Focusing on the Landing Area
A common mistake in chipping and pitching is focusing so much on the flag that the ball lands too far and rolls past the hole.
Adjust for Conditions: Remember that green speed and whether you are hitting uphill or downhill will significantly impact how much the ball rolls after landing.g Putting Technique landing-areas-for-your-short-game-Anne-Rollo-Womens-Golf
Determine Your Landing Spot: Instead of looking at the end result, identify exactly where you want the ball to hit the green.
Account for Roll: Always allow for the ball to roll out after it hits your landing area so it finishes close to the pin.
Select the Right Club: Different clubs require different landing spots:
9-Iron or 8-Iron: These will land earlier and run more, making them ideal for “chip and run” shots.
Pitching Wedge: Lands slightly further than a 9-iron before rolling.
Sand Wedge: This is a higher-risk shot that lands much closer to the target with less roll; use this only when you have limited green or an obstacle like a bunker in the way.
Questions and Answers
Q: Why shouldn’t I just focus on the flag when chipping? A: If you focus solely on the flag, you often end up landing the ball nearly at the flag, which causes it to roll much too far past the hole.
Q: How do I choose between a 9-iron and a sand wedge for a chip? A: A 9-iron is generally used for a low-risk chip and run where you land the ball early and let it roll. A sand wedge is a higher-risk shot used when you need to toss the ball further in the air to clear an obstacle or if there is very little green to work with.
Q: What is the “landing area” versus the “end result area”? A: The landing area is the specific spot on the turf where the ball first makes contact; the end result area is where the ball eventually stops after its roll. You should focus primarily on the landing area.
