Identify the Shot: Chipping is a specific shot used when you are a little too far off the green to putt, but the pin is positioned toward the back of the green. It is a highly reliable, low-risk shot because you are keeping the ball low to the ground and letting it run like a putt once it hits the green.
Club Selection: Choose a club with lower loft, such as an 8 or 9 iron. If your course has very large greens, a 7 iron might be best; for smaller greens, stick with a 9. The goal is to pick one club you are confident with and use it consistently to master your feel for distance.
The Setup: Grip down low on the club, almost to the bottom of the grip, to increase control. Position the ball in the middle of your stance and lean approximately 60% of your weight onto your front foot. This setup encourages the club to hit down through the ball for a clean strike.
Maintain the “Y”: Imagine a “Y” shape formed by your arms and the club shaft. Your goal is to keep this “Y” intact throughout the stroke. Use your shoulders to move the club back and through, avoiding any excessive hand or wrist movement which can cause inconsistent contact.
The 1/3 to 2/3 Rule: As a general rule of thumb, aim to land your chip approximately one-third of the way to the hole, allowing the ball to roll the remaining two-thirds of the way. While green speed and slope will affect this, it provides a perfect starting point for choosing your landing spot.
Questions and Answers
Q: Why shouldn’t I use a high-lofted wedge for this shot? A: High-lofted wedges carry more risk. By using a 7, 8, or 9 iron, you keep the ball lower to the ground. If you mis-hit a low-lofted club slightly, the result is usually much better than a mis-hit with a “floppy” wedge.
Q: What if the greens are incredibly fast? A: If you find yourself on lightning-fast greens, you can switch to a club with slightly more loft, like a 9 iron or even a PW, to help the ball check up a little sooner, but keep the same “Y” technique.
Q: How do I stop hitting the ground before the ball? A: Ensure your weight stays on your front foot (the target side) throughout the entire stroke. If you lean back, you will likely hit the turf early. Keeping that 60% weight forward ensures a crisp, downward strike.
