How to Make Chips Check
Use the 'slip' move to help short shots grab the green

By Paul Marchand
Top 100 Teacher

This story is for you if...

• You can chip the ball high but can't make it bite

• You often catch the shot fat when you try to follow the "hit down to make the ball go up" rule

The Situation
You have a short chip to the hole, but the green runs away from you. You need height and spin to stop this close.

The Solution
In this situation, Tour players hit a "slip shot," and you can, too. It gives you extra height and a ton of backspin, so the ball sits in a hurry. Whereas most lob shots require you to hit down on the ball to produce height and spin, you only need to "slip" the clubhead under the ball on this one to get the results you want.

Follow the steps at right. This technique only works if you swing aggressively through the hitting zone — don't slow down or try to baby the ball into the air. Make some practice swings before you do it for real, and remember to stay aggressive and stop your follow-through at hip height.