How to chip with a hybrid

You might have purchased a hybrid to replace one of your long irons on full-swing shots, but did you know it can be nearly as useful around the greens? The mass and shape of the clubhead make it an effective tool for chipping in a number of common scenarios, provided you know how to use it. Here are the simple steps you need to get up and down with your hybrid. —Steve Buzza, one of Golf Digest's Best Young Teachers in America

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  • 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