Weekend Golf Tip

The 'Tiger chip' from greenside rough

Using a fairway wood gives him (and you) more margin for error

By Hank Haney

Golf Digest Teaching Professional

Thanks to Tiger Woods and more recently Todd Hamilton, this go-to short shot has gained popularity in the past few years. For good reason: Using fairway wood or hybrid club from just off the green gives you more margin for error.

To play such a little shot with a short iron, you need precise contact to get the distance control you need. A fairway wood requires less precision at impact and reduces the chances of a completely muffed shot.

Address this little shot like a putt. Then make a short, firm stroke, back and through. Your follow-through should be about the same length as your backswing.

The ball will pop out of the grass and start rolling quickly. With some practice, you'll soon be able to gauge just how far the ball will run depending on the length of swing you use.

Ok Folks...have a good weekend... and good game for those golfing this weekend.