May 16, 2019- by Steven E. Greer, MD
In March, when I met with Ryan Crysler at the Harmon teaching center in Port Saint Lucie, we worked a bit on the short game. With a 3D-measuring vest on, we looked at the sequence of my hips, compared to the upper body, for 30-yard finesse chips. I was hitting them the same way that I would hit a full swing. However, I was told that most professional players now keep a still lower body and throw the clubhead under the ball.
Using this method, the bounce of the club prevents those nasty chunks. If one tries to hit a short chip with an open stance and hands forward, the sharp edge of the club hits the ground. If one lacks perfect timing, that can lead to the club getting stuck in the dirt.
I have been using this method with great success. I create a closed stance rather than an open stance. I keep my left arm higher than the right at address. Then, I think about a slow backswing and flipping the wrists to hit the ball.
This method is not like the Jason Day frozen-wrists method. It is wristy.
For 30-yard shots, a 56-degree wedge might be better. For shorter ones, I use a 60-degree.