Chipping Fundamentals

Welcome to this tip on chipping fundamentals. Chipping is when you want the ball to run like a putt around the green. When you chip the ball you are being very specific on where you want the ball to end up around the hole, using a stroke that is very controlled. You can "chip" the ball from about 10 feet and in only beyond that you must pitch the ball in the air.

There are five keys to becoming a great chipper of the golf ball using the "Y Chipping Style:" ball position, weight displacement, hand position, stroke attack angle, club selection.

Chipping Fundamentals #1: Ball Position

For the "Y Chipping Style" the ball is always played off the right toe, because we want to place the ball in the most conducive position to allow a descending type of blow to the ball.

Chipping Fundamentals #2: Weight Displacement

Your weight influences where the low point of your swing arc will be, so in order to hit the ball with a descending blow we must place 95% of our weight on our left foot, and keep it there! If your weight moves back and forth during your chipping stroke you will vary the low point and fat shots will be a troublesome burden!

Chipping Fundamentals #3: Hand Position

Your hands are pressed forward forming a lower case "Y" between your hands, arms, and clubshaft (hence the name "Y Chipping Style!) Your goal is to NEVER break down the "Y," if you succeed in doing this your hands will always lead the clubhead through impact and you will become very accurate. Maintaining the "Y" is the secret to chipping well.

Chipping Fundamentals #4: Stroke Attack Angle

In efforts to impart a slightly descending blow to the ball we have positioned your body, weight, and club in such a manner that makes this possible without too much effort. Your only job is to keep the club low to the ground on the way back and through maintaining the "Y."

Chipping Fundamentals #5: Club Selection

Picking the right club is the hardest part, because it is totally dependent on the individual. The only advice would be to use a stroke and club where you have to put very little effort in getting the ball to the hole, without the danger of it "exploding" off the face and running way by the hole. The closer the hole the MORE loft you use, this keeps you controlling the ball without it flying too fast off the face of the club.

Chipping Drills

1) Long Club

If you break down the "Y" using the extended length club your left side will feel the pain. (Use a broom at home for the same feeling)

2) Penny Drill

Place a penny 2 inches in front of the ball and clip the penny off the ground after hitting the ball- the only way this can happen is to keep the club low to the ground post-impact.

3) Club Picking Drill

Find a 20-foot chip and use a wedge vs. a 7 iron. What you will notice is that the wedge will leave the face softer than the 7 iron every time. Now find a 50 foot chip and the 7 will be the club of choice vs. a high lofted iron.

4) Left Foot Only

Hit chip shots off your left foot only, if your weight tries to move back into your right foot you will fall over every time.
To chip most effectively after you gain the feeling of your "Y Chipping Style" you must pick a spot where you want the ball to land and the subsequent spot where you want the ball to end up around the hole. The better you get at picking the spot of landing the more often you will see the ball next to the hole. This spot is relative to your trajectory, club selection green topography and distance to reach the hole itself.

Tom F. Stickney is a contributing author at golf-short-game-guide.com and is the director of instruction at Tom Stickney Golf( www.tomstickneygolf.com ). Tom has published over 100 Articles in publications such as Golf Digest, Japan Golf Digest, Golf Magazine, Senior Golfer Magazine, Golf Illustrated, Golf Tips, Golf for Women, Executive Golfer, Mid-South Golfer, Southern Golfer Magazine, and Colorado Golfer Magazine. He is one of Golf Magazine’s Top 100 Teachers in America and was recently ranked by Golf Digest as one of the Top 20 Instructors Under 40.

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