The “Putt-Chip” for Delicate Greenside Shots

Assess the Situation: The Putt-Chip is a specialized shot for delicate situations where you cannot putt—perhaps due to fluffy grass, ball marks, or being “into the grain” on the fringe. Unlike an aggressive bump and run, the Putt-Chip is designed to hit the green “dead” with a little backspin, preventing the ball from rolling away on fast or downhill slopes.

Club Selection: A pitching wedge is ideal for short, delicate shots that need to pop up and stop quickly. If you require a bit more roll-out, a 7-iron is a viable alternative. Experiment with different lofts to see which provides the most control for your game.

The Setup:

To execute this shot, mimic your putting setup as closely as possible:

Grip & Stance: Use your normal putting grip and a narrow, hip-width stance.

Positioning: Stand more vertically with your eyes directly over the ball.

Weight & Hands: Lean your weight and head forward. Allow your hands to drift forward naturally with the lean rather than forcing a “press”.

Ball Position: Play the ball slightly back of center.

The Technique: Simply make your normal putting stroke while hitting down and through the ball. The forward lean in your setup automatically helps the club hit down, which pops the ball up over the fringe grass.

The Soft-Touch Secret: Because you are standing more vertically, the toe of the club may contact the ball instead of the sweet spot. This is actually beneficial for delicate shots, as a “toe-hit” produces a much softer strike that helps the ball stay controlled on fast greens.

Questions and Answers

Q: How is this different from a regular putting stroke?

A: While the motion is the same, the forward lean of your body ensures you hit down on the ball rather than through it on a level plane. This downward strike is what allows the ball to pop up and clear the grass.

Q: When should I choose the Putt-Chip over a bump and run?

A: Use the Putt-Chip for delicate shots where you need the ball to stop quickly or “die” on the green. The bump and run is a more aggressive shot that will roll out significantly more.

Q: Can I use this from deeper rough?

A: This shot is best suited for the fringe or areas with “fluffy” grass right around the green. In very deep rough, the putting-style stroke may not have enough force to move the clubhead through the grass.