The art of exquisite chipping and pitching in golf often hinges on the mastery of controlling excessive hand action, particularly the inadvertent ‘flicking’ motion through the ball.
Such erratic movements frequently culminate in undesirable and inconsistent shots, detracting from the player’s overall performance around the green. In the realm of golf where precision is paramount, the full release of the clubhead is indeed vital for full shots.
However, the scenario alters significantly when the spotlight is on those subtle, nuanced chip shots close to the green. Here, commanding control over the club head at the crucial moment of impact and maintaining this control seamlessly through the ball is non-negotiable.
Table of Contents
Strong Left Hand Golf Grip for Chipping
Chipping necessitates keeping the hands consistently ahead of the club head, a fundamental aspect often underplayed. When deploying a conventional grip, golfers inadvertently set into motion a sequence where their hands are compelled to release the club to align the face squarely.
This active engagement of hands and forearms, while may seem trivial, is a precarious proposition, especially for those diminutive shots close to the green that demand precision. An alteration in the grip, specifically a subtle clockwise turn of the left hand revealing more knuckles, instigates an automatic forward push of the hands, positioning them advantageously ahead of the ball.
With the left hand now ingeniously aligned in a hooking position, it instills a natural tendency in the golfer to synchronize the hands and club as a singular unit. This synchronization is pivotal as it precludes the clubface from closing prematurely at impact, ensuring the hands take the lead throughout the shot, thereby imbuing the action with enhanced stability and control.
Ball Position for Chipping
In tandem with adjusting to a strong left-hand grip, the ball position warrants meticulous attention and adjustment. A forward-positioned ball, when coupled with a strong grip, inadvertently elevates the left shoulder, disrupting the swing’s natural and desired arc.
Thus, when employing a strong grip for chipping and pitching, strategic positioning of the ball further back in the stance is imperative. This subtle repositioning not only facilitates a lower left shoulder posture but crucially fosters the generation of the correct arc through impact.
This calculated adjustment to the ball’s position is instrumental in ensuring the hands remain ahead of the clubhead while promoting a slight downward arc on the ball, guaranteeing a robust and solid strike, each time.
Choosing Clubs for Chipping and Pitching
The allure of lifting the ball into the sky is often tempting for many golfers while chipping, but succumbing to this temptation is perilous. Attempting to elevate the ball artificially disrupts the natural lofting process that the club head is designed to execute effortlessly.
Common mistakes like lifting the left shoulder, which subsequently alters the arc, often lead to thin or fat shots – the bane of any golfer aiming for a soft shot around the green. The golden rule here is to maintain a disciplined focus, keeping the head down steadfastly until the ball has been dispatched securely.
This deliberate focus ensures the left shoulder remains lowered, paving the way for optimal ball contact and, ultimately, a successful chip or pitch.
