The downhill chip When chipping from a downhill lie your club is naturally de-lofted making the ball fly lower and likely run out a bit more than normal. To compensate you should select a more lofted club, like a sand or lob wedge to give the ball a little more lift. The ball should be played slightly more towards your higher foot, and your body should lean with the slope so that most of your weight is on your front foot. You should widen your stance a little to help remain in balance, as too narrow a stance will cause you to be a bit unstable. The backswing is made by rocking your shoulders, ensuring that your weight remains on your front foot. On the downswing, you must swing with the slope, andresist and temptation to lean back and help the ball into the air by scooping the wrists, as this will cause you to strike the turf before the ball or to top it. Your weight should remain on the front foot throughout impact, as this will ensure that the ball is struck cleanly. This is quite a tricky chip to play and will require some practice to master, but like everything in golf, the more you practice, the better you get! |