Hit a Running Chip Shot

The running hook chip is a specialty chip that can pay dividends when you need it. The hook chip is nothing more than a shot designed to roll the ball further without any backspin. In golf it is better to always hit the ball lower. Hitting the ball lower allows for more control over direction and distance.

The hook chip comes into practicality on LONG and UPHILL shots just off the green. Long enough where a pitch shot may seem to be in order rather than a chip. The pitch shot, although necessary and effective in it's own right, commands more precision to get the ball close to the hole. Fight the urge to pitch it and chip it instead when faced with this situation.

Don't be discouraged on the long and uphill chip shot. A few setup adjustments and a little practice will make this a successful go to shot everytime.

Take a lower lofted club such as a 7-iron. Close down the face of the club. The clubface should be aimed in the direction of where you want the ball to go. Next, close your stance by pointing your body lines well right of the intended target.

Ball position should be back in the stance. Feet close together -Just like a normal chip ship.

You should now be in a setup that features the clubface appearing very closed -but pointing at the target line- and the body pointing well to the right.

Make a normal, upright chipping stroke. The setup adjustments will send the club on an inside to out swing path relative to the ball. Trust it! Don't fight it and just swing along your body lines. The ball WILL shoot out and track along the direction that the clubface was pointed at.

The inside to out path will impart over-spin (hook spin) on the ball causing it to roll smoothly with plenty of speed to get up the hill and will roll steadily towards the hole.

The benefit gained with a hook chip is that the ball is kept low and has plenty of speed to reach the hole on a long and uphill shot. The hook chip takes pitching out of the equation.