Your June newsletter is here, and this month we are discussing the proper set up for solid chips.* Our goal will be to get the toe of the club up and the handle forward. This set up should result in a solid and consistent chipping stroke. Try these tips to achieve the correct set up:

1. Square the leading edge to your target line, then raise the clubhead slightly on its toe. This will give you a more upright lie, which makes your chipping stroke more like your putting stroke. You will find this easier to control as it allows for a straight back and through swinging motion.
2. Move the handle of your club two inches farther toward the target than the front edge of the ball. This will de-loft the clubhead and promote a downward strike, which is what you want to accomplish. You can use this technique with any wedge and even a 9 or 8 iron.
3. Ensure the butt end of the club is pointing a couple of inches left of center of your body.
4. Square your shoulders to the target line and have your weight over your front foot, and play the ball off the big toe of your front foot.
5. Move the club with your arms and shoulders while keeping your hands and wrists quiet and your weight on your front side (foot).
6. Swing through the hitting zone. Try to imagine you are striking down on the ball and gently closing the clubface.

You can eliminate the majority of your chipping errors if you make sure your set up is correct. The goal of your chipping address position is to situate your body, arms, hands and club to create a descending blow without chunking the clubhead into the ground or striking the ball with the leading edge of the clubface. By practicing the tips and techniques discussed you will ensure your set up is correct and ultimately your club will be in the correct position at impact.

Now go out and play better golf!

Thank you,
K & D Online, Inc.

"I love the game. I love the competition. And golf is my life. Thanks to golf, I have what I have and what I have achieved and I'm grateful to the game." Seve Ballesteros

*David Denunzio and Gary Perkinson, Golf Magazine.