EDITOR’S NOTE: “Tip of the week” is a periodic feature running in the North Lake Tahoe Bonanza, in partnership with the Incline Village General Improvement District, providing locals with various tips pertaining to the recreation opportunities and services the district provides.

Let’s face it — as much as we all wish we could hit every green in regulation, the reality is that we simply won’t and that we are going to have to chip multiple times over the course of a round.

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Chipping is one of the most challenging aspects of golf, but with a few pointers and some focus we can improve dramatically.

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PRE-SET YOUR CONDITION

First, we need to pay close attention to our setup:

1. Grip down on your club.

2. Eyes just inside the ball.

3. Position the ball BACK of center in your stance.

4. Distribute your weight 60/40 on your front foot.

5. Hands slightly in front of the ball.

6. Grip pressure 6 on a scale of 0-10.

SWING MOTION

Then we need to think about our swing:

1. Keep the hands in front.

2. No wrist.

3. Think of a putting stroke.

4. No weight shift.

5. Weight left. Keep it … and stay left … hold that finish.

Good luck. Any questions, feel free to stop by my office on the range.

Frank O’Connell, PGA, is director of instruction at the Incline Village Championship Course. Learn more at http://www.golfincline.com.