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Golf Tips

Chipping

A chip shot is a member of the putting family. It is a shot played from off the green but close to the flag, probably from no more than 30 yards from the hole.

The difference between a chip and pitch is that the chip has little or no weight transfer and little or no wrist hinge, whereas the pitch has more of both. The chip shot can be played with any club in the bar the putter, whereas the pitch is usually executed with the two or three most lofted.

To play the chip, select a club with just sufficient loft to carry the ball over any obstacles and land the ball on the first available flat area of green, followed by enough roll to reach the hole. Generally in summer conditions a 6 iron will fly 1/4 distance and roll the other 3/4, an 8 iron will fly and roll 1/2 and1/2, a PW will fly 3/4 and roll the remainder.

To execute the shot:

  1. Aim the club where you want the ball to land
  2. Hold the club as normal but almost at the bottom of the handle
  3. Place your feet a club-head length apart, approx 6 inches
  4. Position the golf ball opposite your big toe on the back foot (the one furthest from the target)
  5. Withdraw your front foot directly backwards 2 inches, (open stance)
  6. Apply 75% of your weight onto your front foot to help keep you from moving your weight too much and to aid a successful downward impact onto the back of the ball
  7.  Small pendulum-like swing keeping wrists firm. The through swing must be a little longer than the backswing and smooth. After the strike the head should turn towards the target to aid the follow through
  8. Try to hit the ball hard enough to go just past the hole. I'm still waiting to see the hole come to collect the ball!
  9. If you don't hole the shot make sure you watch the ball run past the hole to help with the return putt