Simplified Golf Chipping Tips

 Basic Review- Types of Chip Shots and When to Use a Chip Shot

 

There are 3 different occasions for using a chip shot. First, with a standard chip shot you can use the wedge or the 9-iron. When you want to get the ball in the air for part of the shot and then have the ball roll for the remainder of the distance, the standard chip shot is for you. The next is a soft chip shot where the ball stays in the air longer with the purpose of having it land on the green and almost immediately stop. The wedge or lob wedge is used for this shot. To make this shot the face of the club is slightly open and not squared and you need to accelerate the club speed on the downswing. The last type of chip shot is the low ball shot. This shot is used for a longer distance shot. The mid-irons are used for this shot. The intent of the low ball shot is to allow for a lot of roll after the ball lands on the green. Similar to the standard chip shot, you must keep the face of the club squared.

 

The Chip Shot Set Up

 

When addressing the ball you should set your stance with your feet and heels no greater than 6 inches apart. The only exception is when making a soft chip shot, then you want your feet closer together in order to get a steeper swing and loft on the ball. Once you have your feet in position, slightly move your left foot back. If you are left handed you would use the right foot. This move opens up your stance and allows your hips to be lined up with your feet. Remember to be balanced and comfortable in your stance so check it out before you swing. Now aim the face of the club at the hole.

 

So Where’s Your Body?

 

An important part of golf chipping tips involves your body. After you get your feet set and have opened your stance, next you will need to square up your shoulders. You definitely do want your shoulders lined up with your feet and your hips. The squaring of your shoulders allows the backswing to follow through appropriately and aim at the target. If you find your club is cutting across then either your shoulders are not squared or your stance is too open. You then need to correct one or the other or both. During your set up you want to place slight weight on your left foot. You do not want to take the shot while shifting your weight.

 

And the Hands?

 

Keep your hands ahead of the ball. Have the ball centered between your heels and lined up with your breastbone. If the ball is not lined up correctly then it will take off and go past the intended target. Your shoulders, arms and hands need to move in unison when beginning your backswing.

 

The Backswing and Downswing

 

So our arms, shoulders and hands have moved together and your lower body should be still except for your hips. Your hips will experience some pressure in the turn. Keep in mind to put slight weight on your front foot in the downswing. In the downswing maintain your hands, arms, shoulders and hips together in rhythm. Be aware to keep your hands ahead of the club during impact. When you come through the shot the face of your club should be in line with the target and your arms extended.

 

Now What to Do?

 

You need to take these simple but powerful golf chipping tips and put them into practice. These shots can be mastered with practice and will really step-up your short game. Take advantage of these golf chipping tips and the next time you play the course you will be saving the groundskeeper from fixing all the divots from some bad swings.

For additional information on Golf Chipping Tips visit Tips for Golf Swing.