100 Chips a Day

[LeftyHawk]

As it is winter here in Michigan I've decided that I would take this time to improve my short game. I've read Peltz's Short game Bible a few times and watched Phil's DVD's on Short Game Secrets. Both guys seem to have the same basic idea on chipping with only minor differences, ie; Peltz has his "finesse swing" and Phil with the "Hinge and Hold" method. I like Dave's approach to the short game, after all numbers don't lie, but Phils "hinge and hold" seems easier for me at this time. So with that in mind I set up a chipping practice area in my basement. I have a spot where I can practice chips from 5 to 10 yards long. I have a chipping net set up, one of those with a smaller target in the middle. My plan is to hit 100 chips per day and track the results thru the winter using my 58 degree wedge.

After today's 100 chips the numbers are 6% in the small target in the middle, 34% in the larger target and 60% miss, all from 10 yards. My goal would be 20% in the small target and 80% in the large with no misses.  I know this will have very little bearing on actual chipping onto a green, but I figure if I can get a feel for the wedge over the winter than come spring when I can get out on the course, some of this winter's practice will translate to the course and hopefully to lower scores.

I will be varying the distance over the winter so I don't get stuck in a rut from 10 yards.

 

Chris

[GB13]

That sound like a great plan! I think it will have a positive impact on the course because you can pick a landing spot and hit that spot. If you pick the proper landing spot, you can hit a bunch of chips close. 

[tony@CIC]

As it is winter here in Michigan I've decided that I would take this time to improve my short game. I've read Peltz's Short game Bible a few times and watched Phil's DVD's on Short Game Secrets. Both guys seem to have the same basic idea on chipping with only minor differences, ie; Peltz has his "finesse swing" and Phil with the "Hinge and Hold" method. I like Dave's approach to the short game, after all numbers don't lie, but Phils "hinge and hold" seems easier for me at this time. So with that in mind I set up a chipping practice area in my basement. I have a spot where I can practice chips from 5 to 10 yards long. I have a chipping net set up, one of those with a smaller target in the middle. My plan is to hit 100 chips per day and track the results thru the winter using my 58 degree wedge.
After today's 100 chips the numbers are 6% in the small target in the middle, 34% in the larger target and 60% miss, all from 10 yards. My goal would be 20% in the small target and 80% in the large with no misses.  I know this will have very little bearing on actual chipping onto a green, but I figure if I can get a feel for the wedge over the winter than come spring when I can get out on the course, some of this winter's practice will translate to the course and hopefully to lower scores.
I will be varying the distance over the winter so I don't get stuck in a rut from 10 yards.
 
Chris

100 chips a day is a great plan. I did something similar, but only 30 and with whiffle balls. We only have an 8' ceiling in the basement and with relatively new drywall and paint I was afraid to use real golf balls. Last spring when the weather broke I followed up with the same routine outside. While my accuracy greatly improved, I had to adjust for distance with real golf balls. More than anything else I was much more confident once I was able to get on the course.


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[LeftyHawk]

Tony,

I understand not wanting to ding the drywall, my place is a farm house built in 1932, basement height is 6 feet and I'm 6'3" so I can't even get close to a full swing. So chipping it is. I use real balls as the walls are concrete block and I have a tarp draped in front of it so I don't get binged by a bladed ball (LOL)

Chris 

[tony@CIC]

Tony,
I understand not wanting to ding the drywall, my place is a farm house built in 1932, basement height is 6 feet and I'm 6'3" so I can't even get close to a full swing. So chipping it is. I use real balls as the walls are concrete block and I have a tarp draped in front of it so I don't get binged by a bladed ball (LOL)
Chris 

So I guess you won't be practicing flop shots


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[revkev]

@leftyhawk - I used to be a Pelz devotee and will say that I’ve come to prefer Utley - far simpler. As for Phil he reminds me of a trumpet teacher I had once - all time great player, great guy, horrible teacher, his favorite phrase was, “Do it like this.” Well thanks Ray if I could do it like this I’d be playing in a Symphony Orchestra instead of paying you $200 for my lesson (in 1976).

At any rate I applaud the 100 chips - I found when I lived up north that playing rounds on a simulator was very helpful - I really learned how far the ball would go, chipping, pitching with each club


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[Kenny B]

When I first moved to my course in 2015, I was freshly retired and spent a lot of time in the short game practice area.  I don't think I ever did 100 chips a day, but I did quite a few.  I was never a decent chipper until I started doing that.  I didn't have good distance control and pushed and pulled shots as well.  

Last year was probably my best chipping/pitching year ever, and it was because I spent a lot of time practicing different shots.  This year I cut back a lot on short game practice to work on a full swing change which resulted in a poor short game and higher scores.  I have committed to more practice time this winter.

Recently, I have been trying Steve Stricker's chipping/pitching stroke with pretty good success.  Look up some youtube videos; it's just simple.  I reduced my wrist hinge on the backswing and focused on more turn like the start of a full swing.  I have much better distance control, and my tendency to pull shots has vanished.  It's still a work in progress, but I'm liking the results.  Now I just need to hit 100 shots a day!

[Sluggo42]

I’ve spent the last few months making sure to get 50 plus chips in before each round. Now and then it pays off, and overall, I’ve gotten a touch better at getting up and down. It’s funn tho, that with as many chippies as I do take, I thought it would pay of better. But, every little thing does help.

i hope it’s not like a New Years resolution, and after a week, bzzzt, that’s over...

[LeftyHawk]

1 hour ago, revkev said:

As for Phil he reminds me of a trumpet teacher I had once - all time great player, great guy, horrible teacher, his favorite phrase was, “Do it like this.”  Well thanks Ray if I could do it like this I’d be playing in a Symphony Orchestra instead of paying you $200 for my lesson (in 1976). 

I can relate to this, I was a musician and tea cup teacher for many years, I've seen my share of players who could light the thing on fire but didn't have a clue as to how to teach.

One thing I keep in mind with any thing golf related is the person teaching it is teaching you what works for them. So as I'm not them I'm not committed to the technique, I try it, some parts may work, I'll keep them for a while if not it's on to something else. 

The thing I always told my students in music as in glof, find what works for you, you'll never swing a driver like Tiger, there's only one Tiger and he's got that covered. Find your swing, there's no one perfect swing.

So that's my approach to chipping, searching for my chipping stroke and run with it....

Chris

[romeopapazulu]

4 hours ago, LeftyHawk said:

I will be varying the distance over the winter so I don't get stuck in a rut from 10 yards.

I just finished "Every Shot Counts" by Broadie.  He mentioned something like this for putting.  practice the 5 footers, but vary shot to shot from 4-6 feet.  For 10 footers, vary from 9-11 each shot.  I haven't put this into practice yet, but I see how this could really help develop touch.  So maybe vary the distance a bit on each shot versus 100 from 9 yards one day and from 7 yards the next day?

[PlaidJacket]

11 hours ago, revkev said:

I’ve come to prefer Utley - far simpler

Interesting.....

Just the other day a friend told me that while in Arizona recently; he took a chipping (and putting) lesson from Utley. Said Stan's method was so simple and gave him immediate improvement and confidence.

[ga_pike]

And here I thought this was going to be about a new diet...  

[tony@CIC]

21 minutes ago, PlaidJacket said:

Interesting.....

Just the other day a friend told me that while in Arizona recently; he took a chipping (and putting) lesson from Utley. Said Stan's method was so simple and gave him immediate improvement and confidence.

Here's a video from Utley I found interesting. The technique he emphasizes is more detailed then the Lefty's video. Phil's video (in a different post) was more focused on ball placement and wrist hinge. I'd agree with RevKev's musical instructor analogy (related to Phil).  You can't dispute Phil's success in chipping but Utley provides a more detailed instruction. 

 

[PlaidJacket]

I've seen Phil demonstrate his method a couple of times on the Golf Channel. I've tried it some and like it. I'm not convinced that there is one method for chipping success. I'm a fairly decent chipper (some days. LOL) and incorporate several techniques depending on the situation. However, as a general rule I prefer to play the ball close to the ground around the green as much as possible. We all seem to find methods that work best for us. Like it's often said... "it's not how; but how many."

[cnosil]

Short game is my nemesis but I am pretty good at chipping now. Of course I define a chip as more run less carry. I use a variety of clubs depending on how much roll I want. I spent lots of time at the practice green hitting balls to about three feet on the geek and letting them roll out. For me this is more like a putt, shaft more vertical and more if a shoulder stroke.

Pitching, where there is more carry than roll is my struggle. I have read about different techniques and basic concepts but struggle to execute. First problem for me is consistent contact.

I think hitting indoor shots daily will help improve technique and ultimately contact. The difficulty of indoor practice will be seeing the rollout results.

[GolfSpy MPR]

14 hours ago, LeftyHawk said:

basement height is 6 feet and I'm 6'3"

That's a serious drill for maintaining your posture

[Kenny B]

2 hours ago, tony@CIC said:

Here's a video from Utley I found interesting. The technique he emphasizes is more detailed then the Lefty's video. Phil's video (in a different post) was more focused on ball placement and wrist hinge. I'd agree with RevKev's musical instructor analogy (related to Phil).  You can't dispute Phil's success in chipping but Utley provides a more detailed instruction. 

 

I like the "short game tree" at the 26 min mark.  

[Sluggo42]

So I watched the video this morning and then went and played my best round in a while. But the funny part is that it wasn’t the chipping instruction, (which I did practice pre-game, and I liked), but it was the the little blurb on putter fitting.

i had 30 putts today, and 4 birdies, averaging about 15 feet, and narrowly missing a few others.

with the long grip on my evnroll, I was able to go thru the process he described and ended up choking up about 1” more on my 34” putter. It was an amazing difference and I was squarely hitting all putts. 

Back to the chipping tho, I did chip well today, and made a point to use the bounce more. As usual I spent 15 minutes chipping first thing this morning, then about 10 minutes on the putting green. Since we just had two days of rain they were quite slow first thing this morning. But my 2 best chips were a short flop over a trap to about a foot, and then a 8 iron bump and run to within a few inches, both to save par.

[cksurfdude]

That sound like a great plan! I think it will have a positive impact on the course because you can pick a landing spot and hit that spot. If you pick the proper landing spot, you can hit a bunch of chips close. 

 

Was going to say something similar, eg. definitely *not* wasted time - practicing hitting your spot for chipping is huge.

 

Amongst the celeb DVDs there's also Tom Watson's "Lessons of a Lifetime" where he demonstrates exactly that.

 

One thing, though - while I admire your goal of 100/100 into the bucket .... that sounds like pro-level accuracy to me - even at a short distance..... But keep at it!

[romeopapazulu]

That's a serious drill for maintaining your posture

On the bright side, even if no improvements are made with the chipping , his legs will be sculpted like a Greek god by the end of winter. 🦵


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[cnosil]

Here's a video from Utley I found interesting. The technique he emphasizes is more detailed then the Lefty's video. Phil's video (in a different post) was more focused on ball placement and wrist hinge. I'd agree with RevKev's musical instructor analogy (related to Phil).  You can't dispute Phil's success in chipping but Utley provides a more detailed instruction. 
 

Watched this video over the weekend and thought it was great. Helped me with my chipping; was dropping my right shoulder so I spent some time practicing and it carried over to my round. Going to keep practicing, but it was a welcome change compared to my recent pitching.

[LeftyHawk]

Well, after 700 chips for the first week I have figured out a few things, the number 1 factor when deciding on what kind of chip is LIE!!! then the next question is with what club. I've read countless books and watched quite a few videos and while there some commonalities with regards to chipping there is many thoughts on club selection. Some use only wedges and others feel that every club in the bag is game.

The 100 chips a day is improving my chipping for short distances as my target is a net 24" in diameter, I'm still hitting about 40% in the net but the misses are all within a foot of the net. At this time I plan to continue but start using other clubs besides my 58 degree wedge. And rearrange my basement chipping area to allow an area for putting too.

Chris

[cksurfdude]

Well, after 700 chips for the first week I have figured out a few things, the number 1 factor when deciding on what kind of chip is LIE!!! then the next question is with what club. I've read countless books and watched quite a few videos and while there some commonalities with regards to chipping there is many thoughts on club selection. Some use only wedges and others feel that every club in the bag is game.
The 100 chips a day is improving my chipping for short distances as my target is a net 24" in diameter, I'm still hitting about 40% in the net but the misses are all within a foot of the net. At this time I plan to continue but start using other clubs besides my 58 degree wedge. And rearrange my basement chipping area to allow an area for putting too.
Chris

Agree with practicing with different clubs .. obviously each club has it's own carry: roll ratio .. but hitting your spot chipping with any club is pretty key!

[LeftyHawk]

UPDATE:

Today I had a dramatic improvement. Up until today I was using my 58 degree. Today I switched to my 54 degree and what a difference. I'm still digesting as to why, but my misses dropped to 25% and small target was 10% which put 65%  in the main target. Going forward I will be trying different clubs but as of today it looks like my 54 degree is my new best friend!!!

Here's a couple of pics of my chipping area and today's first 50 shots

[cnosil]

UPDATE:
Today I had a dramatic improvement. Up until today I was using my 58 degree. Today I switched to my 54 degree and what a difference. I'm still digesting as to why, but my misses dropped to 25% and small target was 10% which put 65%  in the main target. Going forward I will be trying different clubs but as of today it looks like my 54 degree is my new best friend!!!
Here's a couple of pics of my chipping area and today's first 50 shots

Probably has to do with the swing weight of the club. I traditionally struggle with my 54 but my 50 is money.

[Shankster]

Ok, I’m back.... just grabbed the 56 and hit 30 chips in the basement.  It’s a little lower than my old house was but hey... it’ll work.  I’ll junp on your 100 chips a day.  Man that felt goood!! 

[LeftyHawk]

1 hour ago, Shankster said:

Ok, I’m back.... just grabbed the 56 and hit 30 chips in the basement.  It’s a little lower than my old house was but hey... it’ll work.  I’ll junp on your 100 chips a day.  Man that felt goood!! 

I totally agree, hitting real golf balls is addicting. I started with the other wedges, 54, 50 and PW, my misses dramatically dropped with these, not sure why the 58 degree wedge is so difficult to put in the net. Something to think about. But I can tell you that my confidence at 10 yards and under is increasing everyday. It will be interesting how this translates to the course come spring!!!!

 

Chris

[Sluggo42]

Have you tried hitting the 58 (or whichever) in different places in your stance?

like off the left foot, center, or right foot? Varying club lean, like with a bit of a press?

[LeftyHawk]

Yea, I've tried moving the ball around with the 58, as well as all the clubs. I figured the winter season in the basement is a good testing ground for trying different things.

I will be experimenting thru about February. I am having a bit of fun though, playing little games like bounce the ball once into the net, bounce it twice. Things like that.

Chris

[GB13]

4 hours ago, LeftyHawk said:

Yea, I've tried moving the ball around with the 58, as well as all the clubs. I figured the winter season in the basement is a good testing ground for trying different things.

I will be experimenting thru about February. I am having a bit of fun though, playing little games like bounce the ball once into the net, bounce it twice. Things like that.

Chris

That's really good practice. 

I always struggle with my 58 on chip shots too, especially off tight lies. I much prefer using my 52 since it is so much easier to hit a spot and let it release. I use my 58 mainly out of the rough so I can stop the ball quicker. It never comes out of the bag when I have a tight lie.