IT'S GOOD FOR YOUR GAME

Fairway metal gives

loft to greenside chip

When your ball lies just off the green and there's no obstacle between you and the pin, the play is to chip with a fairway metal, especially if you've drawn a difficult lie. A fairway metal (5, 4 or 3) is an excellent choice here as it has enough loft to lift the ball out of difficult lies, and its long shaft allows you a compact swing that's low to the ground.

To chip with a fairway metal, use your putting grip, assume a slightly open stance and tilt the shaft of your club until it's upright with the ground. You'll have to stand erect to accommodate the length of the shaft, but be careful to keep your weight anchored on your front foot so you don't sway as you make your stroke.

Follow this list of basic mechanics:

1. Put weight on the front foot;

2. Position ball off your shirt logo;

3. Slightly elevate the clubhead at address to avoid catching the ground first;

4. Assume a narrow, open stance;

5. Choke down to the steel;

6. Use a putting stroke with no wrist break.

Use your putting stroke, keeping the right wrist angle formed at address throughout the swing to avoid a wristy stroke.

Note how the ball gets in the air immediately because of the club’s loft, ensuring that it starts on line.