Golf Practice Drills: chipping distances

The chipping distances drill is our first short game practice drill in the Short Game Practice Drills series.

Do you worry about which club to use when just off the green? PGA coach Simon Garner helps us through that awkward decision by giving us some pointers on the ball flight and roll distances.

The lie of the ball, how elevated the green is, and the gradient of the putting surface, are all factors you need to take into account when playing the shot so having a knowledge of the clubs capabilities is vital.

In the top picture you can see the original ball position (A) and the landing point (B). For this drill chip ten balls from A to try and land on B with three different clubs. 

For instance, when Simon hits his lob wedge to land on B the ball rolls and comes to rest at C. The same principle for D but using an 8-iron and E using a 6-iron.

You can see that even though the ball flight for each club is exactly the same length the amount of roll is significantly different.

For this reason, Simon says it's important you get used to each club and know what roll they generate on the greens so you're ready for all distances of chip shot.

Check out where Simon coaches at the Palmerston Golf Academy at Brocket Hall.

Or look at our Short Game Practice Drills index or Golf Practice Drills index for more help.

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