If you’re a beginner golfer, one of the most important things to learn is how to chip the golf ball.
Learning how to chip can help you save shots on the golf course, and it’s not as difficult as it may seem!
In this blog post, we’ll cover exactly how you can chip a golf ball like the professionals.
We’ll cover everything from stance to grip to swing – so whether you’re just starting out or you want to improve your chipping game, read on for some helpful tips and tricks!
Here's What We'll Cover
What exactly is a chip shot?
A chip shot is a type of golf shot that you hit when you are close to the green, but not quite on it yet.
It’s used when your approach shot misses, but your close enough where you can take a short stroke and get the ball near the hole.
Chip shots are typically played with a wedge, but can also be played with other clubs such as a short iron!
What techniques can you use to chip the ball?
Chip shot
A typical chip shot uses a gap wedge (aka approach wedge), pitching wedge, or short iron and is played with a steeper swing and less loft than you would use for a sand shot.
The swing should be smooth and fluid, with a focus on making solid contact with the ball in the middle of the clubface.
Your weight should be evenly distributed between your front and back foot, and you’ll want to make sure that you keep your head down through impact.
Lob shot
A typical lob shot uses a lob wedge or sand wedge and is played with an open clubface and an open stance to give you more loft.
The swing should be slower and more controlled than a chip shot, with a focus on making solid contact with the ball and maintaining your balance throughout the swing.
Your weight should be shifted to your back foot, and you’ll want to make sure that you keep your head down through impact.
Bump and run shot
This is a common technique among beginners since you can mishit the ball and still get a solid result!
A bump and run involves using a middle-iron like a 7-iron or 8-iron, then hitting the ball like a putt so it’s controlled and doesn’t lift far off the ground.
To execute the bump and run, you want to set up in a normal stance with your weight slightly favoring your front foot.
Then, move your hands forward slightly, take a short backswing and hit the ball firmly but not too hard – make sure to follow through with your swing!
5 Step Process To Chipping The Ball Perfectly
Step 1: Pick a shot type and landing spot
As you’re walking up to the ball, you want to get an idea for the shot you’re going to hit.
So you’ll want to decide whether to hit a chip shot, lob shot, or bump-and-run, then decide where you’ll need the ball to land so it rolls close.
If you’re not sure, it’s always best to play a chip shot since it’s the most versatile!
Step 2: Get in your stance
You’ll want to have a slightly open, narrow stance with the ball slightly behind the center of your stance.
It’s important you have about 60-70% of your weight on your front foot, so you hit down on the ball and get it in the air!
If you do this correctly, the ball will launch in the air with backspin so it lands softly!
Step 3: Grip the club
When chipping the ball, you’ll want to grip the club as you would for a putt – with your hands slightly in front of the ball.
You can even grip down a bit on your club since you want as much control of the club as possible.
Make sure you have a relaxed, controlled grip and you’ll be good to go.
Step 4: Take a few practice swings
Before you take your shot, take a few practice swings and get comfortable with your stance and grip.
It’s important that you focus on your tempo and stroke so when you’re ready to strike the ball, it’s exactly what you practiced.
Step 5: Stroke the golf ball
Once you’re ready, take a smooth swing and make solid contact with the ball in the center of your clubface.
You want to focus on making solid contact while on your downswing so the ball gets in the air and lands softly.
If you do this and follow through correctly, you’ll put yourself in a great position to save par or even make a birdie on your putt!
Other common questions about chipping the ball
Which club should you use to chip the ball?
To determine which club to use, you’ll need to decide which type of shot you’re going to hit.
- Chip shot: use your gap or pitching wedge.
- Lob shot: use your lob or sand wedge.
- Bump and run shot: use your 7 or 8 iron.
Once you’re consistent with each shot type, you should try different clubs to see what works best for you!
What’s the difference between a chip shot and a pitch shot?
A pitch shot is a type of golf shot you hit when you’re around 50 to 100 yards away from the green.
It’s used to get the ball onto the green and stop quickly, and is typically played with a lofted club like a pitching or sand wedge.
A chip shot, on the other hand, is a type of golf shot you hit when you’re close to the green but not quite on it yet.
It’s used when your approach shot misses, but you’re close enough where you can take a short stroke and get the ball near the hole.
Should you lock your wrists when chipping?
You shouldn’t keep your wrists locked entirely, but they shouldn’t be flicked either.
Ideally, you’ll want to keep your wrists relatively stable and let the clubhead and loft do the work!
If you flick your wrists on such a short shot, there’s a chance you’ll top the golf ball.
How should you practice chipping the ball?
One of the best ways I’ve found to practice chipping is to go to your local golf course and practice chipping around their putting green.
And to practice longer chip shots, you should take advantage of the driving range and aim for specific targets within 50 yards from you.
Final thoughts
Chip shots can be a great way to save par or even make a birdie, but only if you do it correctly!
Make sure you focus on your stance, grip, swing, and contact so you can put yourself in the best position possible.
If you follow and practice these tips, you’ll definitely see an improvement in your chipping game and ultimately, your scores.
