CHIPPING

The chipping motion feel like sweeping the ball off the ground. You use a chip shot when you cannot putt. Most of the time, it will be very close to the green, like around the green and maybe in light rough. The idea of the chip is to carry the ball just onto the green surface then let it roll to the hole like a putt. Proper club selection is very important. The different loft in each club will give you different proportions of carry and roll.

CHIPPING SET-UP

• Hold the club with your grip used to swing the golf club(CHECK GRIP ARCHIVE)
• Take a narrow stance about half of your shoulder width
• Position the ball between the middle and back of your stance
• Point your toes slightly the target
• Put 60-70% of your weight on your left side, this will put your eyes in front of the ball position your hand in front of your left thigh
• The back of your palm faces the target
  

CHIPPING STROKE

Golfers who have trouble with chipping tend to have the wrong concept. Most will try to get under the ball or lift the ball up in the air. You want to catch on the face instead getting under the ball. Then you want your left arm extended throughout the stroke. Think of chipping as a long putt with some lower body motion. You will use the same grip for the full swings. The rules are keeping the clubhead below your knees throughout the chip by keeping your left wrist flat and knees soft.

• Swing the club back and through with your chest on the proper arc and keep your lower body soft
• Your weight pretty much stays on the left side throughout the motion but the body rotates
• You want the clubhead to swing down slightly into the golf ball like a sweeping motion which will elevate the golf ball
• Maintain a flat left wrist throughout the stroke keep your knees soft and move them towards the target
  

CLUB SELECTION

The loft on the club will determine how much carry and roll you will get on a chip shot. You use a more lofted club for more carry and less roll and vice versa. Try practicing with different clubs from the same spot to find out club which requires the least effort and produce good consistent results.

CHIPPING WITH HYBRID OR WOOD

The hybrid or wood is an easy club to chip with. It is best when used when the balls lies between the apron and the rough. The motion is a combination of a chip and a putt.

• Set-up to the ball like a chip shot with the ball between your toes with your hybrid or wood
• Make a stroke like a putt but keep your wrist soft and allow a slight lower body motion
  

The most important thing is to make a fluid stroke. The extra weight and longer shaft length of a hybrid or wood allows you to make a smooth, short stroke and still create a lot of distance. The rounded sole should calm any fears you may have about hitting the shot fat or thin.