Useful chipping techniques.

[Handycap]

I guess no-one has the answer, unless everyone is sticking with the 8 iron idea.

8 iron out of the 2nd cut? with a close cut pin.....I don't reckon that's the answer.

Homer's original reply differed from the 8 iron idea by favouring a lob wedge with an open stance. This has to be the best method of getting it close from the scenario you describe.



When Phil Mickleson plays this shot he has the benefit of a championship course groomed over the last 6 months for the occasion. In general, everyday golf on the average UK course isn't like that. Additionally, the variety of grasses used in the UK are different to grasses used on courses in the States. The above may sound pedantic, but you may be being too hard on yourself!

Unless you have the benefit of getting the club head through the grass without getting "caught up", which is affected by the density and consistency of the grass, then even Phil may struggle to knock the ball dead!


Edit
Credit where credit's due: Murphthemog was the first to suggest the lob wedge idea ahead of Homer.

 

[RGDave]

I rescued the old Lob Wedge from the shed and took it down to the chipping/pitching area to have a play.

It's a scary shot, you have to play it confidently enough to get it out, but not so hard as to get 20' of run on the thing!

I think when the lie is bad and a) you can't really get the club behind the bottom of the ball and b) there's grass messing up the smoothness of the backswing, it's got to be a purposeful nudge and hope.

Now and again, you see the pro's mess it up usually followed by an Alliss-ism of "sometimes this game makes you look a little foolish".....

I think on the rare occasion I have this shot, it's got to be a get -down-in-three and forget the miracle touch.

 

[JustOne]

This is the sort of thing I'm talking about, that kind of lie, but with a flag just over the first cut and then really close.

From the picture you posted I'd probably play a little stab shot with a 60°, middle of the stance, weight on the left foot, hit down into the ball with no followthrough at all, jabbing the club into the ground. The last thing you want to do is de-accelerate and end up scooping/thinning or double hitting it. You could soften it by playing it off the toe of the club if you're feeling dangerous

 

[RGDave]

Interesting to note; there were a lot of players in this situation at Sc' Open today.

Even the mighty Goose messed one or two up.

I actually don't mind this lie when there's plenty of room to the flag. I'm not being greedy any more, it'll be a gentle nudge with a SW and hope to not go too far.

I saw a few superbly-played ones also today.