Jackson Reid
Golfing can be a tricky sport to master, and chipping is one of the finer skills to learn. Many golfers struggle with their chipping technique, often duffing, thinning, or missing their mark. To improve your chipping, it's important to understand the mechanics of the swing and how it differs from putting. By making a few simple adjustments to your stance and swing, you can learn to chip effectively and consistently make clean strikes. In this article, we will explore the key techniques to help you master the art of chipping and improve your overall golf game.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Golf swings | Arcs |
| Putting | Low point of the arc slightly behind the ball |
| Chipping | Low point of the arc slightly ahead of the ball |
| Chipping setup | Similar to a putting stroke with adjustments |
| Adjustments | Move the ball slightly back in your stance, lean your body ahead of the ball, strike on a slight downward angle |
| Chipping from a variety of lies | Rough, sand, etc. |
| Chipping for long shots | Use a driving chip with a gap or pitching wedge, play the ball slightly back of center, lean head and chest toward the target, keep elbows stiff through impact, keep the clubhead low to the ground |
| Chipping with less green to work with | Use a higher, softer chip with a lob or sand wedge, evenly distribute weight, play the ball forward of center in an open stance |
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What You'll Learn
Understand the differences between chipping and putting
Chipping and putting are both essential parts of the short game in golf. The purpose of the short game is to reduce the number of putts required to get the ball into the hole. Chipping and putting are similar in that they are both low shots, but there are some key differences between the two.
A chip shot is a low shot that is played along the ground and spends little time in the air. It is generally hit close to the green, and the golfer wants to get the ball rolling towards the hole. The ball is typically hit with a club with very little loft, such as a 7-iron. The club head should be kept low to the ground, and the wrists should be firm. The ball should be a little further back in the stance, with more weight on the front foot, to promote a downward strike.
On the other hand, putting is an even lower shot that is played on the ground with a putter. The goal of putting is to roll the ball into the hole in one smooth motion. The stance for putting is generally closer to the ball than for chipping.
While chipping and putting are similar in that they are both low shots, pitching is quite different. A pitch shot is a high shot that is played through the air and has less roll than a chip shot. Pitch shots are generally hit with higher-lofted clubs and are used when there is an obstacle to get over, such as a bunker.
Understanding the differences between chipping and putting, as well as when to use each technique, is crucial for improving your short game and overall proficiency in golf.
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How to chip from a variety of lies
Chipping in golf can be a source of frustration for many golfers, but there are ways to improve your chipping game. When chipping from a variety of lies, it's important to assess the lie of the golf ball and make adjustments to your setup accordingly. Here are some tips on how to chip from different lies:
Tight Lies
When dealing with tight lies, it's crucial to overcome any fear or panic that may set in. Assess the firmness of the ground and the amount of grass under the ball. Your goal is to achieve a shallow descending strike that brushes the turf. Use a lower-lofted club, and ensure your setup creates the downward motion without forcing it steep. Stand tall with the shaft more vertical to quieten your wrists, and avoid closing the face by keeping your hands slightly forward.
Heavy Lies (Rough)
When chipping from heavy lies in the rough, it's important to get good contact on the ball. Assess the length of the grass and how much of it is under the ball. Play the ball towards the back of your stance, even behind the centre. Keep your bodyweight and hands forward, with open feet and hips. Introduce more wrist hinge early in the backswing, and aim for a chopping action by pointing your thumbs up during practice swings.
Practice Tips
To improve your chipping from a variety of lies, practice chipping from different positions, such as behind bunkers or from under trees. Focus on achieving clean strikes and generating the necessary friction from each lie. Additionally, work on your muscle memory by hitting 10 to 20 shots from the greenside and gradually moving back in increments of 10 yards.
By following these tips and practicing consistently, you'll develop a better feel for chipping from different lies and improve your golf game.
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How to control trajectory and spin
To control the trajectory and spin of a golf chip, there are several techniques you can employ. Firstly, understand that the trajectory of your chip can be altered by changing the ball position. For lower trajectory chips, place the ball back in your stance, allowing your hands to be more forward at address and impact. Conversely, for higher trajectory chips, move the ball position forward, resulting in your hands starting and returning to a more neutral spot at impact.
The type of golf ball and club you use also play a crucial role in achieving the desired spin and trajectory. Opt for a high-spin golf ball instead of a distance golf ball, as the latter does not spin enough to stop effectively. Additionally, use a golf club with a loft between 56 and 60 degrees to generate more spin.
To generate a backspin, increase the speed of your swing at impact. Accelerate the clubhead through impact while maintaining a controlled and balanced swing. A faster swing ensures the ball has sufficient spin to stop abruptly when it lands. To achieve this, incorporate the bunker rake drill into your practice routine, work on a steeper angle of attack, and increase your swing speed at impact.
The technique you use during the swing can also influence the spin and trajectory. For a chip shot, the shaft position should be fairly vertical, not leaning forward. Keep your elbows soft or firm through impact, depending on your preference, and maintain a soft hand and arm action. Additionally, ensure your clubface is open to add loft, and resist tilting your spine away from the target.
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How to set up your body
Setting up your body correctly is key to achieving clean, crisp, and consistent contact when chipping a golf ball. Here are some tips to help you set up your body for a successful chip:
Stance and Body Position
Position your body so that your feet are close together, with your feet and hips aimed slightly left of the target (for right-handed golfers) to prevent falling back onto your back foot. Keep your shoulders pointing towards the target. Distribute your body weight so that about 70% is on your front leg, with your hands well forward of the ball, allowing the club shaft to point to your left hip.
Grip
Grip lower on the handle, choking down on the club. This will give you more control over the club and help you achieve a clean strike.
Swing
Focus on the rotation of your upper body, allowing your knees to bend naturally as you rotate. Keep your right arm long and your right shoulder high to set the correct distance to the ball. On the backswing, fold your right arm and hinge your left wrist, then let your right arm unfold on the downswing, keeping your elbow tucked close to your side. Keep a slight bend in your right wrist to achieve a crisp strike.
Practice
Even if you don't have access to a practice green, you can rehearse your chipping setup and swing at home. Brushing the carpet with the club head will help you build consistency and confidence.
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How to follow through with your elbows
To follow through with your elbows in a golf chip shot, there are several techniques you can employ.
Firstly, it is important to note that a chip shot is a short, controlled swing with little to no wrist hinge. The feeling you should have is that your arms are connected to your chest, with a slight turn back and through. This will help with distance control, leaving you with a short putt. To achieve this, you can try to keep your elbows firm or soft through impact. Keeping your elbows soft can help the ball land softly and trickle to the hole.
Another technique is to keep your elbows tight against your sides, with your trail elbow especially close to your body. This will help you rotate through the chip shot with your body, utilising the power of your legs and upper body.
Additionally, you can focus on keeping your arms and hands stable, making a controlled stroke with your chest and shoulders. This will help prevent tilting or tipping back, which can cause poor contact and distance control.
Furthermore, when chipping from the rough, you can try to keep your elbows on your ribs and use a wrist action to pop the ball up and over any obstacles.
Remember, the key to chipping is creativity and assessing the lie of your ball to determine the appropriate swing. Practising your short game swing and focusing on rotating your lower body can help improve your follow-through with elbows in chip shots.
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