Groove a simple chip
Fully commit for height
After perfecting the simple chip, it’s time to add some loft to stop the ball more quickly, for times when you’re short-sided or need to carry a slope. Juniors excel at these fun shots because they have less fear of a poor result and tend to practice them more often. Take a sand or lob wedge and open the face slightly. Since you are hitting a higher, softer shot, it will require a longer swing. A common mistake is trying to lift the ball into the air by leaning your body away from the target. That leads to fat and thin shots. Trust that the loft of the club will generate the height. Fully commit by rotating your chest to face the target. When you finish, the clubface should point to the sky.
The first short-game shot we teach juniors is a simple chip, which doesn’t fly too high or low. It’s a useful shot to have in the DCP and during a round. Select anything from a pitching to sand wedge. Start with a neutral shaft, not leaning towards or away from the target. Open the face slightly to expose the bounce (or bottom) of the wedge. The ball should be in the middle of your stance. Feel your hands, arms and shoulders take the club back together. Don’t hinge your wrists much. As the clubhead impacts the ball, let the sole of the club gently brush the turf. This is the most repeatable way to hit a chip.
PLAY FAST AND RELAXED
Last summer, at just 15 years old, Hayden Knapp won the New York State Women’s Amateur Championship. Knapp has worked at our academy for years and competed at Augusta in 2024, but in watching her that week, I got a new
appreciation for how quickly and decisively she plays. Our academy instructor Bob Cain has done a tremendous job with Knapp’s game. Her ability to make proper decisions and commit to every shot in an expedited manner helps her scoring. Now that Augusta has instituted a shot clock for the DCP, Knapp would no doubt earn all the available bonus points. Take her decisive approach to the course to not only help your game, but the game as a whole.
80 GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA
GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA 81
MARCH/APRIL 2026
MARCH/APRIL 2026
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