Mastering The Chip Shot

A chip is a low, flat shot hit from near the green-side that flies very low and rolls on the green more than it flies in the air. The benefits of hitting a chip is the shot requires a minimal swing and creates maximum control. Learning to chip around the greens when there is no trouble in front is often the safest, simplest option in the short game.Remember, chip shots are hit lower along the ground.

1. Position the ball back in back in your stance. This encourages a forward shaft lean and reduces the loft of the club.
2. Choose the proper club to help ensure the lower ball flight. In previous decades, the proper club was one that got the ball on the green as fast as possible to ensure maximum roll time, usually a 7 or 8 iron. With the advent of super fast greens, many players now use 8 or 9 irons and wedges.
3. Grip down on the club to reduce it’s length. This adds another level of control. Some players even grip the shaft itself.
4. The most popular stance is left foot back and slightly open. I’ve seen some pros completely open to the target.
5. Position your weight primarily on your left side, like a putt.
6. Learn to read the green’s slope much like a putt. Walk to the landing spot on the green, then read the “roll” to the cup. Just imagine that you are putting from the landing spot.