Principles of Chipping in Golf: Chipping Basics
by Dr. T.J. Tomasi A Legacy Post by Keiser University College of Golf Senior Faculty and Director of Research (1940-2023)
Why is Chipping Important in Golf
Chipping is a skill that separates good golfers from great ones. When you understand the principles of chipping, you give yourself a huge advantage around the greens. It’s not just about getting the ball on the green; it’s about controlling spin, trajectory, and distance to leave yourself a makeable putt. The short game is where matches are won or lost, and chipping is a big part of that. When you nail down fundamentals like proper setup, angle of attack, and club selection, it becomes second nature to handle different lies and situations. Developing a solid chipping game is one of the smartest investments you can make in your game.
Bad golfers spend most of their practice trying to find the secret to the long game, especially the tee-ball. But think a bit deeper about the problem of high scores, and you may be prompted to modify your approach. The worse you are at hitting the ball, the more you should practice chipping, because you are going to miss a lot of greens.
The good news is that the chip shot doesn’t take a lot of strength, so anyone can excel at it if two basic principles are followed:
- Keep your chips rolling on the ground whenever possible. It’s easier to control a rolling ball than one that flies in the air.
- Spin on a rolling ball is the enemy of accuracy, so decrease spin by using the least lofted club you can manage.
Principles of Chipping in Golf
The two key principles of chipping in golf are rolling ball control and minimizing spin. Rolling ball control focuses on how smoothly the ball rolls across the green once it lands, ensuring a consistent and predictable path toward the hole. Minimizing spin is important for maintaining control over the ball after it makes contact with the ground. This prevents the ball from spinning too much and causing unpredictable bounces. Practicing the chipping principles allows golfers to execute chips that are both accurate and effective in various conditions. By refining the chipping techniques, golfers can leave themselves with easier putts and more opportunities for birdies.
Principle 1: Air time vs. Roll
When you chip, change clubs the same way you do for a full swing. Here’s the rule: the lower the loft, the more run time; the higher the loft, the more air time. Pick a spot about 3 feet onto the green (one pace) where you want the ball to land. With practice, you’ll be able to eyeball the distance from that spot to the hole and select the right club for the job.
The principle breaks out like this: A 5-iron chip has a flight to roll ratio of 1 to 7; i.e., for every part of the journey that the ball is in the air there are seven parts of roll on the ground. If your ball lies 3 feet off the green and the flag is 45 feet from the edge, you are 6 feet from your landing area (3 feet plus 3 feet), and the flag is 42 feet from the landing area (45 feet minus 3 feet). That is a 6/42 ratio or one-part flight, seven parts roll, and given the loft of a 5-iron, it’s the perfect club.
If I had selected a pitching wedge (the club many amateurs use to chip no matter the distance), I would have to land the ball much closer to the hole, because the loft on the face of the pitching wedge dictates a 1 to 2 flight to roll ratio, and that amount of air time is tough to judge. In this case, a 5-iron is a better choice than the pitching wedge, because it’s easier to judge the correct distance rolling the ball along the ground versus flying it in the air.
Principle 2: Spin is the Enemy of Roll
Principle #2 states that unwanted spin is the enemy of accuracy. This is another reason to choose the least lofted club for the job at hand; i.e., less unwanted spin. Using too much loft would force you to make a much higher swing with an open face capable of imparting side/back spin to the ball. And whenever you introduce spin, you can’t be sure if the ball is going to run, check then slow down or skid to a dead stop.
While you don’t need to do mathematical calculations for every chip, it’s a good idea to understand the concept of flight-to-roll ratio: Land the ball about three feet on the green and let it run the rest of the way to the hole. As the amount of roll to the hole increases, the loft of your “chipper” decreases.
I’m using a 7-iron to give me the perfect flight-to-roll ratio. Use a scorecard or some other marker and place it ~3 feet onto the green then use different clubs [5 through sand wedge] noting how far each one runs after it lands near the marker.
Another advantage of flight-to-roll is that you use essentially the same amount of force for every chip because you control distance by changing clubs.
Other Factors to Consider When Chipping
When chipping, consider the lie of the ball and the surrounding conditions, such as grass length or obstacles, to determine the appropriate club and shot strategy. Additionally, evaluate the slope and speed of the green to control the ball’s roll and ensure accurate placement.
Ball Position
Ball position is critical in chipping as it influences the trajectory and spin of the shot. For most chip shots, placing the ball slightly back in your stance helps promote a downward strike, creating a lower, controlled trajectory.
Angle of Attack
The angle of attack determines how steeply or shallowly the club approaches the ball, impacting contact and spin. A shallow angle ensures clean contact, while a steeper angle may help in situations requiring more loft.
Club Selection
Choosing the right club for a chip shot depends on the distance, green speed, and required trajectory. A higher-lofted wedge offers more height and spin, while lower-lofted clubs like a 7-iron provide a rolling approach.
Stance and Posture
Your stance and posture should be stable and slightly open to the target to ensure proper alignment and control. Maintaining a slight forward shaft lean aids in clean ball contact and consistent shot-making.
Playing Conditions
The course’s conditions, such as turf firmness, green speed, and weather, can significantly affect chipping strategy. Adjust your technique to accommodate wet or dry grass, wind, or other variables for optimal performance.
Shot Technique
Effective chipping relies on a smooth, controlled stroke with minimal wrist action. Keeping your weight forward and using a pendulum-like motion with your arms and shoulders ensures consistency and precision.
What is a Chip-In in Golf
A chip-in occurs when a golfer hits a chip shot that lands directly into the hole without needing additional putts. Often, chip-ins happen near the green and require precise aim. They are a favorite among golfers as they save strokes and provide a thrilling moment during play. Hitting a successful chip-in can boost confidence and add excitement to a round of golf.
How to Hit a Chip Shot in Golf
To hit a chip shot in golf, start by selecting a wedge or short iron and using a narrow stance with your feet close together. Position the ball slightly back in your stance to encourage a downward strike. Keep your weight shifted towards your front foot throughout the swing for better control and crisp contact. Use a short, controlled motion, hinging your wrists slightly on the backswing and following through low to maintain a smooth trajectory. Focus on keeping your arms and body connected to ensure consistency and precision with the shot. Practice regularly to develop touch and feel, which are essential for successful chipping.
Learn more!
Want more tips? If you want to take your game to the next level, contact our team at Keiser University’s College of Golf & Sport Management today. With our dedication and experience, together, we can elevate your game to new heights. Give us a call today at 888-355-4465.
