Chipping and pitching woes

Question
Hello, having problems with what I would call, choking, on touch shots, 50 yards and in. I tend to, too often, hit my 60 degree wedge fat or sometimes skull it, I look up on too many chip shots and wind up with a chunk. On the practice chipping green I do much better with only occasional chunks or skulls. I am 51 year old once a week player, currently a nine and have been as low as a six, but this tension problem persists. Thanks for any tips you may have.

Answer
Hello Dave

When you are on the practice chipping green, what are you thinking about when you hit?  The simple answer is to think about the same things on the course.

But, if only life were that simple...

So, what I'd suggest is you set yourself up with a routine, specifically a word or sound that denotes a successful practice shot. Every time you hit a successful practice shot, say the word or sound. This way you are training yourself to associate the two. After you do that 20-30 times, then say the word or sound BEFORE hitting the ball.  Do that 50-60 times.  Then you are ready to do it on the course.  We learn by repetition and association, which you are doing.  On the course, when you are ready to chip, you say the word and the association helps you make a successful shot.  It takes time and effort, but I've helped lots of golfers improve with this tool.

Good luck and let me know how it goes.

David

David Kenward - The Mental Coach
Sacramento, California
http://www.thementalcoach.com
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