Weekly Golf Tip as seen in The Winnipeg Sun --

June 10th, 2008

Play Smart Golf - Don't Try Hero Shots From The Trees...Play The Safe Chip Out

This is not a shot I particularly like to have to do, but it's still quite necessary. Everyone hits the odd drive off line and into the trees -- a solid and smart recovery shot will save you shots.

Too often players get greedy and try to hit a "hero, once-in-a-lifetime" shot. About one in 10 chances, they actually pull the shot off. The other nine times this mental mistake leads to a costly double or triple bogey. Rule number one -- play smart golf! Get the ball back in play and try to give yourself an opportunity to save par or bogey. You can not score from the trees. Now that we are making good decisions -- let's talk about the technique for a chip out.

Select a 6 or 7 iron and choke up on the club about three or four inches. Play the ball in the middle to back of your stance and be sure to lean the shaft towards the target. You should also have your spine lean towards the target to ensure you hit down slightly. This will take some loft off the club -- imperative for hitting a low punch out. With this set up, you should be able to hit the ball first and then the ground.

DO NOT PANIC

During the swing, focus on swinging smoothly and returning the club with the shaft leaning forward at impact. If we do that -- the contact will be excellent. Use no more than a half swing (the club head goes up to waist high) and have an abbreviated follow through. Of course this depends on the amount of room you have under the tree. You may have to use an even smaller back swing and follow through. The biggest mistake you can make is to hit the shot too high or not hit the shot solidly. If you do that, it will add a costly stroke that could have been avoided.

Do not panic, take a few deep breaths and relax. If you panic -- you may take too big a swing and get the club caught in the tree branches and miss the ball completely on the way down.

Remember you are chipping out -- do not take too aggressive a line -- just get in back on the fairway. When you are taking your practice swings, you can't hit the tree and knock off branches and leaves. Doing so is a two-stroke penalty. With a good set up, you will be able to get back on the fairway and have a chance to save par.

Derek Ingram is the head teaching professional at the Elmhurst Golf and Country Club in Winnipeg. He is a two-time winner of the Canadian PGA's Teacher of the Year award and recognized as one of the top golf instructors in North America. You can sign up for his newsletter or get more information on lessons, clinics, golf schools and corporate outings at www.derekingram.com.