Prior to every golf season I return to Brian Sparks' book Positive Impact Golf. It helps prime my mind more than anything. Early on in the book Starks recommends Stan Utley's book The Art of the Short Game. I started reading it and sought out some Utley videos to correlate with his method. I was struggling visualizing what he was trying to convey. Since you are my No. 1 and only go-to golf instructor, Julian, I was delighted to find your videos re Utley's chipping method pop up on UA-cam. As always, your instruction is easy to follow and superb. Now if only the snow would abate here, I could get out there and practice. Thank you for your invaluable knowledge! Still learning thanks to you.
Stan is a fantastic coach and very interesting guy to chat with. You’d love the library section part alone at propergolfing.com so much info all in one place all structured 👍
Thank you Julian for your excellent advice. I have just finished an hour practice session following your suggestions. My chipping improved. I used a stronger left hand grip instead of the recommended putting grip advocated by many coaches. It worked well especially using my lob wedge in lush grass. My new Cleveland Smart Sole Chipper with 42* loft was great with chip & runs. Julian's clear, comprehensive & easy to follow suggestions improved my chipping technique & there was a significant improvement. Julian has the sense to listen to coaches like Stan Utley & improve his knowledge rather than repeating old knowledge. Many golfers really appreciate Julian's coaching ability.
Thank you Alan, I like the fact that you took time to try this. I was amazed at how good it felt and the control of the ball on landing. I like coaches who challenge the norm and discover new things. Stan is a top coach who’s been there and done it. He’s got a thirst for knowledge and loves to share it with like minded coaches and players. Thank for your continued support, always appreciated 😀
Julian taught me this technique yesterday in a SIM coaching session. Great backspin (4800 rpm) and almost no side spin, just need to hinge the club vertically and go with the shot. Julian is an unbelievably good coach, who keeps things simple yet highly effective.
Thoroughly enjoyed our session together, Geoff. Thank you for your kind words and I have to say you played a major part of improving the things we spoke about 🙏👍👏
He is certainly an expert in all areas of the short game and a very talented golfer too. As with all techniques they require practice but his methods work so well.
I’ve used this technique for a long time although always with an open stance. I find it helps release the club a bit through impact but I do sometimes find controlling spin a little difficult. I recently changed to a square stance for greenside bunker shots and after a bit of practice it was revolutionary. I thought I was good at bunker shots until I changed technique. Will give it a go.
@JulianMellor i just came from the practice range. I followed your instructions and it was like magic! I've never hit chip shots like that. Nice, soft, floaters. A thing of beauty and very consistent! It was an amazing morning. Thank you!
Excellent lesson Julian, and right on the money. This technique prevents the leading edge from digging into the ground, causing the chili-dips that we amateurs are famous for. With the bounce flat on the ground, the club head slides under the ball and you get a decent result even if you do hit it a little fat. This technique also works well for pitch shots out to 20 yards or so. Great stuff - well done! 👍
I find if I widen my stance a bit take the club back about 90 degrees as he does, I can get about 40 yards with my 58, 60 yards with my 54, and 80 yards with my 50. Pretty much use Utley, vs a half-wedge, anywhere inside of 80 yards.
Thank you Julian for your very good lessons very well explained May I ask a question please: if I use this technique in bunker, should I hit the ball directly ( with more or less strength) or still hit the sand? Best regards Albert
Hi Albert, you can play the bunker shot with this this technique but aim to hit the sand a balls width behind the actual ball you intend to play, I have done a video on bunker play 👍. Thanks for your kind comment btw 😀
Thanks for an excellent lesson. I will give this some practice because the open face, across the ball is a definite hard right into the bushes for me. I struggle with the SW and GW on short distances. 👍👨🦳🇨🇦
Julian where there is a tight lie you have previously taught in a video to close the face slightly, use a less lofted club to take the bounce out of the equation - and that works a treat. This seems to be the opposite - get the bounce into the shot - I see the logic but does this approach only work or works best with a decent lie when you can slide the club under the ball without the risk of thinning it (which is my miss)
I should have mentioned in the video that the lie does need to be ok and not too tight as the bounce works too well. Thanks for pointing this out Michael. Stick to the other method if the lie is tight but well worth practicing this when you have a good lie.
Thank you. I watched your video last night and went out to the practice area today. Yes, I did remember the stronger lead hand and this worked for me very first time direction wise and also approximate distance. I tested to see how far back from the green I could use this. It was fun trying. All up, you have given a great tip. I’m expecting to be not so tense on the next chipping confrontation. Keep up the good work. Very pleasant instructions.
Hi, thank you for your kind message and I’m pleased that you’ve tried it and benefitted from the video. With practice I know that your chipping will indeed benefit from it.
Julian, higher handicap hackers like me are always being told not to use very lofted clubs when chipping around the green. Instead we are advised to use 5 to 7 irons for example. Presumably these clubs have no no bounce so does your instruction apply to these clubs? Should we ditch them and start practising with the wedge?
Hi, if I were you I’d practice both so you know what’s possible that way you’ll have more choice on the course. Longer clubs don’t have bounce just the wedges really 👍
Julian, what loft wedge were you using there and what do you recommend from that distance? Additionally, do you believe one should have their wedges be different clubs from the rest of their set (particularly a GI type iron)? Thanks always for great material. 🙂
HiLawrence, the wedge I’m using is a 58° but it works with all wedges. As I say to everyone who asks this question about wedges it’s important to try a variety so you know what’s best for you 😀👍
@@JulianMellor I am the understanding that chipping is getting the ball down as quick as possible and running rather than the lofted looking shot that this produces.Also my club at the moment has a lot of bare lies so surely the bounce at the bottom would thin shots off of bare lies
You said not to lean the shaft forward, but you are doing it for this shot. You have a forward press. It’s impossible to do this shot without leaning the shaft forward.
Biggest problem with the golf tips is that it’s not a one technique that covers across the entire golf course, different courses, different grass or turf, different clubs with varying bounce degrees, or the player. What one player can master, another would play their worse golf from. Wether you put the ball forward or back; you have to play the correct shot at the correct situation. So under a low tree or bush, you might be compelled to move the ball back. While a situation in a bunker under a lip, it’s imperative to be forward. And if you want to be any good with wedges; you will have to practice and trust your instincts.
Don’t be fooled that the hinge and hold is the only way to play these shots. Phil is incredibly talented but I’ve experienced lots of golfers who thin and shank the ball by holing the club
We know you want to teach but you are trying to put everything from a 30-60 minute lesson into a 10 minute video. There is too much verbiage and too many specific points. No one is going to remember even ¼ of this. They might recall one or two issues that relate to their game problems. You will be better off making a 1 minute video of the most important points including a demonstration. That way you will get more subscriber action
Prior to every golf season I return to Brian Sparks' book Positive Impact Golf. It helps prime my mind more than anything. Early on in the book Starks recommends Stan Utley's book The Art of the Short Game. I started reading it and sought out some Utley videos to correlate with his method. I was struggling visualizing what he was trying to convey. Since you are my No. 1 and only go-to golf instructor, Julian, I was delighted to find your videos re Utley's chipping method pop up on UA-cam. As always, your instruction is easy to follow and superb. Now if only the snow would abate here, I could get out there and practice. Thank you for your invaluable knowledge! Still learning thanks to you.
Stan is a fantastic coach and very interesting guy to chat with. You’d love the library section part alone at propergolfing.com so much info all in one place all structured 👍
Thank you Julian for your excellent advice.
I have just finished an hour practice session following your suggestions.
My chipping improved. I used a stronger left hand grip instead of the recommended putting grip advocated by many coaches.
It worked well especially using my lob wedge in lush grass.
My new Cleveland Smart Sole Chipper with 42* loft was great with chip & runs.
Julian's clear, comprehensive & easy to follow suggestions improved my chipping technique & there was a significant improvement.
Julian has the sense to listen to coaches like Stan Utley & improve his knowledge rather than repeating old knowledge.
Many golfers really appreciate Julian's coaching ability.
Thank you Alan, I like the fact that you took time to try this. I was amazed at how good it felt and the control of the ball on landing. I like coaches who challenge the norm and discover new things. Stan is a top coach who’s been there and done it. He’s got a thirst for knowledge and loves to share it with like minded coaches and players.
Thank for your continued support, always appreciated 😀
This is absolutely the best way to hit pitch shots from good to decent lies. I read Utleys book years ago and it changed my game.
I love the way it spins the ball Darrin
This is pretty much the Pete Cowan method too. Feel the clubhead fall and use the extension of the body to give the speed through impact.
Julian taught me this technique yesterday in a SIM coaching session. Great backspin (4800 rpm) and almost no side spin, just need to hinge the club vertically and go with the shot. Julian is an unbelievably good coach, who keeps things simple yet highly effective.
Thoroughly enjoyed our session together, Geoff. Thank you for your kind words and I have to say you played a major part of improving the things we spoke about 🙏👍👏
Stan Utley. Short game genius. The best I've heard on all aspects of the short game , including putting
He is certainly an expert in all areas of the short game and a very talented golfer too. As with all techniques they require practice but his methods work so well.
Very good!!!! Vertical shaft engages the bounce, we all seem to forget that vital point hehe.
Absolutely 👍
I bought Stan’s book years ago. Well presented. Thank you.
Thank you, Stan is very knowledgeable that’s for sure and this method works fantastically well.
Superb technique and makes a lot of sense, good to see the use of the wrists which also makes sense, great instruction.
Thank you, I’m pleased that you have found value from watch the video 😀
Helpful. Makes more sense than back foot ball position and dragging the handle through.
It works really well Colin, much better spin control
I’ve used this technique for a long time although always with an open stance. I find it helps release the club a bit through impact but I do sometimes find controlling spin a little difficult.
I recently changed to a square stance for greenside bunker shots and after a bit of practice it was revolutionary. I thought I was good at bunker shots until I changed technique.
Will give it a go.
Transforms bunker shots doesn’t it 👍
Thanks Julian for a great video on an important part of the game where us amateurs can save shots around the green.
My pleasure, David
It produces such amazing strikes and spin control. Well worth putting some time aside to practice it.
Great explanation! Thank you!
Thank you, hope it helps you 😀👍
@JulianMellor i just came from the practice range. I followed your instructions and it was like magic! I've never hit chip shots like that. Nice, soft, floaters. A thing of beauty and very consistent! It was an amazing morning. Thank you!
Excellent lesson Julian, and right on the money. This technique prevents the leading edge from digging into the ground, causing the chili-dips that we amateurs are famous for. With the bounce flat on the ground, the club head slides under the ball and you get a decent result even if you do hit it a little fat. This technique also works well for pitch shots out to 20 yards or so. Great stuff - well done! 👍
Bang on Larry, thank you for this kind comment. Hope you’re keeping well and playing lots of golf.
I find if I widen my stance a bit take the club back about 90 degrees as he does, I can get about 40 yards with my 58, 60 yards with my 54, and 80 yards with my 50. Pretty much use Utley, vs a half-wedge, anywhere inside of 80 yards.
Thanks so much for this video. Nicely explained and so far working well for me.
That’s fantastic to hear Alan
Excellent podcast Julian.....Thank you!
Hope you learnt something new from it Nick. 👍
sounds correct, can't control the direction in the normal chipping way, will try this next time. thanks.
With a bit of practice you’ll be amazed at the spin control you’ll create
Thank you Julian for your very good lessons very well explained
May I ask a question please: if I use this technique in bunker, should I hit the ball directly ( with more or less strength) or still hit the sand?
Best regards
Albert
Hi Albert, you can play the bunker shot with this this technique but aim to hit the sand a balls width behind the actual ball you intend to play, I have done a video on bunker play 👍. Thanks for your kind comment btw 😀
I'll try that!
Great 9 hole lesson yesterday, really enjoyed it and took a lot of positives. 👍
You did great Lewis, just remember to relax and swing freely and you’ll smash it when you play against your friends 👍
This is brilliant works a treat
Something I have done since I was a junior golfer, it just helps me start the backswing
Love this. Really simple and well delivered. You've got another subscriber. 👍
That’s great to hear Colin, welcome on board 👍
Thanks for the clearly explained VDO. What should you do with a bare lie? I guess using the bounce of the club is then not working, isn't it?
Not really, you can slightly closed the club at address as this takes the bounce off the club
Sounds logical. Will try. Thanks Julian
Enjoy Magnus, be interested to hear how you get on
Julian I must thank you for your lessons my golf has improved so much
Tony ☘️
That’s great to hear Tony, what is making the difference?
Setup a big part and chipping I must say my bunker play is very bad no confidence in bunkers
Worth watching my bunker videos on YT
@@JulianMellor did watch it it’s good I will watch the again I know it’s my fault
Tony
I like the technique. Makes it easy to get the ball in the air. Any tips on preventing the pull-through with the lead hand? I do that constantly.
Hi, equal pressure in both hands at address and throughout the swing
@@JulianMellor Thanks, and knuckles down so I don't roll my hands?
Perfect
Thanks for an excellent lesson. I will give this some practice because the open face, across the ball is a definite hard right into the bushes for me. I struggle with the SW and GW on short distances. 👍👨🦳🇨🇦
Get on it Richard, it’s fantastic the way it controls the spin and direction
Julian where there is a tight lie you have previously taught in a video to close the face slightly, use a less lofted club to take the bounce out of the equation - and that works a treat. This seems to be the opposite - get the bounce into the shot - I see the logic but does this approach only work or works best with a decent lie when you can slide the club under the ball without the risk of thinning it (which is my miss)
I should have mentioned in the video that the lie does need to be ok and not too tight as the bounce works too well. Thanks for pointing this out Michael. Stick to the other method if the lie is tight but well worth practicing this when you have a good lie.
It is valuable to read golfer's comments & Julian often adds a few gems when he replies.@@JulianMellor
Thank you. I watched your video last night and went out to the practice area today. Yes, I did remember the stronger lead hand and this worked for me very first time direction wise and also approximate distance. I tested to see how far back from the green I could use this. It was fun trying. All up, you have given a great tip. I’m expecting to be not so tense on the next chipping confrontation. Keep up the good work. Very pleasant instructions.
Hi, thank you for your kind message and I’m pleased that you’ve tried it and benefitted from the video. With practice I know that your chipping will indeed benefit from it.
Proper lesson!
Ty
🏌️
Glad you like it. Well worth practicing until it becomes second nature 👍
Thanks Julian, off to the back garden! 🙏👍⛳️
The strike when you hit it correctly is sensational.
What wedge was used, 56? and bounce? Do you recommend using a wedge with less bounce for this chipping technique?
Hi Rick, the wedges that I use are 56 & 60° I like to use 8° bounce on my wedges.
Looks good. Could it be used with the rule of 13.
Can you just explain rule 13 to me please 👍
Julian, higher handicap hackers like me are always being told not to use very lofted clubs when chipping around the green. Instead we are advised to use 5 to 7 irons for example. Presumably these clubs have no no bounce so does your instruction apply to these clubs? Should we ditch them and start practising with the wedge?
Hi, if I were you I’d practice both so you know what’s possible that way you’ll have more choice on the course. Longer clubs don’t have bounce just the wedges really 👍
Are you hitting with the bounce first then club head?
If you use the bounce correctly it takes care of everything else, Jeff
Is it okay if the angle of attack has gone less steep and more to neutral? I've been practicing this technique on the simulator with club data.
Try both and see which gives you the most consistent results 👍😀
Slight grip push forward before takeaway?
You don’t need to, it’s just something I do naturally to help me start the action. 👍
I’d like to see that technique used on a tightly mown approach - does anything need adjusting.
You have to be careful if the lie is tight and hard.. this shot would require a different technique
Is there a difference between tight and cushy lies?
I cover tight lies in this second part video ua-cam.com/video/9cvQzjiwgmg/v-deo.html 😀
Could the same principle be used in bunkers
Yes, absolutely Robert, I have made a video on bunker play 👍
Stan’s concept for chipping and pitching is quite differ from others, but it works well.
He certainly made me think about thing differently
That’s the great inspiration: All roads lead to Rome!
Very good, but I would have liked to have seen you chipping from tighter lies which is a different ball game!
ua-cam.com/video/9cvQzjiwgmg/v-deo.html I do at the end of this video Alan
Will this work off very hard ground?
as I battle with that
Check out part 2 ua-cam.com/video/9cvQzjiwgmg/v-deo.html I cover this at the end of the video
Julian, what loft wedge were you using there and what do you recommend from that distance? Additionally, do you believe one should have their wedges be different clubs from the rest of their set (particularly a GI type iron)? Thanks always for great material. 🙂
HiLawrence, the wedge I’m using is a 58° but it works with all wedges. As I say to everyone who asks this question about wedges it’s important to try a variety so you know what’s best for you 😀👍
@@JulianMellor thanks 🙏🏻
@@JulianMellor I am the understanding that chipping is getting the ball down as quick as possible and running rather than the lofted looking shot that this produces.Also my club at the moment has a lot of bare lies so surely the bounce at the bottom would thin shots off of bare lies
@@colinday3335 Hope you have seen part two to this video since you made this comment. An absolute gem for advising about those nasty tight lies 🙂
@@JulianMellor And yes Mr Mellor, I did practice today and saved myself 4 shots!!!!! Another great average score today!!!!!!!
I would call this a pitch, as opposed to a chip.
Does the same technique apply for a chip with 7 or 8 iron.
Not really but I see where you are coming from, you wouldn’t try this with anything more than a wedge Geoff.
@@JulianMellor I was taught by my coach that a chip is arms only, as soon as we add body it becomes a pitch.
As different power applied
Which wedge were you using?
It’s a 58° wedge
Thanks! Great Lesson
Thank you Don
Is that a "lob" wedge, & how many did you thin?
Non
Yes, it’s a 58°
Was it stan utterly who said" much joy plods modli movie pitch plode"
No idea 🤷♂️
Is this not a bit inconsistent wth what Phil Mickelson would say?
Who said Phil’s always right. There is always another option in my experience
Understand the benefits but it looks easy to skull chips!!!
You need to stay relaxed for sure
This is pretty much exactly the technique Pete Cowan wants for pitch shots.
It’s a beautiful way to chip for sure
You do a tiny forward shaft lean at the start of the swing why is that
Helps start the swing
You said not to lean the shaft forward, but you are doing it for this shot. You have a forward press. It’s impossible to do this shot without leaning the shaft forward.
The slight forward press it totally natural, it important that the bounce is used correctly. I wouldn’t try this off a hard or bare lie
Just forgot to mention…. chipping club used…..it looks like 50/54/56 and we have not seen where he chipped the balls in the green…..
It’s a 58° wedge, I’ll be making an additional video to help golfers understand distance and accuracy 👍
Biggest problem with the golf tips is that it’s not a one technique that covers across the entire golf course, different courses, different grass or turf, different clubs with varying bounce degrees, or the player. What one player can master, another would play their worse golf from. Wether you put the ball forward or back; you have to play the correct shot at the correct situation. So under a low tree or bush, you might be compelled to move the ball back. While a situation in a bunker under a lip, it’s imperative to be forward. And if you want to be any good with wedges; you will have to practice and trust your instincts.
Wise words Vincent, I’ll attempt to made a video showing different techniques in one video 👍
@vincent thomas - Thanks captain obvious. Would a video addressing every possible wedge situation satisfy you? WTF dude!
This is 24 handicap stuff vincie
I.e. arm forward
Not sure what you mean Ron
I would have to say this is more a pitching technique not a chipping
Try it and see what happens
That's not chip, it's a pitch. A chip usually spends more time on the ground than in the air.
Not always, Kendall I’ve made a part 2 that shows the technique from different distances
Are you 50 50 at address?
Yes, easier to start the swing 50/50
The club should be vertical not level.
Accepted 👍
Looks like an ineffective, incorrect version of the HINGE and HOLD. - P. Mickelson
Don’t be fooled that the hinge and hold is the only way to play these shots. Phil is incredibly talented but I’ve experienced lots of golfers who thin and shank the ball by holing the club
We know you want to teach but you are trying to put everything from a 30-60 minute lesson into a 10 minute video.
There is too much verbiage and too many specific points. No one is going to remember even ¼ of this.
They might recall one or two issues that relate to their game problems.
You will be better off making a 1 minute video of the most important points including a demonstration.
That way you will get more subscriber action
Thanks for the feedback. I’ll take note of that for future videos. Hope you gained a bit of knowledge from watching.
@@JulianMellor We both did thanks - and different pointers. We appreciate your positive response
Every day is a school day for me. If I don’t get feedback how will I know how to improve 👍
@@JulianMellor Ditto.
Boy can you talk!
Thanks, sorry to be so helpful