If you approached your local golf professional and asked what the quickest way to improve you scoring by a few strokes, he or she would most likely respond with some reference to the short game – they are right.

When you are faced with a shot around the green and it is impossible or impractical to putt it, I like to tell my students that the quicker they can get the ball out of the air the better; let me explain. Today too many golfers are enthralled and amazed by the flop shot. When I teach the short game to many of my students they recall watching Phil Mickelson hit a flop shot to within inches of an impossible pin placement, and they want to learn how to do the same. Reality is that 99.9% of the time the flop shot is an unnecessary shot, and for most golfers the risk outweighs the reward. The shot that should be used, more often than not, around the green is the chip and run. This type of shot should get no more than 2 ft. off the ground and should spend most of its time rolling on the green. It is a relatively easy shot to perform and can be hit with numerous irons and wedges. Here is how to hit the shot: Narrow your stance to less than shoulder width apart, play the ball back in your stance in line with the middle toe of your back foot, forward press your hands and in doing so deloft the clubface, make a pendulum stroke (similar to a putting stroke) using only your arms and shoulders – no wrists, and hit down and through the ball.

There are two drills I like to have my students practice when they are attempting to learn the chip and run. The first drill requires a standard length broom. I instruct my students to use the broom to practice the swing required for a chip and run. The student should grip the broom at the same length of the club that they would use to perform the shot; however, because a broom is longer than the length of the club, they should place the remaining length of the broomstick between their left bicep and rib cage. If the student performs the swing as it is meant to be, the top of the broomstick will never touch his or her person. However, if the student allows too much wrist play in the swing, they will get immediate feedback that they have performed the swing in an incorrect manner by the top of the broomstick hitting them in the rib cage. The second drill I like to have my students do is to try and hit chip and runs underneath a club that I will hold approximately 18 inches in front of them. To begin the drill, I will hold a club 2 – 2 ½ ft. above the ground and ask my students to attempt to hit their chip and runs underneath the club while maintaining solid contact and accuracy. As the student progresses, I move the club lower and closer to the ground. This drill helps the student focus on keeping the ball out of the air for an extended period of time and emphasizes a low running shot. I hope that this tip can improve your game. If you have any questions or are interested in improving other aspects of you golf game, feel free to call me at 303-646-4240 ext. 18. Mention this ad and receive 10% off a lesson with me. Good luck and play well!

With just a practice swing or two before hitting your shot, I’m sure you’ll help yourself to better scores. Good luck.

Justin Circbo is the Head Golf Pro at Spring Valley Golf Club. You can reach him at 303-646-4240 for further information.