This fun exercise will help you get more creative in the green

Do you find yourself using the same chip shot, with the same club, no matter what you’re facing? No matter where you are in your game development journey, it’s common to fall into a one-dimensional rut as soon as you hit the green. Sometimes, we just instinctively try to make the same shot with the club we’re most comfortable with – even if it’s not the best option.

Another way to improve this area of ​​your game is to work on increasing your intelligence, says Heather Angell, director of instruction at Heritage Palms Golf & Country Club in Fort Myers, Fla.

“There are many aspects of golf that don’t allow for creativity,” he said. “For the short game, think outside the box.”

According to Angell, one way to do this is to challenge yourself with fun practice: try practicing your chip shot with every club in your bag.

“Look at how the ball plays with each club, and decide which club you feel confident will bring the ball closer to the hole,” he said.

Practicing this way will help you envision multiple scenarios for each shot you face. And you may even find that you prefer a different shot or strategy than you normally would.

“One of my favorite clinics that I teach is one where I pass my bag to get a picture on the green,” Angell said. “I start with my putter, show the shot, and explain that the grass is too high to use the putter as often as I like. Then I go through my edges, 9-iron, 8-iron, 7-iron, 6 -iron, even 5-iron, I talk about each one and if I like the effect and ease of execution with each group.”

There are no restrictions with this drill. Angell encourages players to try hitting shots on the green with their hybrids, fairway woods and driver.

“I recommend using a club that you feel confident enough to approach the hole with, even if it’s not a ‘normal’ club to hit the green with,” Angell said. “One of my favorite shots is using my hybrid as a putter to hit the green, because the extra loft of the hybrid allows the ball to bounce over the long grass and roll into it like a putter would on the green. The shot has become a favorite with my students as well, as it is much easier to get closer to the hole than to chip.”

So the next time you find yourself with time to practice at a short game, try some unexpected clubs. You may be surprised at the quality of the results – and your disability will thank you.

Golf.com Editor

As a four-year member of Columbia’s inaugural class of women’s varsity golfers, Jessica knows how to beat everyone on the golf course. He can pass them through the office, too, where he is primarily responsible for producing both print and online features, and overseeing major special projects, such as GOLF’s first Style Issue, which began in February 2018. His first interview series, “A Round With,” released in November 2015, and appeared in both magazine and video form on GOLF.com.