You'll frequently need to hit chip shots during your rounds of golf, which may present a surprising dilemma. Despite the fact you only need to hit the ball a short distance, you might add more strokes to your score because the delicate control you need leads to overcompensation, chopping and errant shots. Understanding a few basics of chipping will help you get on the green and near the hole.
Step 1
Experiment with a variety of clubs. Choose a 7 iron if you are in short grass near the green or a 5 wood if you are farther out or in deeper grass. You can use any club that will pop the ball out of the grass a short distance so the ball rolls to hole rather than flying through the air.
Step 2
Stand near the ball, playing it in the middle of your stance or slightly back. You will not need power, so you will not need to use your legs.
Step 3
Choke up on the club if you are using a longer club, such as a 4 iron or wood, to help you keep your wrists firm during the swing. If you start with your wrists slightly cocked back, leave them in this position during the swing.
Step 4
Take the club back straight, low along the ground, similar to your backswing for a putt. Swing forward on an even plane with the ground -- like a putt -- keeping your wrists firm. Follow through your shot using a 1-2 rhythm rather than the 1-2-3 tempo you use on full swings.
Step 5
Follow through toward the hole, using a follow through that's roughly as long as your takeback. Keep your head down through the follow through to prevent yourself from raising your club upward at or just after contact.
Step 6
Finish your swing with a follow through past contact. Many golfers add strokes to their score when chipping because they stop their chip at contact, trying to force the ball forward.
Tips and Warnings
- Don't try to get under the ball to get it airborne. Your lofted club is responsible for getting the ball in the air for the short time it needs to be, so let it do the work. "Putt" straight through your chip to get the distance you need -- your club will get your ball up and out of the grass.
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