Chipping

Chipping in golf is a very important part of the short game.  For the low handicap golfer it is the difference between a score that is under par or over par.  For the mid handicap player its the difference between shooting your handicap number and winning your golf flight or having another so-so round.  For the higher handicap player it is the difference between shooting your personal best low score or shooting another high number.

The low handicap player will miss the green in regulation about six times per round.  About half of these missed greens will require a chip shot while the other half will be a pitch or sand shot.  We will address pitch shots and sand shots later.  The low handicap golfer will have 3 opportunities to save par and preserve a good round.

The mid handicap player will miss about 12 greens in a round of golf.  Because his shot dispersion is greater than a lower handicap player, about 60% of the misses will require a pitch shot and 40% a chip shot.  He will have 5 chances to chip the ball close and save par.

The high handicap player will only hit a couple of greens in regulation.  He will have a significant amount of dispersion in his ball flight which will provide many opportunities for pitch shots, sand shots, and chips.  Failed pitch attempts that don’t reach the green will cause the number of chip attempts for bogie or higher to be greatrer than mid handicap players.

You will find that a well struck chip shot will approximate these results:

• 6 iron = 20% air time and 80% ground time
• 7 iron = 30% air time and 70% ground time
• 8 iron = 40% air time and 60% ground time
• Pitching wedge = 50% air time and 50% ground time

Good players pick targets that are just on the green surface closest to the player. It is easier to hit a target 4 feet in front than it is to hit a target 40 feet in front of you. You should avoid trying to carry the ball more than 50% of the way to the hole unless you are hitting a pitch shot which we will discuss in another section.

The problem is that most golfers unless trained to do otherwise focus most of their attention on the hole location or on the flag as they prepare to hit the chip shot. 100% focus on the short range target, the landing spot on the green surface, has a tremendous impact on your success of these shots.

Chip Shot Set Up

• Feet  are close together
• Most of the weight is on the left foot
• Hands ahead of the club
• Choke down on the grip
• Swing center above the ball

Chip Shot Swing Mechanics

• Chip shot swing is very similar to a putt
• Hands stay ahead of the club head at all times
• Strike down on the ball.  There is no effort to help the ball into the air
• Use the club that carries the ball just onto the green and let it roll the rest of the way

Watch Chip Shot Movie Here