Chipping Techniques to Lower your Handicap
Golf is a game of precision, and while chipping doesn’t get a lot of attention, chipping can make or break your round. If you’ve ever found yourself in the rough just off the green, struggling to save par, then you know how critical those chip shots can be. Improving your chipping skills will shave strokes off your game and help lower your handicap in no time. After you’ve read this I believe you can cut 3-5 shots every round. Yes, that’s right, it sounds like a lot, but it’s actually not that hard!
In this post, I’ll break down the essential chipping techniques that will have you hitting more consistent, accurate shots. From proper setup to common mistakes, let’s dive into everything you need to know about chipping! In the end we have also written about the most Common chipping mistakes and how to fix them!
1. Understanding the Basics of Chipping
What is Chipping?
Chipping is a short shot used when you’re just off the green, typically from within 30 yards. Unlike a full swing or even a pitch shot, a chip is designed to get the ball in the air for a short distance before it lands and rolls toward the hole. The goal is to hit a controlled shot that gives you the best chance to save par or even birdie.
Why is Chipping So Important?
Good chipping is the foundation of a solid short game. You don’t need to be perfect with every chip, but consistent, well-executed chips can drastically improve your scores. Plus, by controlling your chips, you’ll reduce the number of shots you need to recover from your poor approaches:), which is key to lowering your handicap.
2. Proper Setup and Stance
Before we talk about the actual chipping motion, let’s take a look at how to set up the shot.
Feet, Knees, and Body Alignment
Your stance is key to hitting consistent chips. Set your feet little closer than shoulder-width apart and ensure your weight is slightly favoring your front foot (left foot for right-handed golfers). Also make sure your feet are pointing outward, around 20%. Keep your knees relaxed and slightly bent. This stable foundation helps you make a solid, controlled swing.
Ball Position
The position of the ball in your stance will affect your shot. For most chip shots, place the ball toward the back of your stance (closer to your rear foot). This helps you strike down on the ball, leading to a clean hit and better control.
The Proper Setup
3. Club Selection
The club you choose should match the shot you’re facing—but let’s be real: you almost never need to reach for your lob wedge or sand wedge. Sure, they’re designed to get the ball in the air with a softer landing, but they’re high-risk tools, even for seasoned golfers. For most shots, especially for beginners, you’re better off leaving those wedges in the bag.
If you’re dealing with a longer chip or want a low, controlled roll, a pitching wedge or even a 7-iron is your go-to choice. Lower loft means less risk and more consistency—something every golfer should prioritize. So ditch the ego, skip the fancy flop shot, and stick with the safer, smarter options.
4. The Chipping Motion
Now that your stance and setup are on points, let’s break down the chipping swing itself
Grip and Wrist Action
The grip you use for chipping is crucial. You want to hold the club lightly. If you hold it too tight your hands will stiffen, leading to inconsistent shots. A relaxed grip helps promote better feel and control. When you swing, keep the wrists firm and minimize their movement. This prevents unsuccessful shots and helps you make consistent contact with the ball.
Swing Technique
Swing Technique
Think of your chip shot as a pendulum. The club should swing back and through in a smooth, controlled motion. Keep the wrists quiet and let the shoulders and arms do most of the work.
Here’s a simple way to break it down:
- Backswing: Start the swing by bringing the club back with your arms and shoulders. Your wrists should not bend, as this will lead to thin shots and duffs.
- Downswing: As you move through the ball, keep your body and hands ahead of the clubhead. This helps you make solid contact and prevents the dreaded “scoop.”
- Follow-through: Finish the swing with a relaxed follow-through. Your hands should continue moving toward the target, with your body staying balanced.
Backswing
Impact position
Follow-Through
5. Practicing Consistency and Control
Chipping isn’t just about getting the ball on the green; it’s about controlling the distance and trajectory of your shots.
Focus on Distance Control
When you chip, it’s essential to judge the distance accurately. The better you can control how far the ball travels, the more likely you’ll be able to leave yourself with an easy putt. Practice different chip lengths, and focus on hitting the ball with control
Visualize the Landing Zone
Before hitting each chip, take a moment to visualize where you want the ball to land. Pick a spot on the green that’s about 1-2 feet in front of you or just on the edge of the green—this is where your chip should ideally land before rolling toward the hole. By visualizing your shot, you’ll have a better sense of how hard to strike the ball. And after this next drill you will become a king at chipping.
The Ladder Drill
One effective way to practice distance control is the Ladder Drill. Set up multiple targets at different distances from you (e.g., 5, 10, 15 yards) Try to land each chip within a few feet of each target. This drill will help you get a better feel for varying chip lengths and improve your ability to control the distance. When you do this drill, don’t focus on the direction of the chip, focus only on the distance.
Practice Regularly
Just like any other part of your game, the more you practice chipping, the better you’ll get. Aim for short, focused practice sessions a few times a week. The key is consistency, not quantity. By mixing up the lies and distances, you’ll build the skills to chip effectively from any situation.
6. Common Chipping Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Even the pros make mistakes, so don’t worry if you’ve encountered some of these issues yourself.
Top Mistakes:
- Skipping the Setup: A bad setup can ruin your chip. Make sure you’re aligned correctly with the ball in the proper position.
- Excessive Wrist Movement: Using too much wrist can lead to inconsistent strikes and fat or thin shots.
- Overthinking the Shot: Sometimes, golfers try to do too much with their chips, leading to over-complicated swings.
How to Fix Them:
- Focus on a simple, clean setup every time.
- Keep the wrists stable and let the arms do the work.
- Remember that chipping is about control, not power. Simplify the shot and trust your technique.
Conclusion
Chipping is one of the most important parts of the game, and mastering it will go a long way in lowering your handicap. By focusing on your setup, practicing with purpose, and fixing common mistakes, you can hit more accurate and consistent chip shots.
Remember, improvement takes time and practice, so be patient with yourself. Keep honing those skills and you’ll see the results in your scores. Happy chipping, and don’t forget to share your progress with me in the comments below!