Phil Mickelson’s 3 Rules to Chip Like a Pro
Are you struggling with your chipping game and looking for ways to improve? Look no further than Phil Mickelson, one of the greatest golfers of all time. With five major championships and over 50 career wins, Mickelson's short game is renowned for its precision and finesse. In this article, we'll take a closer look at Mickelson's chipping technique and break down his three key rules that can help you improve your chipping and lower your scores on the course. From weight distribution to ball position, we'll cover everything you need to know to chip like a pro.
1. Keep Your Weight Forward
Having your weight forward is a fundamental aspect of chipping and is considered one of Phil Mickelson's key rules for successful chipping. The reason for this is simple - having your weight forward allows you to keep the leading edge of the club down, and thus strike the ball cleanly. When your weight is back, it can be difficult to strike the ball cleanly and can result in inconsistent and unreliable shots.
To get your weight forward when chipping, you'll want to start with your feet shoulder-width apart and slightly open to the target. Then, as you set up to the ball, shift your weight towards your front foot (left foot for right-handed golfers) and keep it there throughout your swing. This will help you strike down on the ball and create a clean impact, leading to more consistent and accurate chip shots. Additionally, having your weight forward will also help you control the trajectory of your shots, allowing you to hit both high and low chips with ease.
2. Keep Your Hands Forward
Keeping your hands forward is another critical aspect of successful chipping. When your hands are forward, you're able to keep the club face square through impact, which leads to a more consistent and accurate shot. When your hands are back, the club face is more likely to be open or closed, leading to a less predictable ball flight.
To get your hands forward when chipping, you'll want to start by setting up with your hands ahead of the ball. This means that your hands should be closer to the target than the ball itself. As you make your swing, be sure to keep your hands ahead of the club head, which will help you create that square impact position.
Another important aspect of keeping your hands forward is to maintain a firm grip on the club. This will help you control the club face and prevent it from opening or closing during your swing. However, be careful not to grip the club too tightly, as this can lead to tension in your swing and result in inconsistent shots. Strive for a firm, but relaxed grip on the club to achieve the best results.
3. Decide If You Are Going Low or High
Phil Mickelson's third and final rule for chipping is to decide whether you want to hit a low or high chip shot. The position of the ball plays a crucial role in determining the trajectory of your shot. If you want to hit a low chip shot, you should position the ball in line with your back foot. This will encourage a steeper angle of attack and help you strike down on the ball. This will help you to get the ball rolling quickly along the ground, ideal for when you need to chip and run.
On the other hand, if you want to hit a high chip shot, you should position the ball in front of your stance, closer to your front foot. This will encourage a shallower angle of attack, allowing you to sweep the ball off the ground and send it higher into the air. This is useful when you need to hit a chip shot that needs to carry over an obstacle and land softly on the green. Remember, the ball should never be positioned in the middle of your stance, as this will result in a less consistent strike and less control over the trajectory of the shot.