Chipping Close When an Obstacle is in Your Path Near the Green
In order to overcome an obstacle in the way of your approach, such as a sand trap, tree or water hazard the shot will require a different strategy. This will also depend on the amount of distance to the obstacle, the trajectory required to clear it and still reach the flag location. The most important thing is to concentrate on is the shot at hand and follow thru to a finished position. The strategy I use to get over an obstacle quickly is to set up with a higher lofted club such as the sand or lob wedge with the ball position nearer left foot, similar to when using the driver. I then lay the club face open so the ball pops up faster than normal and open my shoulders slightly when I position myself for the shot. The term lay open means the clubface is approaching a flat position with the blade pointing upward and a bit right in relation to your stance and the ground.
{Fore: See Photo on left – In my opinion the best choice of the golf clubs available for this type of shot is the lob wedge. It will provide the greatest angle trajectory to allow the player to clear the obstacle while also giving them the best stop action when the ball lands on the green. If you do not carry a lob wedge select the most lofted club in your bag, such as the sand wedge instead.}
I also break my wrists back sharply and quickly, which also promotes height and less distance, which is your goal for this type of shot. Remember to follow through to a finished position or there is a good chance you will leave the shot short of your intended landing area. You can try this shot even if there is no obstacle in your way to get a feel for the line of ball flight you will achieve for future reference under actual playing conditions. How close you get to your target will be determined by the following:
- The distance away,
- Your set up and grip techniques,
- The amount of follow thru combined with the speed of your swing thru the ball at impact.
Accuracy and touch for distance will come with practice but the main goal is to get over the obstacle and onto the green and not land in a sand trap, tree, water or other hazard that may lie in front of you. This is one of the tougher shots required in golf so if you master this one it will help your game and score tremendously. Practice is the Key. Happy Golfing to All!