Golf Chipping Tips

The Set Up

When setting up for chipping, try to get the shoulders level and the weight favouring the front foot. Normally in the full swing, the shoulders are tilted so the left shoulder is higher than the right (for a right-hand golfer, opposite for left hand). When chipping, we want the shoulders more level which will help create a steeper angle into the ball for a better contact. The weight needs to be 60% - 70% into the front foot which needs to be maintained throughout the whole chipping swing.

The Swing - Hinge and Hold

Common mistakes throughout amateur golfers in their chipping technique is that they are either too stiff/wooden in the backswing or 'flick the wrists' during the follow through.

A good thought to have for better chipping technique is the hinge and hold swing. The hinge is in the backswing where there is a slight hinge in the wrists, the amount of hinge depends on the length of shot. The follow through is holding the finish so the wrists are firm with the butt of the club point towards the belly button as seen in the photo bellow.

Feel and Visualisation

A very big part of the short game is using feel and visualisation before executing the shot. When picturing what type of shot to play, try playing a movie of the shot in your mind, imagining the height you want to hit it and how much the ball is going to roll when landed. Then choose the club that is going to be best doing what you imagined.