Tom F. Stickney II is the Director of Instruction and Business Development at Punta Mita, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Punta Mita is a 1,500-acre golf and beach resort located 45 minutes from Puerto Vallarta on a beautiful peninsula surrounded by the Bay of Banderas on three sides. Amenities include two Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses with 14 holes directly on the water, a golf academy, four private beach clubs, a Four Seasons Hotel, a St. Regis Hotel, as well as multiple private villas and homesites available. Read on for his Y-Chipping Technique.
When you are chipping from just off the green (within 10 feet or less) and your goal is to run the ball more than you carry it, try my Y-Chipping Technique. First, set the blade at your intended line. Next, set your body up around your aim. From there, push your hands forward to form a lower-case “y.” Once you lock in this “y,” keep it intact all the way into the finish, as shown. The key is to use your putting stroke feeling with no wrist action. If you have to hit the ball any harder than you do for a 10 or 15 foot putt, then use a lower lofted club. Enjoy trying this style, and I bet you will improve your up and down percentage from just off the green.
For more information regarding Punta Mita, golf outings, golf schools and private lessons, e-mail tom.stickney@puntamita.com
