A 10-yard chip shot is simple — not easy, but simple nonetheless. For an accomplished golfer, a 10-yard chip shot requires nothing more than a 10-yard-chip-shot swing. For the average golfer, this isn’t always the case. GolfTEC Coach Mickey Soderberg frequently observes golfers using 70-yard swings for 10-yard shots.
The harsh reality of using a 70-yard swing for a 10-yard chip is this: a miss-hit is the best chance you have of getting close to the hole. Soderberg explained that when a golfer takes such a long swing for a short chip shot, they are forced to alter their mechanics. If they don’t, solid contact would result in carrying the ball well past the green. In Soderberg’s experience, he often sees attempts to open the club face to extreme angles, or the classic case of decelerating the club through impact. The latter happens to the best of us — usually because we realize, mid-swing, that our 10-yard chip doesn’t require a 70-yard swing.
Three clubs, one swing
The first suggestion from Soderberg is to build what he calls the three club system. It’s a simple system: three clubs, one swing – that’s all you need to hit 80% of the shots around the green.
Here are the three clubs Soderberg builds his short game around:
- 7-iron
- Pitching Wedge
- Lob Wedge
Your three clubs may be slightly different. An 8-iron might feel more comfortable than a 7-iron, or you might prefer your sand wedge as opposed to a lob wedge. The key is choosing three clubs that combine to give you the most versatility. Once you’ve chosen your three clubs, the next step is learning to use one swing.
Most golfers think that a sand wedge and 7-iron require completely different swings. This is simply not true. Skilled golfers can certainly use different swings effectively, but one properly executed swing can be effectively used with multiple clubs. So what are the keys to a swing that works with all three clubs? Soderberg provides three simple starting points:
- Set the ball slightly back in your stance
- Hinge your wrists only slightly on the back swing
- Turn through the shot with your body instead of flipping your wrists
Devote practice time to working on your short game. Experiment with different options before choosing your three best clubs, and commit to keeping your swing simple and repeatable. As Soderberg pointed out, combining three well-chosen clubs and one reliable swing will allow you to effectively hit 80% of the shots around the green.
Stay focused
Inevitably, your mind will wander into thoughts of hitting those exceptionally challenging shots (the other 20%). “How will I get up and down when I’m plugged in the six-foot green side bunker?” “How will I get it close when I’m buried in the thick stuff with little green to work with?” The answer: You probably won’t. Accept this and move on. Sure, on rare occasions you might sink a long up-and-down putt, or come up with a spectacular shot, but that will be the exception, not the rule.
Solid golf, not spectacular golf, is how you improve. That’s why you need to build a solid foundation for your short game. If you can learn one swing, and effectively use it with three clubs, you will have a solid short game. From there, you can begin to build on your foundation – expanding your shot making arsenal around the green.
