Butch Harmon
Forward thinking
 Rule No. 1 on shots around the green is to get to your front foot. Most of the golfers who come to our schools have their weight back at impact. They either set up that way or shift there during the swing, usually because they’re trying to help the ball in the air.
One of two things happens when your weight gets stuck on your back foot: (1) You hit the shot fat, because the low point of the swing is behind the ball; or (2) you hit it thin, because the low point is back and the club catches the ball on the upswing. Contact is everything on these little shots. The only thing worse than skulling a ball over the green is dumping it right in front of you.
The good news is, moving your weight forward is a simple adjustment. Try the drills at right, one for pitching and one for chipping. Remember, when using any drill, hit normal shots as well, and try to ingrain the feel.
Problem
On chips and pitch shots, too much weight on the back foot leads to fat or thin contact.
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Pitching solution
For pitch shots, try this drill to make sure you’re transferring your weight to your front side. Set up with the ball in the centre of your stance and your weight favouring your front foot. Swing back, and shift towards the target as you accelerate the club through the ball. You should be able to lift your back foot at the finish.
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Chipping solution
To improve contact on chips, take your normal set-up, then slide your right foot six inches away from the target line and raise the heel. This puts your weight mainly on your left side, with your right toes used only for balance. Hit some chips, focusing on keeping your weight forward and the grip end of the club leading the clubhead through impact.
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