In this third episode of the Malaska Golf Player Lesson, Mike Malaska takes Jeff Coburn and Jeff Krull into one of the most misunderstood areas of golf—the short game. The focus of this lesson is chipping technique, solid contact, and center-face control.

Mike begins by setting up a simple on-course chipping station that includes both tight lies and light rough, replicating the conditions golfers face in every round. He explains that most players never learn to connect the ball with the center of the clubface, which is the real key to consistent spin and distance control.

To drive the point home, Mike introduces what he calls the “fourth groove test.” By marking a small dot on the fourth groove of the wedge, players can see where contact actually happens. The goal is to line that dot up with the back of the golf ball and learn how it feels when you strike it cleanly in the middle of the face.

As Jeff and Jeff work through their shots, Mike highlights a major misconception: amateurs often try to scoop the ball into the air or rely on the high-risk flop shot they see on television. He explains that these shots require thousands of hours of practice and are rarely the right choice for most golfers. Instead, the key is using a simple putting-style motion with a slightly descending strike.

Mike demonstrates how moving the ball slightly back in the stance, keeping the head forward, and maintaining steady rhythm allows the club to bottom out naturally after contact. The result is crisp, repeatable contact that makes the ball pop up and roll predictably toward the hole.

He also stresses that most golfers would benefit from simplifying their short game. Rather than constantly switching clubs, he recommends testing a few—pitching wedge, sand wedge, and lob wedge—to find the one that produces the most consistent contact. Once you identify that club, practice striking the center of the face with it every time.
This session reinforces one of Mike’s favorite concepts: learn what your tendencies are and make small adjustments. Instead of trying to reinvent your swing mid-round, learn how to adapt what you already do. By paying attention to how the club interacts with the ground and the ball, you’ll develop instinctive control over trajectory and rollout.
By the end of the lesson, both players begin to feel what solid chipping contact really means—and how to reproduce it under pressure. This isn’t about style or technique; it’s about building awareness and confidence through consistent feedback.

Key Takeaways:
Center-Face Contact: Great chipping starts with striking the ball in the middle of the clubface.
Simplify the Stroke: Use a putting-style motion with minimal wrist action.
Forget the Flop: Consistency beats creativity—avoid high-risk shots you can’t practice daily.
Ball Position Matters: Move the ball slightly back to ensure solid, descending contact.
Play What You Own: Learn your tendencies, adjust setup, and trust your feel.