Every golfer has experienced the feeling. One day you’re clipping crisp chip shots that finish in tap-in range, and the next you’re wondering where that touch disappeared to. Whether you’re struggling around the greens or simply looking for a dependable technique to simplify your short game, having a reliable reset can make all the difference.
The good news is that it doesn’t have to be complicated. This three-step plan is easy to remember and can quickly get you back to making solid, consistent contact. Better yet, it helps the club do what it was designed to do instead of forcing the shot with unnecessary motion.
Start by opening the clubface — but do it the correct way. This can be achieved by loosening your grip, rotating the clubface open, and then re-gripping the club.
A common misconception is that leaning the shaft forward opens the face. It doesn’t. Opening the face is done by rotating the club itself before you take your grip.
Why does this matter? An open clubface exposes the bounce of the wedge, giving you a little insurance if you’re dealing with a sketchy lie, even when your technique is feeling a bit sketchy.
For a right-handed player, pull your right foot back to create a closed stance. And don’t just move it an inch; pull it back enough that you can really feel the difference. This setup helps stabilize your lower body and minimizes unnecessary movement during the swing. In other words, it prevents your legs and hips from trying to “help” in ways that usually end up hurting the shot.
Now make a smooth swing. Notice the operative word is smooth, not slow. Swing the club back the distance you’ve determined is needed for the shot, then swing through the ball with the goal of finishing just past impact.
A great checkpoint is your finish. Imagine the grip of the club finishing in a position where it could slide into your left (lead hip) pocket. The grip should be vertical (pointing up and down) not angled across your body. That finish encourages a clean, controlled motion and helps the club do what it was designed to do.
The next time your chipping starts to wander, remember these three simple steps: open the face, close the stance, and finish with the grip toward your left pocket. Oftentimes, the simplest thoughts produce the biggest results around the green.
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