If you really want to improve your golf game then perfecting your chip shot is among the easiest and fastest way to do it. Even though putting and driving are more glamorous and critical to a golfer's game, when a chip shot is needed, it can be equally as important a part of the golfer's scoring arsenal. While a chip shot isnt normally hard to execute, some players still have problems hitting it correctly. To improve your chip shot it is important to understand what chipping is, what clubs to choose, maintaining a proper stance, and perfecting your swing. It is the purpose of this article to discuss the different aspects of the chip shot in a golf game and hopefully help improve your over all score.
Also called a bump and run shot, the chip shot is a low-loft shot designed to clear a small patch of rough but also have a significant amount of roll. A chip shot is played from close to the green and the ball is in the air only a short amount of time. Because a chip shot is mostly roll, it is defined as a shot of minimal air time and maximum ground time. The goal of the chip shot is to get the ball onto the surface of the green and let it roll toward the cup. The chip shot is just an extension of the putt with a few minor adjustments and the time to use this shot is when youre only a few yards away from the green. If you are farther out then you should use a pitch shot instead which is similar to a chip shot except it focuses more on longer airtime and less roll time. When making a chip shot, choice of clubs is very important.
Chip shots are usually played with a 6, 7, 8 or 9 iron or pitching wedge. In general, the club of choice for the chip shot is one that propels the ball several feet onto the green, with the ball then rolling like a putt for the majority of the distance to the hole. Club selection determines the amount of roll and the chip shot is often played with a low-lofted golf club called a chipper but if you are just starting out then an 8 iron may be a good choice although there is no right club for every shot. The distance from the ball to the green and to the hole will determine which club should be used and the golfer will need to practice to determine which club works best for each situation. Once you have chosen your club, you need to work on your stance.
To chip a ball use a narrow, slightly open stance, and center the ball with your body aimed slightly left of the target. For a medium distance shot you want to have your heels about one foot apart, decreasing this distance for shorter shots and increasing it for longer shots. In order to execute a softer and shorter motion, you must take a narrow stance to help stabilize and quiet the lower body which in turn will shorten the arm swing. In the short game, a wide stance can get you in trouble. Keep your weight on your front foot in the backswing with your hands in front of the ball and open your clubface. Once you have your stance correct, you need to make the swing.
Unlike the pitch shot which has wrist hinge, making it more of a swing, the chip shot is considered a stroke. The best way to approach the chip shot is by attacking the ball with a descending blow. In other words, a chip shot is a set up shot for your putt. Swing between the clubs and the club head path will be straight for the intended target. This technique raises the club several inches off the ground in the backswing, and forces you to hit down on the ball slightly, chipping it into the air. Because you're not trying to drive the ball any great distance, your back-swing should be relatively short. The chip shot is a small swing, where the ball lands generally on the front part of the green and rolls to the cup. Swing the club head with a motion and with a force substantially equal to a motion and force used to perform an underarm toss of a golf ball toward a target golf hole.
Obviously the chip shot is not going to be as impressive as hitting a 250 yard drive or putting from 30 feet out but it is an important part of the golf game. If you can develop your chip shot so you are putting your ball only feet away from the hole every time then your putting will improve hence your score will also drop. If you want to improve your golf game then you need to concentrate on all aspects of the game including your chip shot. It is my earnest hope that this article has given you some guidance on how to improve your chip shot and your game.
