Chipping is when you are so close to the green that you're talking feet, not yards (or at least not more than a few yards).



A chip is typically a low trajectory shot that rolls further than it flies and you must choose the right golf club that can carry the ball just onto the green. Have the correct stance and learn the proper technique of making a chip shot.

This article will help you to decide which club is best for executing a chip shot, goals and expectations, and finally, how to hit the best chip you can.

The Right Club

There is no firm rule for selecting the right club when a chip shot is needed. However, you must decide by examining the terrain and deciding how you need the ball to travel. For example, If you are very close to the hole, then you won't need much loft.

The 7-iron and 8-iron are the most popular clubs used when golfers need to make a chip shot. Their club faces are less lofted. This gives them more accuracy as chipping tools. Personally, if I had to choose between the two, the 7-iron is my favorite for chipping shots. You may have another preference. If not, you should also work with a 7-iron to improve your chipping shots. It is important to practice with the same club, in order to master your technique.

Have Positive Expectations

Before looking at how to make a chip shot step-by-step, I want to mention the importance of having positive goals and positive expectations before going into your swing. This is not only important for chip shots, but for every shot you make on the golf course. Visualizing in your mind what you desire to accomplish is vital to your success.

What is an acceptable result?

Your goal should be to chip your ball onto the green every time. You may not make it when you want to, but having self-confidence and the mental picture of success will not only increase your chances of hitting the ball correctly, it also calms you down physically and lowers your blood pressure (which can have a very positive effect on your swing).

How To Chip The Ball

Learning how to chip the ball properly is not rocket science. But, it does take practice and technique to enable you to get it right every time. The following steps help break down a chip shot in order to better understand it:

1. Grab your club, preferably a 7-iron, and stand up close to the target line.

2. Keeping your weight in the center of your stance, open up your front foot and the shoulders toward the target. You should literally be facing the hole.

3. Take a light, yet solid grip on the club.

4. Look at the green and select the ideal spot in which you want the ball to land.

5. Take a brief moment and visualize your swing making perfect impact with the ball, and having it land in that exact same spot.

6. Keeping your wrists firm, draw the club back and keep it low to the ground. Your turn should be rotated by the shoulders, keeping your legs and lower body out of the swing and as still as possible.

7. Now swing your club back along the target line, then downswing through the ball.

8. Once you make contact with the ball, keep your form solid and watch the ball hit the exact spot you aimed for, and rolling ever so slowly toward the hole.

9. Now practice your chip shot over and over, and in various terrain settings on the course.

Mastering this chipping technique will help you improve your game significantly.

Cut strokes from your game by reducing your chip shots per round.