KPJ Golf Blog

One of the common questions golfers ask is how to control the distance of their chips. Most professional golfers use their instincts, but that is because they have practiced for hours and have tremendous feel.  The rest of us need a system to learn distance control until we get feel.

The easiest way to control distance is to do it with the length and speed of your swing. Using different lengths swing will help you control the distance you hit the ball.  For example, I know that when I swing a sandwedge back so that my hands are hip high and follow-through, the ball will carry 20 yards.  If I swing so that my hands are waist high and follow-through, the ball carries 40 yards.  And if I swing the club back to where my hands are shoulder height and follow-through, the ball carries 60 yards.  As the swing gets longer the speed of my swing increases.  I always accelerate through the ball, so my follow-through may not be the same length as my backswing.

Some teachers use a clock method, other teachers gauge distance with speed.  Use what feels best for you.  You will have to practice hitting shots to different distances for you to figure out what length swing you need to use.

On-Course Exercise- One of the greatest challenges in pitching is being able to control the distance that you hit the ball.  Practice hitting shots to different distances.  Practice hitting shots taking the club back hip high, then waist high, then shoulder high.  Measure how far each shot goes and take some notes.  This will give you an idea of how far you can hit shots with your different swings.