Short Game & Chipping

A chip is a low-running shot played close to the green, typically with a less-lofted club and minimal wrist action, designed to get the ball on the ground quickly and use the green to control distance. A pitch flies higher, lands softer, and uses more loft to carry an obstacle or stop the ball near the hole. The choice depends on the lie, the distance to the hole, and how much green you have to work with.

Chunking chip shots almost always comes from too much weight on the back foot at impact, which causes the low point of the swing arc to arrive before the ball. Set 60 to 70 percent of your weight on your lead foot at address and keep it there throughout the stroke. The shaft should lean slightly toward the target at impact.

Use the least-lofted club that will carry the fringe cleanly and start rolling toward the hole as quickly as possible. Many instructors recommend a 7- or 8-iron for a standard chip with a flat lie and plenty of green. Reserve higher-lofted wedges for situations where you need to carry something: a bunker, thick rough, or a tight pin. Not by default.