The Basic Chip Shot

The setup to hit the basic chip shot is simple. In fact, hitting the chip is probably the easiest shot in golf to make.

Practice with an 8 or 9-iron. Address the ball by positioning the ball 1-2" back in the stance. The feet should be close together to encourage a steep descending blow. Open your stance so that the body lines (feet, hips and shoulders) are pointed slightly left of where the ball is expected to touchdown on the green. The clubface should be aimed inline with the landing area. Because the stance is slightly open and the feet close together, the ball will appear to be very far back in the stance. That is what you want to observe.

The hands should be gripped down on the club 2-3" with the hands and shaft leaning ahead of the ball, also known as a forward press. The majority of the weight should be placed over the balls of the forward foot.

Next, make a simple stroke using the shoulders in a rocking up and down motion to move the club back and through the ball. The backswing should be short and the hands should not reach higher than hip high.

On the downswing, hit down on top of the ball, making sure to make clean, crisp contact. The ball will pop out and carry a short distance, land on the green and then roll like a putt.

Chipping