3 Keys: Chipping to a back pin
Photo: Stephen Szurlej
1. I went through a period a few years ago when I chipped with my sand wedge from everywhere. Now I'm back to the traditional style, going with as much as a 7-iron when I need more roll. Ask yourself: What's the longest club that will let you land the ball on the green without running it past the hole? That's the right one.
2. Grip down an inch or two to control the club better and improve your chances of making solid contact (see photo on right). Play the ball just behind center in your stance, and put more weight on your front foot. Don't try to add wrist hinge on the backswing. Your wrists will naturally hinge a little, but leave the big wristy swings for lob shots over bunkers.
3. I think of the downswing as turning the upper body through the shot. Some players try to "hook" their chips when they need extra roll. To me, that gets the hands too involved and causes you to stop turning. Plus, I want the clubface square at impact, not closed -- if the face isn't square, it's hard to predict bounce and roll.
Sorenstam writes instruction articles only for Golf Digest Publications. View more tips from Annika.
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