chip-smlChipping should be an easy part of the game to master because it really does not need much physical exertion. The problem most golfers have with chipping is the pressure they put upon themselves to get the ball close, especially if they are faced with a chip they feel is easy.

Once a player has this thought, they are spiralling downhill into a negative mindset, which goes hand-in-hand with low confidence. Once this occurs, the golfer will try to choose a ‘safe’ shot for the chip rather than the shot they want to play. But with low confidence and a negative mindset, this player will still not hit a good chip shot.

There are a couple of ways to play a chip. There is a simple way, a bump-and-run with a low-lofted club, which is fine for a chip where there is little rough between you and the green and there is plenty of putting surface to work with between the edge of the green and the flag. This chip is played with little wrist movement and a putting stroke-style swing to keep the ball low.

The basic style of chip where you want to loft the ball and land it softly with a bit of spin should be played with a 56° wedge and needs to be played with some wrist hinge. An early wrist hinge is needed for a slightly steep angle into the ball and neutral hands to keep the clubface square, which will help direction and spin. All of this is done with relaxed tension in your hands and a slight turn back and through the ball with your hips. One of the key thoughts to always remember is to keep your clubface square. Do not scoop the ball to get it in the air; hit down slightly on the ball and allow the loft of the club to do the work for you.

Look at the situation that you are faced with before any chip and make sure you choose the right club for the shot you want to play and always think about which technique you require to complete the correct shot.

I suggest you think ‘hinge’ for a flighted shot and ‘no hinge’ for a low, running shot.