Golfing News & Blog Articles

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Guerrier shoots 'PlayStation' front 9 at Andalucia

Julien Guerrier made nine birdies on his first 11 holes en route to an 10-under 62 opening round in the Andalucia Masters on Thursday.

Chipping Tips

Chipping is a crucial skill in golf, often determining whether you'll save par or drop a stroke. Mastering the chip shot can significantly improve your short game. Here are some in-depth tips to help you refine your chipping technique and become more consistent around the greens:

1. Proper Setup

  • Stance: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, and position the ball slightly back in your stance (toward your right foot for right-handed golfers). This encourages a downward strike on the ball.
  • Weight Distribution: Lean slightly forward, distributing more weight on your front foot (left foot for right-handed golfers). Aim for about 60% of your weight on your front foot during the shot.
  • Grip: Use a light grip pressure to maintain feel and control. Your hands should be ahead of the ball at address, promoting a downward strike.

2. Club Selection

  • Choose the Right Club: Depending on the distance to the hole and the type of shot you want to play, choose an appropriate club. For shorter chips, use a pitching wedge or gap wedge; for longer shots, consider a 9-iron or even an 8-iron.
  • Understand Bounce: The bounce of the club is crucial in chipping. Use clubs with more bounce (like wedges) on softer surfaces and less bounce (like a 7-iron) on firmer surfaces.

3. The Chipping Technique

  • Focus on the Pendulum Motion: Your chipping motion should resemble a pendulum. Keep your arms and shoulders connected and maintain a smooth, controlled swing.
  • Backswing: Take a short, controlled backswing. The length of your backswing should correlate with the distance you want to chip the ball. For short chips, a quarter to half swing is sufficient.
  • Follow-Through: Your follow-through should be similar to your backswing length. Aim for a balanced finish, with the clubface pointing toward your target.

4. Control Your Distance

  • Use the Ground: Allow the club's bounce to interact with the ground, preventing the club from digging in. This will help the ball pop up and roll toward the hole.
  • Practice Distance Control: Spend time on the practice green experimenting with different backswing lengths to gauge how far the ball travels with various clubs. This will improve your feel for distance.

5. Focus on the Target

  • Visualize the Shot: Before you swing, visualize the trajectory and landing spot of the ball. Picture how it will roll toward the hole after landing.
  • Aim for a Spot: Instead of aiming directly at the hole, pick a landing spot on the green where you want the ball to land. This spot should be close to the hole but on a flatter surface, allowing for better roll.

6. Practice Different Lies

  • Practice Various Conditions: Get comfortable with different lies—tight lies, fluffy lies, uphill, downhill, and sidehill lies. Each requires a slightly different technique and club selection.
  • Short Game Drills: Set up drills on the practice green, such as chipping to various targets, practicing from different distances, and using different clubs.

7. Mindset and Confidence

  • Stay Relaxed: Tension can hinder your swing. Focus on staying relaxed and maintaining a smooth rhythm throughout your chip.
  • Positive Attitude: Approach each chip shot with confidence. Trust your technique and the practice you've put in, which will help reduce anxiety.

8. Use Your Hands Wisely

  • Minimal Wrist Movement: Keep your wrists firm throughout the shot. Excessive wrist action can lead to inconsistent contact and distance control.
  • Lead with Your Hands: Focus on leading with your hands through the shot, ensuring that the clubhead follows. This helps ensure solid contact with the ball.

9. Practice Regularly

  • Dedicated Short Game Practice: Set aside time in your practice sessions specifically for chipping. The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you'll become around the greens.
  • Game Scenarios: Create game-like situations during practice. For example, chip from different spots on the green with the goal of getting the ball within a specific distance of the hole.

10. Use Technology and Feedback

  • Video Analysis: Record your chipping technique and review it to identify areas for improvement. Look for consistent setup, swing motion, and follow-through.
  • Track Performance: Keep a log of your chipping success rates and analyze patterns in your misses. This can help identify areas that need more focus in practice.

Conclusion

Improving your chipping requires a combination of proper technique, practice, and a confident mindset. By focusing on your setup, club selection, and distance control, you'll become more effective around the greens, leading to lower scores and a more enjoyable game. Regular practice and a positive approach will help you develop a reliable chipping technique that you can trust in various situations on the course.

 
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Buhai, Green, Shin lead LPGA in South Korea

Ashleigh Buhai of South Africa, Hannah Green of Australia, and Jenny Shin of South Korea each shot 8-under 64s to top the leaderboard after the first round of the BMW Ladies Championship on Thursday.

Major(s) News & Notes, October 17, 2024

Ryder Cup ticket price backlash and why the PGA of America priced them so high. Plus, Norman out as LIV CEO, Roberts on Peacock's lack of profitability, This, That and Reads.

2 drills that led this long drive champ to record-breaking clubhead speed

Long-drive competitor Seb Twaddell explains 2 drills that can increase your clubhead speed for maximum distance.

The post 2 drills that led this long drive champ to record-breaking clubhead speed appeared first on Golf.

Ryder Cup tickets are more expensive than ever. PGA explains why

Ryder Cup tickets are more expensive than ever before. But why? The Championship Director explains their reasoning.

The post Ryder Cup tickets are more expensive than ever. PGA explains why appeared first on Golf.

Seconds? Scheffler mulls '23 Masters menu redux

Scottie Scheffler is thinking about serving the same food at the traditional Champions Dinner prior to the Masters as he did in 2023. "It was pretty good," he said.

This Tour-proven drill will dramatically improve your putting

In today's edition of Play Smart GOLF Top 100 Teacher Jonathan Yarwood demonstrates a putting drill that makes the hole feel bigger.

The post This Tour-proven drill will dramatically improve your putting appeared first on Golf.

U.S. beats Internationals for third straight Bridges Cup victory

The U.S. held off an Internationals comeback to win the Bridges Cup at Haesley Nine Bridges in South Korea.

The post U.S. beats Internationals for third straight Bridges Cup victory appeared first on Golf.

No coach? No problem: How an emergency fill-in coach led a women's golf team to a title

Charleston Southern golf took home the 2024 Elon Invitational -- with the help of an interim coach found via mass athletic department email.

Stix Golf and Nicklaus Brands to collaborate on affordable, high-performance clubs

A new partnership between Stix Golf and Nicklaus Brands promises a range of innovative golf products in the coming years.

The post Stix Golf and Nicklaus Brands to collaborate on affordable, high-performance clubs appeared first on Golf.

Andrew 'Beef' Johnston recalls epic drunken escapade with John Daly

Andrew "Beef" Johnston is back, and now he's sharing an epic tale of a drunken escapade where he tried to out-drink John Daly.

The post Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnston recalls epic drunken escapade with John Daly appeared first on Golf.

2024 Shriners Children's Open Thursday tee times: Round 1 groupings

2024 Shriners Children's Open tee times for Thursday's first round, featuring Rickie Fowler, Tom Kim and more.

The post 2024 Shriners Children’s Open Thursday tee times: Round 1 groupings appeared first on Golf.

McIlroy disrespect, Finau's getaway, Clark's latest accomplishment | Rogers Report

Rory McIlroy catching a stray, Tony Finau's family getaway, Caitlin Clark's latest escapades and more: get caught up with the Rogers Report.

The post McIlroy disrespect, Finau’s getaway, Clark’s latest accomplishment | Rogers Report appeared first on Golf.

How to hit driver off the deck, according to major winner — and how not to

Here’s how to hit driver off the deck, according to three-time major winner Padraig Harrington, via a recently posted video. And how not to.

The post How to hit driver off the deck, according to major winner — and how not to appeared first on Golf.

1 subtle grip misstep leads to poor strikes, Top 100 Teacher says. Here’s his fix

One subtle grip misstep leads to poor strikes, GOLF Magazine Top 100 Teacher Brian Mogg said. On a recent Instagram video, he offered a fix.

The post 1 subtle grip misstep leads to poor strikes, Top 100 Teacher says. Here’s his fix appeared first on Golf.

Get Fitted for Clubs

Getting fitted for golf clubs is a crucial step in improving your game and ensuring that your equipment complements your swing style and physical characteristics. Here’s a detailed guide on how to go about getting fitted for clubs:

1. Understand the Importance of Club Fitting

  • Maximized Performance: Properly fitted clubs can enhance your performance by improving accuracy, distance, and consistency.
  • Comfort and Confidence: Clubs that suit your body and swing style help you feel more comfortable and confident on the course.

2. Seek Professional Help

  • Visit a Fitting Center: Look for a reputable golf shop or fitting center with experienced fitters. Many pro shops at golf courses offer fitting services.
  • Certified Fitters: Ensure that the fitters are certified by major golf brands or organizations, as they have the expertise to provide personalized recommendations.

3. Prepare for Your Fitting Session

  • Bring Your Current Clubs: If you have them, bring your existing clubs so the fitter can assess your current setup.
  • Wear Proper Attire: Dress in comfortable golf attire and shoes to replicate your on-course setup as closely as possible.
  • Be Ready to Swing: Be prepared to hit shots during the fitting process. This will help the fitter understand your swing dynamics.

4. Evaluate Your Swing

  • Launch Monitor Technology: Many fitting sessions use launch monitors to analyze your swing data, including swing speed, ball speed, launch angle, spin rate, and more.
  • Analyze Your Ball Flight: The fitter will observe your ball flight and performance to identify any trends or issues that need to be addressed.

5. Identify Key Factors for Fitting

  • Length: The length of the club affects your posture and swing path. Taller players may require longer clubs, while shorter players may benefit from shorter ones.
  • Lie Angle: This refers to the angle between the shaft and the ground when the club is at rest. Proper lie angle ensures the clubhead makes solid contact with the ground at impact.
  • Shaft Flex: The flex of the shaft (e.g., regular, stiff, extra stiff) influences how the club performs based on your swing speed and tempo.
  • Grip Size: The grip size should feel comfortable in your hands. A grip that’s too small or too large can negatively impact control and comfort.

6. Choose the Right Clubs

  • Driver: Discuss your launch angle and spin rate with the fitter to determine the optimal loft and shaft flex for your driver.
  • Irons: Evaluate the set makeup (number of clubs) and the specific irons that suit your game. The fitter will help you select the right head style (forgiveness vs. control) based on your skill level.
  • Wedges: Consider your short game needs and the types of shots you typically play around the greens.
  • Putter: The fitting process may also include assessing your putting stroke to find the right style and length of putter that fits your comfort and technique.

7. Test Different Options

  • Try Various Brands: Don’t limit yourself to one brand during the fitting. Different manufacturers have different technologies and styles that might suit you better.
  • Hit Multiple Clubs: Test various configurations and models to see what feels best during the fitting session.

8. Follow Up

  • Order Your Clubs: Once you’ve found the right specifications, place your order for custom-fitted clubs.
  • Practice with New Clubs: After receiving your new clubs, practice regularly to get used to them. Pay attention to how they feel and adjust your technique if necessary.

Conclusion

Getting fitted for golf clubs is an essential step to optimize your performance on the course. By understanding your needs and working with a qualified fitter, you can select clubs that enhance your comfort, confidence, and overall game. Remember that the right equipment can make a significant difference, so take the time to invest in a fitting session and enjoy the benefits of playing with clubs tailored specifically for you!

Korda (neck) withdraws from next two events

Nelly Korda withdrew from the BMW Ladies Championship and the Maybank Championship after sustaining a minor neck injury while practicing.

Seve Ballesteros' simple keys for hitting masterful pitch shots

Hitting solid pitch shots is easier than you think. All you need to do is listen to this advice from Seve Ballesteros.

The post Seve Ballesteros’ simple keys for hitting masterful pitch shots appeared first on Golf.

Bridges Cup Day 1: U.S. jumps out to early lead over Internationals

The U.S. jumped out to an early four-point advantage at the 2024 Bridges Cup, but the Internationals closed the gap to two by day's end.

The post Bridges Cup Day 1: U.S. jumps out to early lead over Internationals appeared first on Golf.


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