How to chip in Golf

Improve Golf

Chipping is one of the most vital skills in golf, yet it’s often overlooked by players. It’s the shot that can turn a challenging round into a solid score, helping you save par when you’re just off the green. 

Mastering the chip shot can drastically lower your scores, boost your confidence, and transform your short game.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced golfer, improving your chipping technique is key to making those tricky shots look easy.

Ready to sharpen your skills? Let’s get started!

What Is a Chip Shot in Golf?

A chip shot is a short, low-trajectory shot played close to the green.

Unlike a pitch, which has a higher arc, a chip is designed to get the ball onto the green quickly with a minimum of airtime and more roll.

Chipping is most often used when your ball is just off the green, and you need a precise, controlled shot to get close to the hole.

Step-by-Step: How to Chip in Golf

Follow these steps to execute a solid chip shot:

1. Set Up Your Stance

Your stance is the foundation of a good chip shot.

Here’s what you need to do:

  • Feet close together: Keep your feet about shoulder-width apart or slightly narrower for stability and control.
  • Weight forward: Shift 60–70% of your weight onto your front foot (left foot for right-handed players), which encourages a downward strike on the ball.
  • Ball position: Place the ball slightly back in your stance, closer to your back foot. This helps you make clean contact and avoid hitting the ball fat (chunking it).

2. Use the Right Club

Choosing the right club is essential. A 7-iron will produce more roll, while a sand wedge or lob wedge will provide more loft and less roll. As a general rule, you want to:

  • Lower loft clubs (7- or 8-iron): Use these when you have more green to work with and need the ball to roll out.
  • Higher loft clubs (pitching wedge, sand wedge): Use these when you need to stop the ball quickly with less roll.

3. Focus on a Smooth Stroke

The key to chipping is making a smooth, controlled stroke:

  • Hands ahead: Keep your hands slightly ahead of the ball at address and throughout the swing.
  • Short backswing: Take a shorter, more controlled backswing and focus on accelerating through the ball. Avoid decelerating, which can cause poor contact and inconsistent results.
  • Minimal wrist hinge: Keep your wrists firm and avoid excessive wrist movement. The motion should feel like a pendulum, with your shoulders and arms working together.

4. Strike the Ball First

For a clean chip shot, focus on hitting the ball first, not the turf. Imagine brushing the grass just after you strike the ball, which will produce a crisp, downward strike.

  • Avoid scooping: Many beginners make the mistake of trying to scoop the ball into the air. Instead, let the loft of the club do the work by striking down on the ball.

Tips for Better Chipping

Chipping may seem simple, but perfecting it takes practice. Here are a few tips to help you chip with confidence and consistency:

1. Keep it simple

Chipping is all about consistency and control. Focus on a smooth, simple motion without overcomplicating your swing. Keep your backswing short and controlled, and make sure to follow through towards your target.

2. Visualise the Shot

Before you hit the ball, visualise exactly how the ball will react once it lands. Is it going to roll out, or do you need it to stop quickly? Understanding the trajectory and roll is key to better distance control.

3. Use the Ground

The ground is your friend when chipping. Instead of focusing solely on loft, think about getting the ball rolling as soon as possible. Most of your chip shots should be lower trajectory with a focus on roll, especially when you have more green to work with.

4. Practice Different Clubs

Get comfortable with different clubs around the green. A lot of players make the mistake of relying on one club for all their chips. Experiment with various clubs to see how the ball reacts with different lofts. This way, you’ll be prepared for a variety of lies and situations.

5. Practice on Different Lies

In real play, the ball won’t always be sitting up nicely on the grass. Practice chipping from different lies: tight lies, rough, uphill, and downhill. This will prepare you for any situation on the course and give you more confidence.

Common Chipping Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Even seasoned golfers struggle with chipping at times, but avoiding these common mistakes will help you stay on track:

  • Decelerating through impact: Decelerating your club at impact can cause inconsistent contact, resulting in thin or chunked shots. To avoid this, focus on accelerating through the ball.
  • Scooping the ball: Trying to lift the ball into the air by “scooping” will often lead to poor shots. Remember to strike down on the ball and trust the loft of your club.
  • Poor weight distribution: If your weight isn’t shifted forward, you may end up with a fat or thin shot. Keep your weight forward throughout the shot for solid contact.
  • Too much wrist action: Using too much wrist can lead to inconsistency. Keep your wrists firm and let your shoulders and arms control the motion.

Drills to Improve Your Chipping

Improving your chipping game requires focused practice. Here are two simple drills you can use to hone your skills:

1. One-Handed Chipping Drill

Practice chipping with only your lead hand (left hand for right-handed players).

This drill helps you develop a smooth, controlled motion and eliminates excess wrist action.

Once you’ve done several one-handed chips, switch back to both hands and notice how much more controlled your stroke feels.

2. Towel Drill

Lay a towel a few feet in front of you and try to chip the ball over the towel with a low trajectory.

This drill helps you focus on hitting down on the ball and encourages you to control the loft and roll of your shot.

Final Thoughts: Chip with Confidence

Mastering the chip shot is one of the quickest ways to lower your scores and become a more well-rounded golfer.

By focusing on the basics—stance, ball position, and a smooth stroke—you’ll build the foundation for a solid short game.

Remember, chipping is all about control and feel, so make sure to practice often and pay attention to how the ball reacts.

With a little dedication and the right techniques, you’ll be getting up and down from off the green in no time! Happy chipping!

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