You're too close to pitch but too far to putt. Chipping is the in-between stroke in golf that requires you to use a club made for one stroke with a swing made for another. There is no "chipper" club---golfers rely on both lofted irons and fairway woods to chip using a putting stroke. Choosing the right club and using a few simple techniques to help with ball control will help get and keep you on the green and closer to the hole.
Understand the Concept
A chip differs from a pitch primarily because when you chip, you want to keep the ball on the ground and roll it toward the hole, while with a pitch, you want the ball airborne and initially bouncing toward the cup. When pitching, you are not just farther away from the hole, but the ground or turf between you and hole is not even enough to give you a true roll. When you chip, although you are farther out, you have even ground between you and the cup. This sets up a situation that requires a bit more effort to get the ball started on its roll toward the cup, but the ball should roll without bouncing or turning.
Use the Right Club
Traditionally, the 7 iron has been the preferred club for chipping because its increased loft will pop the ball on impact, but not too high, allowing you to create a good forward roll on the ball when it lands. When you chip from more than a few feet out from the green, you will need additional power to get a chip to the hole, so you'll "power putt" or "rescue chip" with a club like a 5 wood.
The best club for you may be the short iron with which you are most comfortable, because you know its capabilities and are used to its weight and length.
Use a Putting Stroke
With longer swings, you use a 1-2-3 tempo on your swings, taking the club back, pausing at the top of your swing, then moving forward. Similar to a putt, a chip requires a simple 1-2 tempo, with a forward-back, pendulum-like motion on your swing. Try to keep your backswing the same length as your follow-through to give you control.
Keep Wrists Firm
Because your club will generate most of the power you need on your chip, you won't need to break your wrists for added power. Keeping your wrists firm throughout shot allows you maintain control of the stroke.
Set Up Tight
You will be closer to the ball when chipping since you don't need power. Set the ball in the middle of your stance, with your feet closer together than for a long swing, since you won't need to lower your center of gravity. You can stand slightly closer to the ball since you won't have to worry about slicing.
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