Question: I can usually chip pretty good, but when the grass is high near the green, I have trouble chipping. What can I do about this?
Most people who have this problem can do two things to improve. First, play the ball farther back in your stance and use a more lofted club. This will force you to strike the ball with a more descending blow which will prevent the high grass from snagging your club. Second, open the face of the club. This will allow the club to slide thru the grass more smoothly without getting snagged. Of course, this will send the ball to the right of your target, so set up aiming left and swing along your body line. If you try to swing outside in, you may not contact the ball consistently and cleanly.
Monday, October 06, 2003
Question: I purchased a 9 wood but can't seem to find the proper setup ball position. Most of the time I end up hitting it off the toe or chunk it. I use this club on a 140 yard par 3. Can you help me?
Answer: If you are hitting all your clubs well except your 9-wood, I suspect it simply does not match the rest of your set. The shaft flex may be too little or too much compared to the rest of your set. See if you can exchange the club for another one with a different shaft flex. Most 9-woods have a very thin profile, so it may not be a very forgiving club, you have to hit the sweet spot just right, or else the results may not be any better than using a 5-iron. If you use a 9-wood off a tee, the risk is high for a popup.
Answer: If you are hitting all your clubs well except your 9-wood, I suspect it simply does not match the rest of your set. The shaft flex may be too little or too much compared to the rest of your set. See if you can exchange the club for another one with a different shaft flex. Most 9-woods have a very thin profile, so it may not be a very forgiving club, you have to hit the sweet spot just right, or else the results may not be any better than using a 5-iron. If you use a 9-wood off a tee, the risk is high for a popup.
