Scottie Scheffler is right up there with the very best short game players in the world.
We all know how solid Scheffler‘s driving is, and his iron play is the best we’ve seen since Tiger Woods in his prime.
However, his short game does go under the radar at times.
The world number one’s pitching and chipping is truly elite, so it goes without saying that any tips he may have to offer should be grasped with both hands by amateur golfers who are looking to improve.
Who makes your Mount Rushmore of active golfers?
Any massive names missing out?
Scheffler has already provided plenty of chipping advice for amateur golfers who struggle around the greens.
This time, though, we’re going to focus on some advice from Scheffler regarding how he adds more spin to the ball when he’s chipping.
Scottie Scheffler shares how amateurs can get more spin on their chips
Interestingly, Scheffler preaches a safety first method.
He never overcomplicates shots if he doesn’t have to and he firmly believes that amateur golfers should be thinking along similar lines.
When speaking to Golf Digest, Scheffler shared his best advice to help amateur golfers improve their chipping.
“Getting better around the greens means improving your average result,“ he said
“To get more consistent, rethink how you use your hands on these shots. For example, to hit a stock bunker shot, I’ll set up with the ball forward in my stance and my hands slightly behind it so the shaft is leaning away from the target.
“Then I’ll make a centered turn back and through (above) with a lot less wrist hinge and release than a lot of players use. You don’t need to use your hands all that much to hit a good shot. The only time my hands are more active is if I want more spin. I’ll use them to speed up the clubhead’s release.
Same holds true for pitching, Scheffler says
“For a pitch shot, the same holds true. My hands aren’t all that involved. I like to hit this ‘hook spinner’, because it makes the ball land and roll out under control.
“To execute it, set up with the face square and feel like you’re returning the shaft to the same position it was at address as you strike the ball. The idea is that you’re not pulling the handle and using hand action to get the club back to the ball.
What’s the biggest mistake you’ve ever seen a player make at a major?
“Keep turning your chest and rotating the club, and you’ll skid the clubhead along the ground and pick the ball clean. If you’re taking big divots when you hit pitch shots, you’re probably using your hands too much.“
The key takeaway from that advice from Scheffler is that the ONLY time his hands are active in the chipping motion is when he wants to add spin to his shots.
Judging by those comments, when there is no obstacle between his ball and the flag, he will play a chip or pitch that will land and release rather than spin up and stop to a halt.
If you are an amateur golfer who wastes shots around the greens, follow Scheffler’s advice above.
The simplicity of the advice is what makes his message so easy to understand.
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