No matter how long you play golf, you’ll never hit the green each and every time. There will be instances when you aim for the green but it goes on the fringe, the rough area around the green, or into a bunker, instead. This is the result of a shot falling short, wide, or many other reasons.
If your ball has landed just outside of the green and it can’t be putted, you’ll have to use a chip stroke to get it over the fringe, or rough, or bunker, and back onto the green. The goal of the chip is to get the ball to jump over the rough area and onto the green so it can roll toward the hole—and possibly into the hole.
A good golfer understands that not hitting the green with the approach shot is inevitable. So, they learn how to pare down their scores by becoming accurate at chipping. With practice you can become confident when you are chipping. If you work on your chipping game you’ll know which type of shot to play in particular situations, and many times it will become as easy to you as putting.
Chipping properly so that you place your ball in the maximum area to make a putt does require some thought. Things you’ll have to consider are if there are any hazards in the way from where the ball sits and the putting green, and the lie of the ground.
Practicing your chipping game can go far in taking the doubt out of it. If you doubt what you’re doing you’ll become tense, which can lead to a duffed shot. Instead of becoming tense and full of anxiety, know that wherever the ball may be, there is a chipping solution.
To chip, you will want to use a low lofted club, such as a 4 to 7 iron. Position yourself so that the ball is opposite your right toe and stand with your feet about six inches apart. Position your hands fairly low on the grip and a little to the right.
When chipping, keep the club close to the ground, put most of your weight on your left side, loosen up your elbows and take a short back swing—you will be rocking your shoulders instead of turning them—and stop the swing’s acceleration after it has hit the ball.
Basically, chipping is similar to a putting stroke. Your arms and shoulders are acting as a pendulum and there is not pivot.
Chipping from the Fringe
When chipping from the fringe and the lie is good, most golfers will choose a 5 iron. While it’s possible to use a putter when chipping from the fringe, it may not lift the ball cleanly over the fringe like a 5 iron can.
Next, most golfers will position the ball toward the back of their stance—toward their right foot. They will aim the clubface toward the flag and use their putting grip—which is low on the rubber—and use a slow, short, and even swing.
Chipping Over a Hazard
When forced to chip over a hazard and the lie is good, but the grass is relatively high, most golfers will choose to use a sand wedge and let the loft do all the work for them.
Place your hands relatively low on the club, aim the clubface at the flag, and use an early wrist break to create a steep backswing. Don’t approach this shot too delicate or you may wind up in the hazard.