20' from the pin

[Rick Martin]

I was listening to PGA golf on Sirius and the host kept correcting a caller who called the flagstick a 'pin'. They were talking about Tiger's drop problem.

I never knew and still don't know the difference between a flagstick and pin.

But as far as chipping is concerned, this guy explains exactly how I'm chipping. I use the ratio system SW 1:1, PW 2:1, 9 iron 3:1, 8 iron 4:1, etc.

[Meltdwhiskey]

It seems the OP is referring to a chipping scenario - and it sounds like it isn't too awful tough.  I think it is best to keep it simple as often as possible. I do 99% or more of my chipping with 2 clubs - a gap wedge and a sand wedge.  And I employ the Phil Mickelson 'hinge and hold' as best I can for every chip.  The only variation really is which club to use - the sand wedge if there isn't much green to work with - the gap wedge if there is.

I think getting too many clubs with too many variations of face-opening creates a nearly unlimited number of lofts / carries / runouts, etc.  It is just not something the average golfer has time to get good at.  I only have the 2 shots and still only have so much time to practice them.  I see so many people trying a different club every time and opening the face and such - and you can tell they don't actually know what to expect out of the shot.

That being said, and back to the OP's question, sounds like a hinge and hold with a sand wedge.

[Rick Martin]

I'd recommend Shawn Humphries ratio system in precision chipping using 8,9,PW, SW.

http://www.shawnhumphries.com/humpdays/chipping_ratios.php

[Ernest Jones]

I'd recommend Shawn Humphries ratio system in precision chipping using 8,9,PW, SW. [URL=http://www.shawnhumphries.com/humpdays/chipping_ratios.php]http://www.shawnhumphries.com/humpdays/chipping_ratios.php[/URL]

I use my 56* and 60* pretty much exclusively around the green but on the rare occasion that I want to really run one out or hit a putt like chip I'll use this method. Never heard of Humphries but I learned the 'rule of 12'. Basically subtract the number of your club from 12 to get your ratio ex: 9 iron would be 12-9=3 so your 9 iron chip ratio would be 3 to 1. Your PW is really a 10 iron so: 12-10=2 your ratio is now 2 to 1. 3 iron will give you a 9 to 1 ratio. It works pretty well if you practice so you can correctly control your 'air time'. Of course this is all effected by slope and green speed but it's a good rule of thumb to work with.

[Rick Martin]

The ratio really allows you to have one, single chip stroke and the ball will run different lengths based on the clubs' lie. The system really works - I even use a 6-iron with this system.  It allows you to focus on one thing - hitting a spot (chipping to a spot). Simplifies short game and I'm getting more up and downs. But you're right, with undulating greens or uphill/downhill slanting greens, takes some feel.

Thanks for the Rule of 12 info - never thought of it like that.

[sebsmash]

I'll use a different club depending on the slope of the green, if it's flat I'll probably go pw or nine iron. But if it's downhill I'll use a 56 or 60 depending on the speed. I read a great tip in golf magazine where they say that you should find a consistent landing zone for a chip shot less than ten feet in front of you, and then vary the loft depending on how far you want the ball to roll from there