We all hit it astray from time to time,whether it be a poor drive or a bad iron.Lets be honest,amature golfers do not hit greens all day,so there will be always be those tricky short distance shots to negotiate.
Here is where it is invaluable to have the following skills in your bag.
Chip and run.
This is a great shot to have.If you have a relatively clear path to the green,or the flag is well back there is no need for heroics..The key to this shot is that it is played similar to a putting stroke but with the 7 or 8 iron.The ball has a low flight and then runs along the ground and on to the green just like a putt.
How to play it
Adopt a narrow stance,and approach it like a putt.
Put the ball slightly back in your stance.
Keep your weight on the front foot and keep your hands just ahead of the ball.
With practice,you will be able to consistently get the ball very close or even hole it now and then.
Pitch shots.
Pitching shots are not that difficult as long as you trust the loft of the club to do the work for you.
The two most common errors a player makes when chipping are hitting the ball fat(duffing it) and the ball goes nowhere.This is caused by either the player trying to get the club under the ball to get it airborne and scooping it ,or worse,trying not to get the ground at all and striking the top of the ball and thinning it ,low and usually way too far.The whole idea is to strike the ball before the ground to ensure a clean contact.
How to play it.
Position the ball in the center of your stance,Keep the weight slightly on your left side.
The main thing is.If say you are trying to hit the ball 50 yards,hit down and through,don't try force it.
But equally if you are only hitting it 15 or 20 yards,make a shorter swing but keep the club face going.
Even though you are only hitting it a short distance,you have to accelerate the club through the down swing.
This is the most important thing to remember.
Flop shot.
The flop shot is where the ball pops up high very quickly and lands very softly with very little roll.Ideally you should only play it if you have come over obstacles or bunkers where you have very little green to work with.
How to play it.
First of all the ball needs to be lying well,that is,you need to be able to get the club face under it.
Its not advisable to play this off a hard lie or if the ball is sitting down,its too risky.
Aim the club face at the target and open your stance(this will promote a steeper swing).
Position the ball inside your left heel(for a right handed player)
Make a full swing,taking the club up steeply and again you have to keep it going and accelerate into the ball,sliding the club face underneath it and popping it up.
A word of warning.
Lots of things can go wrong with this kind of shot if you don't get it spot on so it is advised to try to master it on the practice ground first.
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