How to Hit On-Target Chips
By Steve Silverman
Chipping is an important part of golf, particularly when it comes to scoring. Golfers who can chip the ball within 10 to 15 feet of the hole consistently put themselves in a position to sink important putts. Chipping is often overlooked compare to pitching, but a low, bouncing pitch can be a safe shot for golfers who may be afraid of mis-hitting a pitch and sending well past the intended target.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderate
Get a firm grip of the ground with your golf shoes. The spikes on the bottom should help you dig into the ground so you can hit your chip shot without slipping.
Open up your stance so you are looking directly at the green and the flag stick. Normally, your left shoulder would be pointing directly at the hole. That is not the case with a chip. You want to be able to look directly at your target.
Hit your chip shot when there are no hazards, bunkers or trees in your way. The chip is the shot of choice when you want to hit a low, bouncing shot up to the green and towards the flagstick. The 7-iron is an outstanding club to use because it can provide enough power to bounce and roll 50 yards or more but still stay on target.
Think of your chip shot as an elongated putt. Bring your club back to about mid-thigh level. Come though with sufficient power but do not break your wrists on contact. Follow through until your club has crossed your front knee.
Keep your head down through impact. Your natural tendency will be to lift your head up so you can follow your chip shot on to the green. However, picking your head up will likely cause you to make an error and you will not strike the ball where you want to. Stay down and keep your eye on the back of the ball.
Tips & Warnings
Conclude your practice at the driving range with pitching and chipping. These are two of the most important areas when it comes to posting a good score and these are two areas that can be mastered by a relatively inexperienced golfer.
About The Author
Steve Silverman is an award-winning writer, covering sports since 1980. Silverman authored The Minnesota Vikings: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly and Who's Better, Who's Best in Football -- The Top 60 Players of All-Time, among others, and placed in the Pro Football Writers of America awards three times. Silverman holds a Master of Science in journalism from the Medill School of Journalism.
