Golf Tips: Understanding your Surroundings When Chipping

Everyone has seen the professionals hit the crazy flop shots over obstacles. Whether it is Phil clearing a grandstand, or someone else going over a bunker, flop shots look incredible. However, they aren’t for everyone.

It can be really easy to mishit a flop shot, and shoot it off in a direction away from your body. If you are going to attempt it, you need to make sure to swing confidently all the way through, and have a club that is either made for it, something 60 degrees or higher, or a wedge that you are comfortable laying open.

A professional style flop isn’t something that you should break out during a round without ever trying in practice. Yes, it’s nice to clear what’s impeding your shot, and land it nice and close for a tap-in. Always make sure to think about the odds of it happening. For most people, its more likely that you are going to blade it across the green, and end up having to hit three more shots to finally get it into the cup.

This doesn’t mean that you can’t hit something similar though. If you find yourself with a big bunker in your way, and a small landing zone, the best course is to play it somewhere safely, and then go for a two-putt. Thinking “would I be happy to get out of this position in three shots” is a great way to realize the pros and cons in a position like that.

Take that wedge (SW, 52,56,60+) and take a short swing at the ball, following through all the way. The speed of your follow-through is going to be what gets the ball up into the air, and over your obstacle.

For those who have been struggling around the green, these golf tips should be ones that help you feel more confident around the green, and feel better about your game when you walk up to an uncomfortable shot. Your scorecard will thank you.