I am asked all the time by my students,”should I putt or chip from here?” When I hear this question it takes me back to a statement Dr.Bob Rotella (world renowned sports psychologist who has worked with thousands of professional athletes) said to me during one of our lessons when I was playing professionally. His exact words to me were: “choose the club you believe will give you a chance to hole the shot.” When you face a situation where you have choices you should apply those words. Don’t be persuaded by thinking someone might laugh at you for putting, or using a hybrid for a bump and run. Use what you feel ! I believe this is the main concern when choosing a club around the greens. Confidence should be your first consideration. Obviously, there are certain times you should hit it higher or lower than others, or maybe the lie is deep in rough and you may need to use a more lofted club.

Remember when Tom Watson chose a putter from behind the green at the final hole during last year’s British Open and failed to get the ball up and down? Many people asked why he did not chip the ball. I can assure you he chose the club he thought would give him the best chance of getting it up and down or even hole the shot.

I have used many clubs around the greens in an effort to be prepared for any shot that may come up during a round. I suggest you try the same thing. Take twenty golf balls and toss them in different spots around the chipping green and experiment with different club so you can get a feel for the trajectory each will give you from a particular lie. I think you will be amazed how your touch will develop and creativity will improve.