How to Chip a Golf Ball?
🤔 Struggling with Your Short Game? Here is Why 👇
Just a modest chip shot from a possible birdie or par will make you quite near to the green. Still, disaster strikes. You leave it dreadfully short, you chunk it, you blade it. Having all been there, it isn't enjoyable. Therefore, improving your confidence on the course and reducing your scores depends on perfecting the golf chipping technique. A good short game will save strokes and greatly increase the fun value of your rounds. So, let's start and turn your chipping game from annoying to excellent.
What is Golf Chipping? How to Chip a Golf Ball?
Golf chipping is a short, low-trajectory shot played around the green. It's all about precision and control, aiming to land the ball softly and let it roll towards the hole. A chip shot keeps the ball nearer the ground than a pitch shot, which flies higher and lands with less roll. This is an excellent choice if you want the ball to run out like a putt and you live close to the green. Perfecting your golf chip changes everything.
To chip a golf ball correctly:
- Use a narrow stance - Keep your feet close together for better control.
- Lean slightly forward - This helps strike the ball cleanly.
- Keep hands ahead of the ball - Prevents hitting the ball too high or skulling it.
- Use a putting-like motion - Keep your wrists firm and let the shoulders do the work.
- Control the roll - Pick a landing spot and let the ball roll toward the hole.
Mastering chipping in golf takes practice, but once you get the technique down, it can save you strokes in every round.
Choosing the Best Club for Chipping
Different clubs serve different purposes when chipping. The best club for chipping depends on the situation and your comfort level. Here is a breakdown:
1. Wedge (Sand, Lob, and Gap Wedges)
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Best for high, soft landings with less roll.
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Ideal for bunkers or chipping over obstacles.
Example: Callaway Mack Daddy CB Wedge
2. Pitching Wedge
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Good for medium-height chip shots.
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Works well for standard chips with a slight roll.
Example: Titleist Vokey SM9
3. 7-Iron or 8-Iron
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Great for bump-and-run shots.
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Ball stays low and rolls further.
Example: TaylorMade P770 Iron
4. Hybrid or Fairway Wood
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Surprisingly effective for chipping from thick grass.
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Helps avoid chunking the ball.
Example: Ping G425 Hybrid
Chip Shot Golf Techniques with Different Clubs
Every club calls for a somewhat different technique to get the ideal chip shot. Here's how you chip in golf with several clubs:
Wedge Chip Shot
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Play the ball back in your stance to encourage an apparent, downward strike.
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Keep the shot under control with gentle gripping and using little wrist movement.
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Concentrate on descending strike to produce spin and loft while maintaining forward weight.
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This shot is handy when you need the ball to land gently and stop fast.
Pitching Wedge Chip
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Swing smoothly and under control using a little wrist hinge for greater precision.
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For a balanced shot, position the ball midway in your stance.
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This shot produces moderate height and roll, making it ideal for general chipping situations.
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This is an excellent choice when you need a combination of carry and roll.
7-Iron Chip
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Set up with a narrow stance and keep the ball slightly back in your stance.
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Use a putting stroke motion with minimal wrist action.
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The ball will stay low and roll more, making it perfect for bump-and-run shots.
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This is a reliable technique when playing on firm greens or fairways.
Hybrid Chip
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Position the ball in the center of your stance and keep a neutral grip.
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Use a short, controlled stroke, similar to a putting motion.
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The hybrid’s wider sole prevents digging, making it ideal for thick grass or uneven lies.
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This method is perfect for players who struggle with traditional chip shots.
Understanding chip vs pitch shots is also key. Pitch shots are high and stop quickly, while chip shots are lower and roll more. Picking the right shot is crucial to success.
The 12 Chipping Rule: A Game-Changer
A common rule in chipping golf is the 12 chipping rule. It helps determine how much the ball will roll after landing. Here is how it works:
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The ratio of air time to roll depends on the club.
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Example: A lob wedge lands 90% in the air, 10% roll. A 7-iron lands 30% in the air, 70% roll.
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Knowing these ratios helps golfers control their chip shots better.
Final Thoughts:
Golf chipping is one of the most important skills to improve your short game. Using the right technique, selecting the best club for chipping and practicing different chip shots will help you gain confidence on the course. The next time you chip in golf, remember these tips and watch your scores improve.
Find the perfect golf club for your chip shots at Golf Shaft Warehouse. Shop top-quality wedges, irons, and hybrids to improve your short game today.
