junior journal

GLENN WHITTLE -
MANAGER NATIONAL COACHING
PROGRAMS PGA OF AUSTRALIA

FINISH LOW WHEN CHIPPING
Regular readers of this magazine will know the importance of correct ball position and placement of your weight when chipping.

It must be remembered though that these factors not only have to be addressed when you set-up to the ball but also throughout the swing. I see a lot of junior golfers overlook
the importance of ball position during address – making the cardinal error of shifting their weight during the swing
as they try and scoop the ball into the air (pic 1).

If you position the ball correctly and have your weight planted over your left leg (for right-handers), you will encourage the clubhead on a slightly steeper path than normal as it approaches the ball. With that in mind, you will be more likely finish to finish the chipping stroke with the clubhead of your wedge quite low to the ground (pic 2).

Finding this finish position is a good exercise for the next time you are practicing your short game. Whenever I show junior golfers this exercise they feel it is too simple, but I encourage you to wait until you have a club in your hands and a few golf balls close by before you judge this exercise
and it’s benefits.

It is important to understand this exercise only applies to chipping, simply because I don’t want you to try and achieve this finish position while pitching as it will cause you to decelerate on the downswing.

When you first try this exercise, swap between the wrong way and right way for a few shots so you can recognise and feel the difference between the two finish positions.

From the April 2006 issue of Golf Australia >>