PLAY BETTER
Smarter golf …
THE DOWNHILL CHIP SHOT
Learn from world ’ s professional
I n my experience , the downhill chip is one of the more troublesome shots for the club golfer . The sight of a firm green running away from you can create a negative and hesitant mindset that leads to poor execution – and poor results . But if you can approach the shot with a clear strategy that includes an accurate reading of the situation , effective club selection and clear visualisation , the shot becomes a whole lot easier . Follow these five steps to bring some positivity to your execution , and some success to your results .
1 READ THE LIE … AND THE SLOPE
How clean is the lie ? Can you get the grooves of your wedge into the back of the ball ? If so you will be able to create more spin , which helps the ball settle more quickly on the green . Longer grass means less spin , and more run-out . Similarly , note how steep the slope is . A steeper slope sees the ball come out lower and hotter , while height is easier from a softer slope . Both these factors should shape how you picture the shot , and which club you use .
40 GolfPlus SEPTEMBER 2018