Stop Leaving Chips Short

If you struggle to get the ball to the hole on chips, I'll bet your address position is too much like your full-swing address (above, left). This encourages you to scale down the size and speed of your chipping stroke, and, as a result, you don't hit the ball hard enough.

If this sounds familiar, weaken your setup. Adjust your positions away from the powerful, full-swing address. Then you can swing aggressively without fear of hitting the ball too far.

Start by setting your feet closer together (above, right). Then grip down on the handle with your left hand in a weaker position, your left thumb straight down the grip. From there, the standard chipping principles still apply: Stand slightly open, favor your front leg, and play the ball slightly back of center in your stance. Now all you have to do is make a descending strike, accelerating through the ball.