Akshay Bhatia Provides Cross-Handed Chipping Tips!

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From The Smylie Kaufman Show

Exploring Cross-Handed Chipping Techniques in Golf

Exploring the cross-handed chipping technique could provide golfers who struggle with chipping, especially those making big divots or consistently knifing the ball, a method to improve their game. This technique helps synchronize upper body rotation with the swing, potentially making it beneficial for those who frequently hit behind the ball or send it off target. Despite the initial challenge some may face, like blading the ball, it remains a technique that even top golfers, such as Brooks Koepka, practice during major tournaments. For example, at a US Open, Koepka was seen using a cross-handed technique for short chips before reverting to a traditional grip for the actual hit.

The notion extends beyond technique to include the strategic benefit of margin of error reduction, discussed on the Smylie Kaufman podcast with Keith regarding professional golfers like Scottie Scheffler and Jordan Spieth. These players excel in hitting low shots to tightly placed hole locations, demonstrating precision in achieving minimal landing zones. The discussion highlighted how adjusting chip shots, particularly in gaining height, is crucial when dealing with risky shortsided pin positions on tour.

Ultimately, integrating new methods like cross-handed chipping into practice sessions might be particularly valuable during the off-season, providing golfers an additional tool to refine their short game and potentially transform challenging shots into strategic advantages on the course.