Chipping from a tight lie around the green is one of golf’s most delicate and challenging shots. It requires precision, control, and the right technique to avoid skulling the ball or leaving it short of the target. Will Zalatoris, a rising star on the PGA Tour, recently shared his insights on how to tackle these tricky situations effectively.
According to Zalatoris, two key elements can significantly improve your chances of getting up-and-down from tight lies: maintaining high hands and executing a full shoulder turn. These adjustments help create a clean strike and better control over the ball’s trajectory and spin.
Why High Hands Matter in Chipping
High hands at address and through impact encourage a steeper angle of attack, which is crucial when the ball is sitting on a tight or bare lie. This technique reduces the risk of the club sliding underneath the ball, which often leads to thin or fat shots. By keeping the hands elevated, players can ensure the clubface contacts the ball first, producing a crisp, controlled chip.
The Role of a Full Shoulder Turn
Many golfers tend to use only their arms when chipping, but Zalatoris emphasizes the importance of a full shoulder turn. This movement generates more consistent power and rhythm, allowing for a smoother swing and better distance control. Integrating the shoulders into the chip shot also helps maintain balance and prevents deceleration through impact.
Applying These Tips on the Course
When faced with a tight lie around the green, take a moment to set up with your hands slightly higher than usual and focus on turning your shoulders fully during the swing. This approach can be practiced on the practice green to develop muscle memory and confidence. Over time, these adjustments will help you save more pars and reduce the number of three-putts.
Will Zalatoris’ advice is a valuable addition to any golfer’s short game arsenal, especially as the season heats up across major tours like the PGA Tour and the LPGA Tour. Improving your chipping technique can have a direct impact on scoring and overall performance.