How to Become a Chipping Assassin Around the Greens
The Strategic Advantages of Perfecting Your Chipping Technique
The Paramount Role of the Short Game
While powerful drives might attract applause, it's crucial to recognize that about 65% of strokes in a round occur within 100 yards of the hole. This compelling fact underscores the need to excel in your short game, especially chipping. At EJS Golf Academy, nestled in Scottsdale, AZ at the prestigious McCormick Ranch Golf Club, we present a comprehensive guide to mastering the art of chipping.
Hi. I am coach Erik Schjolberg, owner of EJS Golf Academy in Scottsdale, AZ. Over the last 30 years helping golfers become proficient in chipping all the way to the few who become assassins, I have loved every minute of it. Why? Because I can so greatly influence a golfers golf score with such a small shot that really anyone can perform. This short is technical and not all based on your athletic ability. Join me and become part of an elite group of assassins if you so choose!
Deciphering the Physics Behind a Perfect Chip
In the realm of golf, the artistry of a chip shot hinges on three pivotal variables: consistent launch angle, launch velocity, and spin. These components, when meticulously calibrated, form the bedrock of optimal shot-making. Recent research underscores that golfers who maintain consistency in these metrics not only achieve greater precision but also enjoy notable scoring advantages.
Launch Angle, Velocity, and Spin: The Triad of Success
Launch Angle: The trajectory of the ball as it leaves the clubface determines its initial flight path. A consistent launch angle ensures the ball behaves predictably, essential for precision around the greens.
Launch Velocity: The speed at which the ball is propelled from the clubface influences both distance and control. Maintaining a consistent launch velocity allows for better distance management and touch.
Spin: Spin rate affects how the ball interacts with the turf upon landing. Higher spin can result in a quicker stop, while lower spin might allow for more roll. Mastering spin control is crucial for versatile shot-making.
Studies indicate that golfers who consistently manage these elements can achieve up to 30% more accuracy in their short game, translating into lower scores and improved overall performance.
Biomechanics at Play: The Science of Impact
From the point of impact to the resultant spin, a myriad of biomechanical factors come into play, shaping the outcome of a chip shot. These factors, when mastered, can significantly elevate a golfer's chipping proficiency. Key elements include:
Centered Strike: Achieving a strike at the club's sweet spot ensures maximum energy transfer and consistency.
Low Point Control: Managing the low point in the swing arc prevents fat or thin shots, crucial for reliable chipping.
Angle of Attack: The angle at which the clubhead approaches the ball affects both launch and spin. An optimal angle of attack ensures the desired trajectory and control.
Dynamic Loft: The loft presented at impact can vary from the club's static loft. Understanding and controlling dynamic loft can enhance shot predictability.
Spin Loft: The relationship between dynamic loft and angle of attack influences spin. Fine-tuning spin loft is essential for mastering the chip shot.
Each of these biomechanical aspects can be precisely measured and analyzed using advanced tools such as Trackman. This technology provides invaluable data, allowing golfers to refine their technique and achieve a higher level of precision.
By leveraging these insights, golfers can systematically enhance their chipping performance, gaining a competitive edge on the course. The integration of biomechanics and cutting-edge technology like Trackman paves the way for a deeper understanding and mastery of the short game.
Methodology: EJS Golf Academy's Tech-Driven Approach
Harnessing the Cutting Edge in Golf Technology
In pursuing the pinnacle of golf performance, we integrate sophisticated equipment, including but not limited to the highly acclaimed Trackman 4 Launch monitor, dynamic 3D Pressure Plates, and cutting-edge 3D Video analysis systems. Our methodology involves an in-depth exploration of your unique chipping technique, precisely dissecting every nuance of your approach.
Our commitment to excellence is mirrored by the overwhelming majority of professional golfers. In fact, referencing respected industry statistics, it's notable that upwards of 90% of PGA Tour professionals place their trust in comparable technological advancements to refine their craft. These tools have become crucial in providing the detailed feedback and metrics necessary for a player to understand and develop their game.
Through our comprehensive review process, we're not only examining the fundamentals of your chipping, like speed, angle, and spin but also, we thoroughly assess the subtle interplay of kinetics and kinematics that are captured by 3D Pressure Plates. These Plates provide insight into the balance and force distribution during your swing - a critical component to mastering the art of chipping.
Additionally, our 3D Video analysis offers a multidimensional perspective on your technique, enabling us to capture and scrutinize every element of the swing path, body alignment, and club position. By combining these advanced diagnostic tools, we leave no stone unturned in our quest to unveil and refine the intricate layers of your chipping dynamics.
In embracing such state-of-the-art technology, our service provides unequalled precision in analysis, which is a testament to the same caliber of equipment that over 90% of PGA Tour professionals depend on. These golfing experts acknowledge the value of high-tech tools for the crucial feedback and improvement mechanisms they offer, which we extend to our clients with the promise of enhancing their performance to professional standards.
Crafting the Perfect Chip
Crafting Your Chipping Setup
Creating a reliable setup is your first step towards consistent chipping. Here's how to position yourself for success:
Weight Distribution: Place about 60% of your weight on your front foot to facilitate a slightly descending angle of attack.
Ball Position: Keep the ball in the center of your stance. This setup allows for a descending strike and ensures the low point occurs just ahead of the ball.
Stance Width: Opt for a narrower stance than you would for a full shot. A narrower stance makes it easier for your lower body to rotate, adding momentum to your swing.
Spine Angle: Maintain a neutral spine angle to allow your thoracic spine to rotate freely during your swing.
Have your sternum pointing in front of the ball to ensure the low point in front of the golf ball.
Navigating the Backswing:
The chipping backswing involves a blend of body pivot, arm swing, and wrist hinge. The ratio between these elements can influence the arc of your swing and, consequently, the type of chip shot you produce.
Tips for the Backswing
Head Stability: Limit any lateral head movement during the backswing. Even minor shifts can disrupt your angle of attack, affecting the quality of your chip. In fact, I would like to see your head go forward by about 2 inches on either the backswing or downswing to ensure the proper low point in front of the golf ball.
Right Arm Mechanics: Your right palm should face outward at the end of your backswing, ensuring a shallow arc and enabling you to use the bounce of the club effectively. Feel your arm folding.
The club should not pass behind your hands when it is at P2, parallel to the ground. This ensures that with natural forces when you get into your downswing and the all important impact that you are not hitting behind the golf ball.
It is important to remember that your chipping and pitching technique are not the same as your full swing technique.
Mastering the Downswing and Impact
In the downswing, focus on these key points:
Chest and Body Rotation: Your chest, arms, and club should move as one unit towards the target. Rotation should originate from the chest, leading the arms and club.
Posture Maintenance: Keep your posture angles constant until well after impact. This ensures that you strike the center of the face and control the low point effectively.
Tips for Impact and Post-Impact
Lead Arm & Shaft Angle: Aim to maintain a straight line between your lead arm and the club shaft post-impact. This helps to stabilize your dynamic loft.
Club Face Orientation: Keep the clubface square to the target as long as possible through impact. This helps in directional control and distance management.
Impact Consistency: Focus on brushing the grass in front of the golf ball to achieve a consistent low point and a centered strike.
Flight Consistency: Aim for the same flight and strike with every chip shot to develop an intuitive feel for distance control. This is building your base.
Chipping Exercises for Precision
To become proficient at chipping, it's important to continually practice and refine these techniques. Try these drills:
1. Chip under a stick - Place an alignment stick about the height of a park bench seat and practice trying to hit under the alignment stick. Feeling like you are going to hit it low will do two things for you:
You will drive your handle ahead of the club face giving you some shaft lean
Keep your body moving forward
2. Tee on its Side - Place a tee a few inches in front of your ball on its side. Work on making contact with that tee. This will refine your technique by:
Removing thoughts of hitting the golf ball and focusing more on your chipping swing
Build confidence and learn that tight lies will become your friend by allowing you to put a lot of spin on the golf ball
3. Towel Under Arm Pits - Focus on rotation through your swing. Keep your elbows by your side.
The EJS Golf Curriculum
Our educational method is based on a structured 15-minutes-per-day regimen, aiming to foster both efficient and effective learning habits. By dedicating a mere quarter-hour daily to our specialized practice routines, you're not simply learning—you're embracing a strategy that's backed by empirical evidence to facilitate swift progression in your skills. This steadfast approach is at the core of our program and directly correlates with our promise to deliver noticeable outcomes from the initial lesson you undertake with us. The beauty of this compact, yet powerful model is that it taps into the principles of consistency and focused attention—key ingredients proven to enhance learning efficiency. Our commitment to this concise practice duration is rooted in a data-driven understanding that short, regular practice sessions can induce more rapid improvement than lengthy, sporadic ones. This paves the way for our confidence in assuring that you will see concrete, measurable results immediately following your first engagement in our learning system.
Fundamental Setup Principles
A well-executed chipping setup involves precise weight distribution, appropriate ball positioning, a narrower stance, and a neutral spine angle. These elements collectively establish the foundation for a successful chip.
The Biomechanics of the Perfect Chip
When each biomechanical factor is well-calibrated—whether it's hitting the ball at the clubface's center or controlling the dynamic loft—golfers experience marked improvements in their chipping consistency and accuracy.
Conclusion: The EJS Guarantee and Your Path Forward
As Scottsdale's premier golf coach, I, Coach Erik Schjolberg, guarantee improvement from your very first lesson at EJS Golf Academy. We offer both Scottsdale Golf Lessons and Online Golf Lessons, aligning with my mission to provide highly effective, feedback-driven golf instruction.
By committing to our scientifically-backed methodologies and practice routines, you position yourself to not only enhance your chipping but also to significantly improve your entire golf game. The opportunity for transformation is just a decision away.
At EJS Golf Academy in Scottsdale, AZ, we hold one unwavering belief: every golfer should see noticeable improvement from their very first lesson. Located at the esteemed McCormick Ranch Golf Club, we offer the most comprehensive and tech-driven golf instruction to bring about meaningful change in your game.
Mastering chipping is integral to lowering your scores and making the most out of your rounds. At EJS Golf Academy, we guarantee results from the first lesson onward. Come and discover why we are not just the best golf instructors in AZ, but Scottsdale's number one golf coaches. Visit our website EJS Golf to find out more about us.
Your short game will never be the same. Make the commitment to just 15 minutes of practice per day, and experience the difference EJS Golf Academy can make in your game. For more details about EJS Golf Academy and our unique approach, please visit EJS Golf Academy.
FAQs
What is EJS Golf Academy's philosophy on teaching golf?
At EJS Golf Academy, I believe in immediate improvement from the first lesson. My philosophy centers on using advanced technology and personalized feedback to enhance every aspect of a golfer's game.
Why is the short game, particularly chipping, so important?
Approximately 65% of strokes in a game occur within 100 yards of the hole. Mastering the short game, especially chipping, is crucial for lowering your scores and improving overall performance. I want to turn you into an assassin around the greens. Your friends won't know what hit them!
What technology does EJS Golf Academy use to analyze my chipping technique?
We utilize state-of-the-art tools such as the Trackman 4 Launch monitor, 3D Pressure Plates, and 3D Video to conduct comprehensive analyses of your chipping dynamics.
How does EJS Golf Academy guarantee improvement from the first lesson?
Through my scientifically-backed methodologies, documented real world results and a 15-minutes-per-day practice model, I provide tangible, rapid improvements in your game, guaranteed from the very first lesson. There has never been a person who didn't dramatically improve by following my plan and doing it in less than 15 minutes per day.
What are the key variables that determine a successful chip?
Consistent launch angle, launch velocity, and spin are the three primary variables that determine a successful chip. Mastering these factors leads to improved precision and control.
How can I improve my chipping consistency?
Improving chipping consistency involves mastering the biomechanics of the chip, such as a centered strike, proper weight distribution, ball positioning, and maintaining a neutral spine angle.
What specific drills can help me master chipping?
Drills focusing on impact consistency, such as brushing the grass beneath the ball, and flight consistency, aiming for the same flight and strike with every chip shot, are highly effective.
What makes EJS Golf Academy's approach unique?
Our approach combines cutting-edge technology, empirical data, and a commitment to personalized, feedback-driven practice routines. This ensures each golfer receives tailored instruction to maximize their potential.
How does your 15-minutes-per-day practice model work?
Our model emphasizes focused, efficient practice sessions. By dedicating just 15 minutes each day to specific drills and techniques, golfers can see significant improvements in a short period.
How can I get started with EJS Golf Academy?
To get started, visit our website at EJS Golf, explore our Scottsdale Golf Lessons and Online Golf Lessons, and schedule your first lesson. Immediate improvement awaits!
Success Story: Transforming a Mini Tour Player into a Short Game Assassin
Meet Alex, a talented golfer competing on the mini tours. Despite his promising drives and solid long game, Alex found himself consistently losing ground in the shots gained category, particularly around the greens. Frustrated and determined to improve, he sought my expertise at EJS Golf Academy.
From the outset, our focus was on overhauling Alex's short game, specifically his chipping technique. Using the Trackman 4 Launch monitor, 3D Pressure Plates, and detailed video analysis, we pinpointed the inconsistencies in his mechanics. His launch angles were erratic, and his spin control was far from optimal. These factors were causing his short game to falter under pressure.
We began with the basics, refining his setup. Alex learned to distribute his weight correctly, position the ball accurately in his stance, and maintain a neutral spine angle. These fundamental changes laid the groundwork for more advanced adjustments. Through our 15-minutes-per-day practice model, Alex drilled tirelessly, focusing on achieving a consistent low point and a centered strike.
As the weeks passed, Alex's improvements were remarkable. His launch angles became predictable, and his spin control tightened. He mastered the art of using the club's bounce effectively, leading to cleaner, more precise chip shots. The transformation was evident not only in his technique but also in his confidence around the greens.
The real test came during tournament play. Week after week, Alex's performance in the shots gained category improved dramatically. He went from losing strokes to leading in this crucial metric. His newfound prowess around the greens made him a formidable competitor, earning him the nickname "The Short Game Assassin" among his peers.
Today, Alex stands out on the mini tours, consistently finishing near the top in the shots gained category. His journey from struggling with his short game to becoming an expert chipper is a testament to the power of focused, feedback-driven practice and advanced technology. At EJS Golf Academy, we celebrate Alex's success and continue to help golfers like him unlock their full potential.
Visit EJS Golf to start your journey toward becoming a short game expert and discover the difference our proven methods can make in your game.
(480) 861-9370
