DUFFED CHIPS

BREAK 100/90/80

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Let's get one thing straight from the start: we cannot ever eliminate this infuriating shot from our game for good. As long as the ball is lying on the turf and the clubface is travelling at a relatively slow speed, damaging ground-first contact will always be a possibility. Even the best players in the world catch one a little heavy from time to time. However, what we can do is develop a technique that makes sure those moments are fewer and further between. Because different standards of golfer habitually duff chips for different reasons, we need to group the most effective solutions by skill level. An understanding of your own game and action will help guide you to your own best approach, but as ever, all three elements detailed here will help your chipping. We start with the golfer looking to break that 100 barrier.

Sometimes in golf, doing what feels right or logical actively brings about the problems you are trying to avoid. Chipping is a great example.

1. THAT'S A BIT STEEP...

This first image captures two common 'clean strike' tactics employed by the game improver - ball position well back and a quick wrist break to steepen the arc. Both do indeed promote downward striking and feel like they will help us avoid a duff. Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way.

2. FACE VALUE

Let's look at that sharp wrist break when we return to impact. See how the increased angle between the arms and the shaft lowers the hands - but also see how it affects the lie angle of the club, the toe raised and the heel down and ready to dig. You'll hit duffs all day long from here.

3. NEW START