Chipping is the ultimate scoring shot in golf. Yet, for many golfers, the area just off the green is where strokes are unnecessarily lost. The good news? A great chip shot is 90% setup and simplicity.
This comprehensive golf lesson breaks down the fundamentals of How To Chip in Golf, focusing on an easy-to-repeat technique that guarantees crisp, clean contact. By following these basic steps, you’ll eliminate those dreaded chunks and thin shots and start getting the ball closer to the hole.
The Foundations of a Perfect Chipping Setup
The secret to consistency begins before you even swing the club. Get your body in the right position to ensure a descending strike and ball-first contact.
- Narrow Stance & Feet Together: Take a tight stance, with your feet about a clubhead-width or slightly more apart. This compact base promotes control over power and prevents excessive lower body movement.
- Weight Forward (Lead Side): This is the most crucial step. Start with 60% to 70% of your weight on your lead (front) foot. This forward pressure anchors your pivot and moves the swing’s low point ahead of the ball, which is essential for pure contact.
- Ball Position: The ball should be in the center or slightly back in your stance. A slightly back position can promote the run-out shot, while a slightly forward position with an open face can help the ball pop up higher.
- Hands Ahead (Forward Shaft Lean): With your weight forward, your hands should naturally be ahead of the ball, creating a slight forward shaft lean. This pre-sets you for a great strike and reduces the club’s effective loft for a running chip.
The Simple Chipping Motion: A Pendulum Swing
Once the setup is locked in, the motion itself must be simple. The core principle is to use your large muscles—your shoulders, arms, and chest—to create a smooth, pendulum-like motion, just like a putt.
- Keep Wrists Firm/Passive: The biggest mistake in chipping is using too much independent wrist action (often called “flipping” or “scooping”). For most chips, keep your wrists firm and flat. Power the stroke with the rocking of your upper body pivot.
- Brush the Grass: Focus on making clean contact by sweeping or “brushing the grass” just after the ball. Your goal is a slightly descending blow to catch the ball cleanly.
- Maintain the Triangle: Think of your shoulders, arms, and hands forming a consistent “triangle” at address, and maintain that shape throughout the backswing and follow-through.
- Accelerate Through Impact: Use a smooth tempo and ensure you accelerate through the impact zone to get the necessary speed and control.
Shot Selection: Run It Out!
For most amateur golfers, the chip-and-run is your best friend. Use a lower-lofted club like an 8-iron, 9-iron, or Pitching Wedge, and focus on landing the ball a short distance on the green and letting it roll like a putt.
Practice Tip: Pick a small landing spot on the green and practice hitting that specific target. The ultimate goal is to get the ball rolling quickly, which maximizes your control.
Stop overcomplicating your short game! Implement this simple setup and motion today to start saving strokes around the green! Check on YouTube