Playing the 'putt chip'

"This is the way I tend to play most of my chip shots, unless the situation prevents me from doing so - if I have to fly a bunker, for example. It's like an extended putting strote really. I play it with a conventional grip, a narrow stance, the ball back and my hands leading."

 

"It is important to concentrate on keeping the left wrist square going through to the hole, so you don't scoop at the ball or catch it fat. My aim is always to carry the ball just onto the green and let it run to the hole from there, so I select whatever club does that job. As a rule, the less green I have to work with, the more loft I use."

 

"I think this is where some amateurs waste a lot of shots. The first mistake they make is automatically choosing a wedge. That club generates lots of height and spin, which makes it very easy to leave the ball sort of the hole."

 

"If you go with less loft, with a 7-iron for instance, it's so much easier to get the ball within holing-out range. You need to hit a few practice shots to get the hang of it, but soon you'll find the 'putt chip' is by far the best method for getting up and down with minimum fuss."