Around the Greens

Simple chips around the green are the heart of a good short game. In this video, Luke Donald shares his keys for becoming an expert chipper. He discusses the importance of a downward strike driven by the arms and the ability to adjust to different shots, plus common faults and how to fix them. With better chipping, your scores will drop dramatically.

Sometimes you need a lofted shot that stops fast on the green—that’s pitching. Here, Luke describes how to set up and swing to create a soft shot with backspin. He covers the importance of posture and the simple arm and body motions required to produce a lofted pitch. He also covers the faults and instincts that plague the average golfer on this basic short-game shot.

Tour players would rather be in a bunker than greenside rough because they know that with the right technique a sand shot is much easier. In this video, Luke goes through the proper splashing action in the bunker, how to use the club’s bounce, and the keys to taking a sand divot. With a little practice, you’ll realize that bunker shots are simple and easy to control.

As much as you try to avoid those awkward 50 or 60-yard shots, you get them from time to time. Tour players hit these shots on a lower trajectory, and the ball bounces twice and grabs on the green. Here, Luke walks you through the secrets to the hop-hop-stop wedge shot. He discusses how to achieve a crisp strike, vary the trajectory and control distance.

Putting is the great equalizer in golf: The stroke is so simple, average golfers can learn to putt as well as the pros. The keys, as Luke Donald explains in this video, are more about developing a consistent approach and good fundamentals than having some magical touch. Feel on the greens comes from getting a few things right every time—and being able to adapt.