My technique for chipping is to use the same grip I use for putting, get the heel of the club I choose off the ground, toe of the club creates a path through the grass, pick the closest spot on the green to hit the ball on. Pitching wedge is 50% to the hole and it runs out 50%. 9 iron one third and rolls out two thirds. 8 iron 25% and runs out 75%. Florida is different than bent grass greens up north. Grain down here seems to trump slope. If I don't get up and down every single time I'm bummed out. Sometimes with a tight pin, I will hit it on the collar and it will check up and lose speed.
Colin Montgomery taught me to open the face on bunker shots, and I am going to continue. Any Villagers who are having trouble getting out of a bunker in one shot should give it a try. What do they have to lose. And yes, make a full swing, don't leave the face of the club in the sand. The above chipping technique was used with great success by Raymond Floyd. Current pros all appear to use lofted wedges, but they are young and can practice for hours. The technique for my chipping usually takes 30 minutes to get the hand eye coordination down. Your clubs and talent may fly and roll the ball different distances. Once you understand how far your chosen club works make the club selection accordingly. The key to the chip is that the ball always rolls out, never checks up.
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