2-MINUTE CLINICS

How to chip with a hybrid

You might have a hybrid to replace one of your long irons, but did you know it can also be useful around the greens? The head makes it an effective tool for chipping. Here's how to get up and down with your hybrid. —Steve Buzza, one of Golf Digest's Best Young Teachers in America

  • Hold the club with your dominant hand first
  • Position that hand down on the shaft
  • Add your glove hand, fitting the hands together
  • Use your putting grip if it feels comfortable
  • Address the ball as you normally would for a chip
  • Now move in closer so the shaft gets nearly vertical
  • Let the heel of the clubhead come off the ground
  • Play the ball in the middle of your stance
  • Bring in your feet so they are nearly touching
  • Tilt your upper body toward the target so the shaft leans forward
  • Rehearse a putting motion before you hit the shot
  • Take a normal-length backstroke for the distance you want
  • Swing down smoothly and feel the little "pop" at impact
  • The ball will come off hotter than with a putter, so abbreviate the finish