The first three towels are to be used as landing areas for chip shots designated at 5, 10, and 15 yards (Picture # 1).  The fourth towel is a training tool that is placed across the chest and under each arm pit (Picture# 2). With a good chipping technique, the wrists are passive. The towel under the arms is used to make sure the big muscles in the shoulders are moving the small muscles to control this stroke. Use the towel under your arms with all your wedges to practice, and work on hitting your landing areas. The point of emphasis in this drill is that if you cannot control where the ball starts out, then you cannot control where the ball ends up.

By keeping the wrists passive while chipping, you simply vary the length of both the backswing and the follow through to help control your landing area precision. My DVD, entitled From Putt to Drive, has a comprehensive chipping segment covering set up and technique.

A final note on short game strategy: putt whenever you can putt, chip when you cannot putt, and putt chip with your hybrid as a last resort. 

 

 

Ted Frick

Owner/Director of Instruction

Classic Swing Golf School

2005 Carolinas PGA Section Teacher of the Year

TPI Level 1 Certified Golf Fitness Instructor

G.S.E.D., The Golfing Machine

tfrick@classicswing.com