Chip shots
On the short shots just off the edge of the green it is absolutely essential that this technique of playing the ball back opposite the right heel be employed. It will insure getting under the ball properly-it will avoid contacting the ball with the edge of the club and skating the ball across the green as if it were a scared rabbit.
But chip shots are easy to play if the player understands
( a) that the body action provides the power and then (b) the hands are free to determine direction and/or stop effect from an open face club position, or roll or run effect from a closed face club position. In other words, we come again face to face with the importance of how the club is cocked or set for the shot.
Of course, on chip shots, a player may use a lofted club such as a #9 iron to automatically put a stop on the ball, or the player may use a #4 or even a #3 iron, to automatically put a roll on the ball. However, there is a certain extra control that can be added to these shots if the player is properly trained in the matter of deliberately playing the club open when a sharp stop is necessary on a chip shot. Again, if a roll or run shot is desired this can be easily accomplished if the player has the ability to set or cock the club into a closed position as the shot is being played.
From a practical standpoint, the best way to play chip shots is to always play them with a closed face position of the club. Use a club that will drop the ball on the smooth putting surface, and then have it run or roll up to the cup.
To facilitate this pitch and run effect, it will be helpful to play the ball off the right foot instead of opposite the left heel. continue to lefthanded golf...