Putting and chipping can be round killers. If you are not chipping well, it usually effects the putt and therefore, your score. Focusing on the area around the green, say within 50 feet, there are many different techniques so, shot selection is key.

Begin with assessing the lie and the line to the hole. Then, choose the type of shot you want to make - bump and run, wedge or chip. Pick a line and a finishing spot to leave you with a better chance at sinking the putt. Finally, make a confident stroke and follow through.

With a buried lie in the rough, use a club with some loft - pitch, sand or lob wedge. The extra loft will help pop the ball out of the rough, giving you a better chance at getting it close enough to the pin. With an open stance and weight forward, focus on the ball more than the line to the hole. The key here is the follow through, putting an easy tempo swing through the ball will increase your success at getting up and down.

From a lie on the fringe or fairway, the shot selection increases. Distance to the hole will help determine what club to use. I like the nine iron from a few feet off the green and a pitching wedge if it is a bit further out. With this shot, pick a landing zone about a quarter of the distance to the hole. Again, with weight forward, swing through the ball with confidence down the line. Closer to the green, use more of a putting stroke. Set the club upright, with the heel raised so you are making contact towards the toe. With a putting stroke, the ball will pop onto the green and roll down the line to the hole. For my wedge shot, I choke down on the club and place the ball back in my stance. Keeping my wrists locked, I use a long putting stroke and try to make solid contact.

Think comfort when choosing what club to use here. You want to be confident in your club selection. Confidence in your club yields confidence in your shot.