Chipping. It’s the part of the game that makes or breaks a scorecard. Ever chunked a chip, leaving it short? Or maybe thinned one across the green, watching it roll further than you’d like? Frustrating, right? So, what’s the secret? What are the best practices for chipping in golf?
The Basics: Get the Fundamentals Right
First off, the basics. If you don’t get these right, the rest won’t matter.
Stance
Keep it narrow. Feet close together, maybe shoulder-width apart.
Ball Position
Slightly back in your stance. This promotes a descending strike, which is key.
Weight Distribution
Shift a bit more weight onto your front foot. Think 60-40 split. This setup helps ensure you make solid contact with the ball, which is crucial for effective chipping. Now, let’s talk about grip.
Grip
Keep it light. A death grip only brings tension, and tension is the enemy of a good chip shot. These basics, when done right, lay the foundation for success. Remember, Phil Mickelson didn’t master the short game without nailing the fundamentals first.
Club Selection: It’s All About the Right Tools
Now, onto your weapons of choice. You can’t chip well if you don’t have the right club in hand.
Wedges
Most of the time, you’ll reach for a wedge. But which one? If you need a little more loft, go for your lob wedge. More roll, less air time? That’s your pitching wedge.
Titleist Vokey Wedges are a solid choice. Why? They offer consistency. And consistency is key when you’re chipping. The grind, the bounce, these little details make a big difference. But sometimes, a lower lofted club is your best bet.
Seven-Iron Bump and Run
When you’ve got plenty of green to work with, and you want the ball to roll out like a putt. It’s an easy shot, low risk, high reward. Think of it as a simple stroke with minimal moving parts. You’re not trying to get fancy – just getting the job done.
Chipping Techniques: What Works and When
Alright, so you’ve got the setup and the club. What now? Let’s talk technique.
Hinge and Hold
This one’s a favourite of Phil Mickelson.
Here’s how it works:
- Hinge your wrists on the backswing.
- Hold that angle through impact.
This keeps your hands ahead of the clubhead, ensuring crisp contact. It’s perfect for when you need to get under the ball and add a bit of spin.
Bump and Run
I mentioned this earlier, but let’s dive deeper. This technique is simple. Low hands, back in the stance. You’re looking for a low trajectory, with the ball spending more time on the ground than in the air. This works well when you’re just off the green and don’t need to carry much distance.
The Flop Shot
When you need to go high and stop quick. Use your lob wedge, open the face, and swing along the line of your feet. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but when done right, it’s magic. Remember, though – the flop shot isn’t your go-to for every chip. Use it sparingly, and only when you’ve got no other option.
Drills to Sharpen Your Chipping Game
Want to get better? You’ve got to practise. Here are a few drills to help you out.
The Circle Drill
Place four tees in a circle around a hole, about three feet away. Your goal? Chip the ball into that circle from different spots around the green. This helps you focus on distance control and accuracy.
One-Club Drill
Pick one club and chip with it from all sorts of lies. Why? It forces you to get creative and learn the ins and outs of that club. Dave Pelz swears by this one. He says it’s about mastering one tool before moving on to the next.
The Landing Spot Drill
Pick a spot on the green where you want the ball to land. Focus solely on landing the ball there, regardless of where the hole is. This teaches you to control your distance, which is essential for consistent chipping.
Avoiding Common Chipping Mistakes
Even the best make mistakes. But the key is to make fewer of them. Here are some common errors and how to avoid them.
Chunking
This happens when you hit behind the ball. To fix it? Keep your weight on your front foot throughout the swing. Don’t let your body fall back.
Thinning
The opposite of chunking. You catch the ball too clean, sending it racing across the green. How to stop it? Focus on a smooth, descending strike, and keep those wrists firm.
Overcomplicating the Shot
Sometimes, we try to get too fancy. Stick to the basics, especially under pressure. Remember, even pros like Tiger Woods keep it simple when the stakes are high. Chipping doesn’t have to be complicated.
Follow these best practices for chipping in golf, and you’ll see improvement. Every chip is an opportunity to save a stroke. Focus on the basics, use the right club, and practise with purpose. Stick to these best practices for chipping in golf, and your short game will thank you.
