Golf chipping is a vital aspect of the game that can make or break a golfer’s scorecard. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, mastering the art of chipping can greatly improve your short game. In this article, we will explore the ins and outs of chipping in golf, including when to hit a chip shot, the physics behind it, and techniques and drills to help you improve your chipping game.
What is Golf Chipping?
First, let’s discuss what chipping is in golf and when you should hit a chip shot. Chipping is a shot that is typically used when the golfer is close to the green but not close enough to putt. The goal of chipping is to get the ball to roll onto the green and close to the hole. When you should hit a chip shot depends on the distance you are from the green and the condition of the ground between you and the green. Generally, if the ball is more than 20 yards from the hole, you should use a different club, such as a pitching wedge.
Tighten Up Your Technique
A bad short game can quickly hurt your scorecard. Gears touts the most powerful, precise, golf swing motion capture system in the world and our users are frequently awestruck by the clarity and practicality of our analytics. With our system you can not only compare your motions with a pro’s, but you can enjoy a glorious 3D rendering of every angle and speed of your body movement so you know exactly where you can improve your chipping technique.
Golf Chipping Technique
It’s important to understand how the physics of chipping work first. The physics of chipping work by utilizing the loft of the club and the angle of attack. The loft of the club is the angle between the clubface and the vertical plane when the club is in its normal position. The angle of attack is the angle at which the clubhead strikes the ball. The combination of these two factors determines how high and how far the ball will travel.
The Setup
When it comes to chipping technique, the setup is crucial. The position of your feet and the stance you take will greatly affect the outcome of your shot. It is recommended to have a square stance and to position your feet close together. Your weight should be slightly forward, and your hands should be slightly ahead of the ball.
The Backswing
Initiate your downswing with the hips. Focus on maintaining a level plane and allow the arms to gently bring the club behind your head. This shouldn’t feel awkward in any way. If it does, you’re doing it wrong.
The Downswing
The downswing is another important aspect of chipping technique. Rotating your body during the downswing will help generate power and control. A wrist hinge can be used, but it is not necessary for a good chip shot. At impact, the club should make clean contact with the ball, and it is not necessary to chunk up grass.
The lead arm and club shaft after impact play a role in determining the angle at which the club will make contact with the ground. A good chip shot will result in a descending blow, with the club shaft making a shallow angle with the ground.
Types of Chip Shots
There are different types of chip shots, each with its own unique characteristics. The most common types of chip shots are the low runner, the high flop shot, and the bump and run. Each shot should be used in a specific situation, and it’s important to understand when to use each type of shot.
A low runner chip shot is typically used when you want the ball to roll along the ground and cover a longer distance. This shot is often used when you’re close to the green, but there is a slope or obstacle that would make a high shot difficult.
A high flop shot is used when you need the ball to stop quickly, such as when you’re close to the hole and there is no slope or obstacle in your way. This shot is usually hit with a lot of backspin, which causes the ball to stop quickly once it lands.
A bump and run is a combination of a chip shot and a putt. It’s typically used when you’re close to the green, but there is a slope or obstacle that would make a high shot difficult. The idea is to hit the ball low and make it roll along the ground until it gets close to the hole.
In general, you should use a low runner when you have a long distance to cover and want the ball to roll along the ground, a high flop shot when you need the ball to stop quickly, and a bump and run when you’re close to the green and there is a slope or obstacle that would make a high shot difficult.
Chipping vs Pitching
Chipping and pitching are situationally different. Pitching is a shot that is typically used when the golfer is further away from the green and needs to get the ball to stop quickly. Chipping, on the other hand, is used when the golfer is closer to the green and wants the ball to roll onto the green.
10 Drills To Up Your Pitching Game
Here are 10 of the best chipping drills and how to perform them step by step.
- The “Clock Drill”: This drill seeks to strengthen your confidence chipping from different shot angles around the green. To perform this drill, set up a target (such as a flagstick) on the green. Next, pick a spot on the green that is approximately 10 yards away from the target. From this spot, hit chip shots to the target at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions. Practice hitting chip shots to each position until you feel comfortable and confident.
- The “Ladder Drill”: This drill is designed to help golfers chip to a series of targets at increasing distances. To perform this drill, set up a series of targets (such as flags or cones) at increasing distances from the golfer. Start with a target that is close to the golfer and work your way out to a target that is further away. Practice chipping to each target until you feel comfortable and confident.
- The “Sand Save”: This drill will work your bunker shots like none other. To perform this drill, set up a bunker shot and practice chipping the ball out of the bunker and onto the green. Focus on proper technique and aim for a spot on the green that is close to the hole.
- The “Flop Shot”: This drill is designed to help golfers practice high, soft shots. To perform this drill, set up a shot that requires a high, soft shot (such as a shot over a bunker or obstacle). Practice hitting flop shots until you feel comfortable and confident.
- The “One-Arm Drill”: To perform this drill, set up a shot and practice chipping using only one arm. This drill will help golfers focus on proper technique and build muscle memory.
- The “Swing Path Drill”: This drill encourages you to maintain a consistent swing path. To perform this drill, set up a shot and practice chipping while focusing on the swing path of the club. This drill will help golfers develop a consistent swing path and improve their chipping accuracy.
- The “Distance Control Drill”: This drill is designed to help golfers practice controlling the distance of their chip shots. To perform this drill, set up a shot and practice chipping while focusing on controlling the distance of the shot. This drill will help golfers develop better distance control and improve their chipping accuracy.
- “The Elevation Drill”: This drill challenges you to stay consistent when you’re chipping on elevated greens. To perform this drill, set up a shot on an elevated green and practice chipping from different positions and angles. This drill will help golfers learn how to adjust their shots for elevation changes and improve their chipping accuracy.
- “The Slope Drill”: The “slope drill” is perfect for practicing chipping shots on sloped greens. To perform this drill, set up a shot on a sloped green and practice chipping from different positions and angles. This drill will help golfers learn how to adjust their shots for slope changes and improve their chipping accuracy.
- The “Coin Drill: The “Coin Drill” is a great chipping drill for improving accuracy and control. Here’s how to do it. Place a coin on the green, about 10-15 yards away from you. This will be your target. Take your chipping stance and practice hitting chip shots to the coin. Focus on making clean contact with the ball and hitting it accurately. Once you feel comfortable hitting chip shots to the coin, move the coin further away and repeat the drill. As you get better, try to hit the coin with fewer shots. Once you are able to consistently hit the coin, try to use different clubs to chip the ball and find what club works best for you.The “Coin Drill” is a great way to improve your chipping accuracy and control. It forces you to focus on hitting a small target and helps you develop a better feel for distance control. This drill also helps you to find the club that you’re comfortable with, and that can help you to chip the ball with precision.
Final Thoughts
With a few tweaks to your technique and a lot of practice, chipping in golf can become the strongest part of your game in no time! Try the 10 drills above and let us know what you think!
