Mastering the chip shot is one of the most valuable skills a golfer can develop. A solid chip shot around the green can save strokes by setting up easy putts, helping you lower your score significantly.

What Is a Chip Shot?

A chip shot is a short, controlled shot that travels a small distance through the air before rolling toward the hole. Unlike a full swing, a chip shot uses a shorter swing and minimal wrist hinge. The feeling you want is for your arms to move in harmony with your chest, rotating slightly back and through. Keeping your arms connected to your torso helps with distance control and consistency, leaving you with a manageable putt.

Setting Up for a Chip Shot

• Feet Close Together: Position your feet about a wedge’s width apart. This narrow stance makes it easier to rotate your body smoothly during the shot.
• Slight Forward Weight: Shift your weight slightly toward your front foot, with your front hip positioned over that foot. This encourages a clean, descending strike.
• Right Arm Straight (for Right-Handed Golfers): Keeping your trail arm straight helps maintain consistent posture, spine angle, and distance control.
• Maintain a Triangle: Your arms and shoulders should form a solid triangle that remains intact throughout the shot.
• Slightly Open Stance: Aim your feet just left of the target line to promote proper body rotation. If you struggle to rotate, try pushing your right knee forward gently to initiate the downswing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Helping the Ball Up: Trust the loft of your club—don’t try to lift the ball into the air with your hands.
• Ball Too Far Forward: Placing the ball outside your front foot often causes thin or topped shots. Keep it just inside or slightly forward of center.
• “Hitting” Instead of “Swinging”: Focus on a smooth, controlled swing driven by your chest and shoulders, not a jabbing hit at the ball.
• Lack of Body Rotation: Avoid “chicken wing” or arms-only swings. Use your lower body to rotate through the shot for better contact and control.
• Excessive Wrist Breakdown: Minimize wrist hinge and unhinging during the stroke to maintain consistency.
• Poor Follow-Through: Finish your swing with a balanced and controlled follow-through to promote solid contact.
  

Additional Proven Tips

• Use a More Lofted Club When Needed: For delicate chips that require more carry, consider using a pitching wedge or sand wedge.
• Focus on Landing Spot: Pick a spot on the green where you want the ball to land and roll out. Visualizing this will improve accuracy.
• Keep Hands Ahead at Impact: Leading with your hands slightly ahead of the ball helps ensure a crisp strike.

Practice Drill for Better Chipping

Try this simple drill to develop better rotation and control:

1. Place alignment rods or clubs on the ground parallel to your target line to give visual feedback.
2. Practice your chipping motion, focusing on rotating your lower body and maintaining your triangle.
3. Without a ball, rehearse the motion slowly, checking your swing path and rotation against the alignment aids.
4. Gradually add speed and then practice with a ball at the range or around the practice green.

Summary

By focusing on a proper setup, maintaining connected arm and body movement, controlling your swing with rotation, and avoiding common mistakes, you can dramatically improve your chipping. Regular practice with drills will build confidence and consistency, turning your short
game into a major scoring advantage.

— Copyright Glen Bowen, © 2025