F E A T U R E    A R T I C L E

STEVE PATTERSON WINNETKA GOLF CLUB PGA HEAD PROFESSIONAL

Chipping Close to the Hole Improving your short game is the fastest way to lower your score

Golf Tip No. 3

There is no faster way of lowering your golf score than by focusing on improving your short game. I mention faster for the need to mention that full swing improvement usually takes more time and effort that short game improvement. One facet of the short game that is easy to master with proper fundamentals is chipping. The art of chipping is based on a shot that rolls more than it flies in the air. I always stress that it is easier to get the ball closer to the hole when you can maximize the amount of time the balls rolls to the hole.

To achieve consistency in your chipping three aspects of your setup are necessary. The setup keys at address are:

1. The ball goes back in your stance. Directly in front of your right foot.

2. Your hands and the club are positioned in front of your left leg.

3. 85 percent of your weight favors your left foot.

To achieve consistency in your chipping three aspects of your morion are needed. The motion keys are:

(Continued on page 32)

Backswing	Address	Pre-impact	Finish

July/August 2001 | 31

F E A T U R E    A R T I C L E

Golf Tip No. 3

(Continued from page 31)

1. Keep your hands leading the clubhead through impact.

2. Your weight stays on your left for the entire stroke.

3. The length of your backswing controls the distance the ball rolls.

You can use any club between a 7-iron and a sand wedge. Club selection is determined by these three aspects:

1. How far from the green your ball is.

2. How far onto the green the hole is located.

3. The lie of the ball in the grass,

Utilizing these keys will certainly help you to get the ball in the hole fast. Your total score usually reflects that an average 65 percent of your total strokes are taken within 50 yards of the green.

I suggest you spend the same average amount of time practicing your short game and your golf score will lower.

Best wishes and keep on swinging.•

STEVE PATTERSON, PGA
is the PGA Head Professional for the Winnetka Golf Club, Winnetka Park District. Born and raised in Chariton, Iowa, Patterson won the 2000 Illinois PGA Bill Straushaugh Award. He was a member of the 1996 and 1997 Illinois PGA Radix Cup team. His previous two tips on distance and cutting were published in the March/April and May/June 2001 issues of Illinois Parks & Recreation magazine.

32 | Illinois Parks and Recreation