Pitch ShotsChippingWedge play = Pitching and Chipping Wedges Expert / Intermediate ⏱ 8 min 🇬🇧 Video in English, summarized

Rory McIlroy's short-side chip on a tight lie

Name: Rory McIlroy's short-side chip on a tight lie
Uploaded: 2021-11-02T12:00:00+00:00
Duration: 8 min 27 s
Channel: Rory McIlroy
Description: Short-sided, against the grain, with a bunker between the ball and the flag: Rory McIlroy starts by setting up for a par putt. He then demonstrates his wide, smooth swing to lift the ball, followed by the same swing with a 54° wedge to roll it toward the back flag.

Short-sided, against the grain, with a bunker between the ball and the flag: Rory McIlroy starts by setting up for a par putt. He then demonstrates his wide, smooth swing to lift the ball, followed by the same swing with a 54° wedge to roll it toward the back flag.

▶

Rory McIlroy · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

To be continued

4 minSame problemJordan Spieth's wedges near the flagJordan Spieth · Intermediate / Expert 15 minSame problemBall Climbing Up the Wedge Face: 3 Shots by MorikawaCollin Morikawa · Intermediate / Expert 1 minFrom the same proThe Bump and Run Chip: Rory McIlroyRory McIlroy · Beginner / Intermediate

What the lesson shows

The lie determines the possible shots. On a short side, Rory's first thought is to give yourself a putt for par: The worst thing would be to try too hard and stay in the bunker. He walks up to the green, chooses a landing spot—further away when the slope is steep, leaving himself some room—and then visualizes the trajectory. For a high shot: clubface slightly open, ball positioned slightly forward, 70/30 weight distribution on the left. On this backhand shot, he isn't trying to dig into the ground but to meet the ball: minimal wrist movement, a wide motion, the feeling of a right arm that remains almost straight, an equal swing arc on both the backswing and the downswing, and the right shoulder covering the ball so that the chest continues to rotate. When hitting with the grain, he would break the club more and release under the ball for more spin; when hitting against the grain, the break must be countered, and the leading edge digs in.

Toward the back flag, with plenty of green, he go down to the loft: A lob wedge would land on the downhill slope and not stop. With a 54°, a squarer clubface, the ball positioned further back, a narrower stance, and a 60/40 weight distribution, he maintains the same wide, flat swing so the ball rolls over the bump. He also raises his hands slightly and moves closer to the ball: he uses the entire sole of the club, whereas with low hands, the heel catches the ground. The short shot is played slightly across the line to reduce speed; the long shot, without a cut, so that the ball rolls.

The Exercise, Step by Step

Look at the lie and the grain: they determine the possible shots.
Step onto the green, choose a landing spot, and visualize the trajectory.
For the lift shot, open the clubface slightly, move the ball forward, and shift about 70% of your weight to the left.
Make a wide, smooth swing—with the same amplitude on the way out and on the way back—and catch the ball.
Let your right shoulder cover the ball so that your chest continues to rotate.
For a backhand shot, take a 54° angle, with a squarer face, the ball positioned further back, a narrower stance, a 60/40 weight distribution, and your hands slightly higher.

Key Takeaways

Short side: First, set yourself up for a par putt.

The landing point and trajectory are chosen before the action.

Against the grain: a wide swing, minimal break, and you catch the ball.

Upper cut: open stance, ball of the foot forward, weight distribution 70/30 to the left.

With plenty of space: 54° square face, 60/40 weight distribution, hands higher.

With the grain, you can break and release under the ball.

Mistakes to Avoid

Trying too hard and ending up with the ball in the bunker.
Break your wrists against the grain: the leading edge will dig in.
Shift your weight to your right foot to help the ball rise.
Hit a lob wedge that lands on the downhill slope toward a distant flag.
Hands too low: the heel catches on the grass.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

Same tack, two flags: one upwind tack, then a 54° downwind tack
Landing spot selected and visualized before each shot
Wide practice swings, with equal forward and backward movements
Compare cross-grain and grain direction

Your Questions

What should you do first when you're short on cash?

Give yourself a putt for par. For Rory, the worst thing is trying too hard and ending up with the ball in the bunker.

Why not cut the wrists against the grain?

Whatever you're hitting must be struck cleanly, and the leading edge of the club then enters the wind. Rory keeps his swing wide and flat, with his right arm almost fully extended, to catch the ball.

Why a 54° angle toward the rear flag?

With a lob wedge, the ball would land on the downhill slope and wouldn't stop. With less loft, it clears the bump and rolls toward the flag.

Why raise your hands on a rolling shot?

To use the entire sole and ensure full contact. With his hands lower, Rory feels the heel make contact first and the club grip the ball.

Learn More

All “Pitch Shots” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you All “Chipping” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you All videos on “Wedge Play = Pitching and Chipping” →Find the lesson that's right for you Scheffler and McIlroy's Wedge Workshop: Chips and BunkersScheffler and McIlroy are looking for a “shallow” swing and a draw feel around the green, from a tight lie to the bunker, to make better contact with the ball. Weight on the front leg during the approach: the head, tooWeight on the front leg but head behind the ball: align your upper body with your weight to let the club glide along the ground and rotate your shoulders. Flighted Wedges from Scheffler, Morikawa and KordaThree champions rarely hit a wedge full: use a longer club, a smoother swing, and less spin for a low ball flight and consistent control. Rory McIlroyAll of his lessons

Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Rory McIlroy). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons, without hosting them.