chip to check up you need pure contact and a descending blow.  If there is grass between the ball and the club it is very difficult if not impossible.

Good luck and have fun!

[saevel25]

For one thing you can definetly improve your lag, to try to purposely miss the green isn't a good strategy. Specially if you want to execute a more difficult shot than the basic chip shot. Putting is stil the best option. If your going to play those fast greens, just go to there practice greens a couple days before and practice your lag putting. I think thats easier for you than trying to learn a new, and more difficult shot.

As for that one hop and stop, its tough to do with a chip because the blow on the ball has less speed and less spin. Its easier to do with pitch shots, like 30-40 yards than it is right off the green. Also its nearly impossible if the grass isn't cut realy tight, if the fringe or fairways aren't cut short its tougher to get that spin. Really, you should be able to chip and run and get it closer to the hole anyways.

To me it sounds like you just need to get a few lessons on short game, and work on that part of your game, as well as putting.