On average, golfers chip between two and five times per round, according to Dave Pelz, a professional golf instructor and author of the book "Dave Pelz's Short Game Bible." This may seem insignificant, but your chips also play an important role in how many putts you make. If you can chip the ball close to the hole consistently, your two to five chips per round may help you subtract just as many putts per round, which will help lower your scores considerably. Learn how to chip properly and practice chipping often; you will be pleased with the results.
Step 1
Select your chipping club based on how far you want the ball to roll after it contacts the surface of the green. If you want the ball to roll most of the way to the hole, choose a six, seven or eight iron to chip the ball low. If you want to fly the ball most of the way to the hole and make it stop quickly, without much roll, choose a more lofted club such as a pitching wedge, sand wedge or lob wedge. You should also use one of your wedges if you have to fly the ball over a sand trap to get it to the green.
Step 2
Read the break of the green just like you are putting. Visualize the fight of the ball, where you want it to land, and how it will roll after it lands. Take several practice strokes while looking at the landing spot to feel how hard you need to swing.
Step 3
Address the ball from the side with your feet close together and open, so both feet point in front of the ball. Play the ball back in your stance, with your back ankle aligned with the ball. Bend your knees slightly, lean forward at your waist and place the club face behind the ball with your arms extended below your shoulders.
Step 4
Position your hands in the center of your body, so the club shaft is angled backward toward the ball. Make sure the club face is square to your aim line. Shift your weight forward, so at least 60 percent of your body weight is supported by your front leg.
Step 5
Rotate your hips and shoulders away from your target, leading the club backward, away from the ball and off the ground. Maintain your hand position and the angle of the club shaft. Stop when your hands are just behind your back leg, depending on how hard you want to chip the ball.
Step 6
Reverse the rotation of your hips and shoulders, leading the club forward to impact. Keep your hands in front of the club head to strike the ball with a descending blow, ensuring you don't contact the ground behind the ball.
Step 7
Continue turning through the ball, following through slightly longer than your backswing, but do not break your wrists. Keep your club head low to the ground.
Tips and Warnings
- Move the club in a smooth rhythm throughout the swing.
References
- "Dave Pelz's Short Game Bible"; Dave Pelz with James A. Frank; 2000
- "Golf Digest": Bump Your Chips
- "Golf" Magazine: How To Chip With Precision
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