Ray Floyd's 10 Rules

The September 2009 issue of Golf Digest included an article called Ten Rules for Becoming a Chipping Virtuoso by Raymond Floyd. Those of you who follow my blog know I'm a big fan of Raymond's approach to strategy, so I thought I'd pass on his chipping tips list as well.


His rules are pretty simple though you might not come across them very frequently. I've added a few comments to make sure you understand what he has in mind.

1. Find your own way.
   Simply put, Ray says everybody has to learn how they chip best. All the best chippers were ultimately self-taught, because the "right" way to chip doesn't fit everybody.
2. Get your stare on.
   Ray says his stare happened when he got lost in the moment and let his imagination take over. He stopped thinking technique and began to see the shots in his mind.
3. Underreach at address.
   Don't stretch your arms out so they're overextended. If you do, your actual swing will mis-hit the ball.
4. The butt of the club never moves back.
   You may want the butt of the club behind the ball on certain sand shots, but not when you chip. If the back of your lead hand faces the sky at impact, you'll mis-hit the chip.
5. Experience a light-bulb moment.
   Anybody can tell you that you need to practice your short game. But until you have that moment of recognition that YOU need to practice, you won't become as good as you can be.
6. Get the ball rolling quickly.
   The higher you fly the ball, the harder it hits the ground and can bounce off-line. Keeping the ball low so it rolls more helps the ball track toward the hole better.
7. Know when to take the flag out.
   If you have a good lie, regardless of whether you're in the rough or not, take the flag out. At least, that's what Raymond did.
8. Become a great mudder.
   The ball behaves differently when the weather's nasty so practice chipping in wet weather. Most players never do.
9. Learn the "rut-iron"chip.
   This is the chip shot where you stand closer to the ball, tilt the clubhead up on the toe and open the face a bit. Use it when you chip from the rough. The grass is less likely to grab the club and twist the face.
10. Save your back -- hit five at a time.
    Move to a new chipping spot after every five balls, so you have to straighten up and move around. Your back will thank you!

It's an interesting list and, no matter how good you are, I bet you found something that you didn't know. And that's no surprise -- he's a World Golf Hall of Famer, after all!