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How to Max Out Your Chipping
By Keith Stewart, PGA
Published on
Max Homa chips onto the 16th hole during the second round of The American Express tournament on the Stadium course at PGA West on January 22, 2021 in La Quinta, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
They say it’s hard to win in professional golf, and the final round in Napa proved it once again. Amongst all the excitement and incredible finish, there’s a coachable moment related to Max Homa’s chip-in for the win. Take a look at the video below and watch how Homa hits the winning shot.
Follow his form by copying these parts of that perfect little chip.
- Start by choosing a landing spot. You can see Max knows that with the green above his feet, the shot will need room to roll out. When you practice, pay attention to how much your chips roll. The target is not the hole for Homa, it was a landing area right in front of him. Short game success has everything to do with picking your landing point.
- Keep those feet close together. By placing your feet close together, you will easily be able to turn around your stance. This will also help you from hanging back on that trail foot. Look at where Max’s feet are located and mirror them.
- Keep the lead arm straight and let the trail arm bend. Homa has perfect arm swing in this shot. Watch as he swings back and keeps his lead (left) arm straight. This maintains the width of his arc. Then he bends the trail (right) elbow to keep the club set. From here he can just pivot back to the ball and clip it off the grass.
- Maintain the face. Look at the finish position of Max’s club. See the face pointing to the sky. If there’s one move from Max’s chip you must copy it is the club position. Most amateurs turn that club over and try to scoop the ball. Make your clubface look just like Max’s.
- Turn to the target. Watch Homa’s body turn to the target. A big mistake we all make in short shots is staying too stiff. Allow the torso to turn so that the trail knee ends up pointing to the target. Don’t stay sideways, face the hole when you are done.
Max Homa of the United States hits his second shot on the 12th hole during the third round of the Fortinet Championship at Silverado Resort and Spa North course on September 17, 2022 in Napa, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)
Once you practice these 5 elements, the last thing you’ll need to do master is the celebration. Watch as Max high fives his caddie in one motion after the ball goes in. Golf is a hard game. Never be afraid to enjoy a Max moment when you have one.
