HATE CHIPPING OFF TIGHT LIES? GO WITH YOUR HYBRID
Tour pros love hitting chips off razor-cut fair- way lies, but I bet you prefer a little cushion of
grass under your ball. Trying to play a standard chip shot with your sand or lob wedge from a tight lie leaves very little margin for error. Unless you’re practising these greenside shots a lot, you’re probably better off going with an easier option. This is especially prudent if you don’t have to get the ball airborne for your next shot, like when it’s resting just short of the green in a fairway or in a collection area on the side of the putting surface. What you want in these scenarios is the play that gives you the best chance of getting the ball close to the hole – considering your skill level. Don’t forget that last part. It’s much easier for average golfers to execute a chip-and-run shot with a hybrid ( right ). Assuming the lie is clean, this shot is especially useful for longer greenside shots or when there’s a steep bank between you and the pin. To chip with your hybrid, think of the shot more like a long lag putt. Stand taller than your normal put- ting posture and open your stance a little. These adjustments will help free your stroke. Also, grip down on the handle a little for control. To make good contact, play the ball a little behind your sternum ( right ), and set up so that the shaft is more upright with the heel of the club just off the ground. With all these setup adjustments in place, all you need to do is make a good lag put- ting stroke. Keep your lower body still as you swing your arms and ro- tate your body a touch towards the hole. The club will collect the ball and get it rolling through the grass around the green with enough mo- mentum to keep it tracking towards the cup once it’s on.
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