3 Quick Tips To Fix Your Chipping

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3 fool proof chipping tips to help you chip like a pro. Avoid fat and thin chip shots from anywhere around the green.

Shooting lower golf scores on a consistent basis requires that you clean up the poor chip shots that are wasted around the green.  Golf pros know all too well that, if you do miss the green, you must get up and down to preserve a good score.

Here are 3 simple golf tips that will help you chip like a golf pro and save several strokes per round.  Chip better in 90 seconds!

Checkpoint 1:  When you're chipping, remember to focus your grip pressure on the last few figures of your left hand.  Do not push on your thumb on the club - this will make the golf club and your golf swing bottom out too early.  When it comes to grip pressure, look for very light grip pressure in the 3 out of 10 range and remember: No Thumb Pressure On The Shaft!

Checkpoint 2:  Make sure that your right hand is pretty passive in your chipping stroke.  By keeping the right hand of your golf grip light, you will not force the golf club into a bad position.  This is one key to avoiding fat or chunked golf shots.

Checkpoint 3. Envision the golf ball as the bottom of a pendulum and focus on making a golf swing with a short backswing and longer follow through.  By going back at 25% of your normal backsing and then following through to 50% height, you encourage accelleration through the swing and end up with much better chipping results. 

If you've ever battled with those chunk chip shots or those annoying thin shots or maybe you've even found yourself battling with those chipping yips.

    Well in today's video I'm going to show you how three simple check points are going to fix your chipping technique in less than 60 seconds. Let's go ahead and get started.

    Okay guys so we're going to fix your chipping technique in a very quick amount of time today. So the three check points that I want you to focus on is number one, when you take your grip in our left hand, assuming you're a right handed player, you're gonna have your grip pressure focused in your back three fingers. So your back three fingers in your left hand. You're gonna just have a little pressure back there. Maybe on a scale of 1-10 probably about a 2-4.

    Now I want you to focus on not pressing on the shaft with the thumb. So if you see here when I take it back, I can push against the shaft pretty hard and it's going to make the club bottom out too early. It's going to run into some chunk shots maybe some thin shots as well.

    Second key point here that I want you to focus on, is making sure that your right hand is just barely resting on the golf club.

    And then the final key point, during this whole process, is I want you to think of the golf ball being the bottom of a pendulum. Okay, the bottom of a swing arch. And we're going to think about, if we were to go back 50% we want to go through 50% but today we're going to change that up and we're going to so shorter to longer cause we want to keep that club accelerating thought he impact zone. But I don't want you to do it too quickly. So you're gonna see here if I go back 20%, I'm gonna try to chip through to 50%. Always keep that club moving.

    So just to recap, I step over it, back three fingers of left hand, no pushing on the shaft with the thumb, right hand feels like it's very relaxed, short, long. And you're gonna see that you get the ball closer to the whole every single time.

 

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rajiv
Do you not release the club in chip shots?
April 17, 2023
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
hello Rajiv. You can certainly allow for some face rotation which will help keep the strike shallow. Take a look at Master the Golf Chipping Stroke.
April 17, 2023
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Mohnishkumar
Hi. Should we do arm elevation in chipping?? Thanks
February 9, 2020
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Mohnishkumar. There is a little bit of elevation in this motion.
February 9, 2020
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Kevin
Follow through picture for comment below
September 7, 2019
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
See my comment below.
September 7, 2019
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Kevin
Hi struggled yesterday hitting fat chips - when I hit them it felt like my upper body shifted too far ahead and left the club behind to stub in on the tight lie. In short, I’m trying to better understand how my torso should move - should my chest point up, level or down on the follow through? Attached a setup picture
September 7, 2019
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hi Kevin, If you are due for a swing review, send one in right away with your chipping technique from both face on and dtl so we can take a look at it to see what is going on. I want to be able to look at the rotation of the face going back and the what is happening down through the hitting area to best determine what is going on. There are many things that can lead to your fat shots that you are battling with. Lack of face rotation can steepen the plane, pushing on the shaft with the thumb, having the spine too upright in the hitting area etc. Send one in and let us take a look to help you out.
September 7, 2019
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Kevin
Thanks Chris I just had a swing review this week but not on the short game - I went and worked on this and found my lower body was moving off the ball too much - I kept my lower body quiet and weight on the left side which seemed to fix it along with the tips in this video - thanks
September 8, 2019
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Okay great. Let me know if you need any further help on this!!!!
September 12, 2019
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Kevin
Chris - I had a big weekend of golf and struggled getting a little flippy and catching my 30 yard pitches a little chuncky when I focus on the two fingers in the left hand. I experimented at the range tonight but it still feels very flippy / loose at the bottom of the stroke
September 24, 2019
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Have you worked on training the left hand/arm independently on the club? Check out the fix your release video and start there and then get some chip vids sent into to us so we can take a look and we wont be guessing what is going on at that point.
September 26, 2019
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Mohnishkumar
Hello chris;should I use weak grip for chipping and wedge shots(40-70yd).As I have heard that using a weak grip prevents the club face from rotating.
August 18, 2019
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hi there, you can use your standard grip with this technique or any of the other short game techniques we use on the site. If you are taking out wrist rotation, you have to substitute something else to rotate in the swing to keep the plane shallow enough for crisp strike. Keep that in the back of your hat.
August 20, 2019
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Paul
In the process of rebuilding swing. In a full swing you move the club with weight shift, squat , then posting up. Whats the engine for chip shots, as I dont see much of the above in chipping stroke. Thanks.
May 29, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Paul. The shoulders will be the main force. The lower body still will move some. Just not a whole bunch. More for stability. And, since this shot is more for finesse and control. You don't need lots of body for power. There will be a tiny weight and movement/momentum to initiate. Very quiet however.
May 29, 2019
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Paul
So to clarify Craig, I'm primarily using my shoulders to swing club, I'm not even using my core to rotate the shoulders. Similar to a putting? Thanks.
May 30, 2019
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Paul. Your core will still be working, but more similar to putting than a regular swing.
May 30, 2019
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David
Chris a shout out to you. You told me to get more axis tilt which i have taken on board and i have never hit some more straight long drives ever. 250 metres plus and straight and one even went 300 metres. Now i just have to sort the flipping on the chip shots. One question how do i take the club back straighter on the short shots without it feeling too steep?
October 1, 2018
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey David, thanks for the shout out and glad to hear you are getting such great progress with your driver. On shorter shots, if you allow the club face to rotate gradually, that will shallow the plane so it won't feel so steep to you. Rotation always shallows the swing. If the face isn't rotating the plane inherently will be much steeper. Hope that helps and keep up the good work.
October 3, 2018
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David
Chris one thing other question how do i rotate the club face without getting too wristy either on the back or downswing?
October 3, 2018
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Rotation of the wrist is are different than adding to much wrist cock or hinge. Just keep an eye on a gradual amount of rotation and wrist set during the takeaway. Watch the video fix your release or 5 mins to a perfect release to better understand how much wrist action is needed.
October 3, 2018
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Anthony
Chris, Can I assume the chipping motion is instigated by the rotation of the torso as in the full swing? I realise I have always been all shoulders and arms and I believe now that this is not correct. Cheers. Anthony.
January 8, 2018
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Anthony. Take a look at How to Chip in Golf - Perfect Stroke. You are still using the trail shoulder and torso to pull back. But, depending on shot type and length. You won't need a massive rotation through for a chip.
January 8, 2018
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Bonnie
I really like your particular style of instruction Chris. The other videos with 3-5 minutes of explanation of too many concepts are just too long and drawn out. You, however get right to the point. Boom, Done. Concept taught, concept learned. Thank you.
July 16, 2017
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hi Bonnie, Thanks for the kind words and I am so glad to help you with your game.
July 18, 2017
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James
what do you think about the thumb pushing in a full swing? Do you see this as a common problem?
June 22, 2017
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hi James, this is a very common mistake for sure. The left thumb is in a position to push the club downward and can cause trouble in the hitting area.
June 23, 2017
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Kort
I have been considering a left hand low approach for chipping. What are your thoughts on this?
March 14, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Kort. You may experiment with lead hand low. We have some players that use the method. It only will limit some shot selection. However, better to be great at one versus mediocre at two or three types of shots.
March 14, 2017
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Lance
Please specify ball position for bottom of the arc From previous videos on this subject I have playing the ball off the inside of my back foot and preloading the weight to the lead side This setup seem to promote striking the ball before the bottom of the arc Seems different than this video
February 13, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Lance. Your positioning seems correct. Weight placed on the lead and ball off the inside of the trailing foot. Even with the previous video (How to Chip in Golf - Perfect Stroke) you will want to catch the ball before the club bottoms out.
February 14, 2017
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Lance
If I want more loft is it better to move the ball forward in my stance or open the face in my grip?
February 17, 2017
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Lance. That can vary if you are trying to hit more of a flop or just adding a touch of loft. I would slightly open the face and take normal grip.
February 17, 2017
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T David
On the chipping videos, I noticed that Chris's club shaft come up more parrallel to the ground at finish, where Clay Ballard keeps his shaft pointed to the ground at completion. This was his 4th point in his video to keep the logo of his glove pointed down and at the target through impact. In comparison to my chip, it resembles more of Chris's follow through. So, which is more correct and which position should we attempt to mimick? Thanks in advance for your clarification.
October 9, 2016
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Micah (Certified RST Instructor)
Hi Dave. This is in reply to your other question that somehow disappeared. This is all correct, but you are trying to keep the lower body quiet and have a pendulum short to long stroke. Keep 80% of your weight on the lead leg and you will naturally have a smooth hip turn if you aren't flipping the club. Try not to get to caught up in what the lower body is doing unless there is a lot of movement down there.
October 17, 2016
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T David
This help a lot.. Thanks, Micah
October 17, 2016
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Micah (Certified RST Instructor)
No problem Dave. Keep up the good work!
October 17, 2016
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gordon
A competition round yesterday revealed (another!) weakness in my game. This concerned chipping from a steep uphill lie around the green, where I tended to catch the ball thin. I think this was due to my not being able to keep my weight on the front foot. How do I reconcile the contracting requirements of having my body perpendicular to the ground whilst having my weight 80% on the lead foot? I can feel my internal struggle to maintain balance and execute the shot smoothly, with the inevitable consequence! Any tips you can give to resolve this conflict would be much appreciated, thanks and regards, Gordon.
August 4, 2016
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Gordon, on a severe slope like this, it may be too hard to get 80% of the weight into the lead side while maintaining balance, you can allow for some weight to even out more to the back foot, but you will need to adjust ball position back slightly. This is something you need to play around with a little bit to find out where the sweet spot is. Let me know if this doesnt work for you and I will offer more guidance. Good luck.
August 6, 2016
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gordon
Thanks Chris. In the meantime I have been experimenting with open/closed stance options but feel these are not silver bullets. Your guidance regarding relaxing the requirement for preloading into the lead side certainly helps me to stand more perpendicular to the ground and moving the ball back helps too. Can it be that a more active weight shift is required for these shots to ensure acceleration of the club head at impact despite the braking force being exerted by gravity? Perhaps some additional club head release is required in extreme cases (which do exist!)? Thanks and regards, Gordon.
August 7, 2016
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
My pleasure. It depends on if you are going to hang onto the angle and rotate your body more. If you are going to use this technique from this video, try not to keep the weight stationary and allow the club to swing up the plane brushing the grass under the ball.
August 7, 2016
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Lisa
What should I do in my case then?. Thanks.
July 5, 2016
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
I would go work around a practice green and create the lie/shot you are trying to learn and play around with the grip pressure and club face angle to see what is going to give you the best results. If nothing works, then let me know and we will probably have you submit a shot for us to review so we can see what you are doing and offer as much insight as possible.
July 6, 2016
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Lisa
Great tip on a perfect lie! What about chipping from the rough.i.e: 3 to 5 yards from the green., (only half of the ball shows on the grass, chipping ball with grass toward the hole or AGAINST the hole please). What is the grip pressure be?, should I open the club face or not?, also for aiming direction too?
June 29, 2016
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Lisa, shots like this around the green can be played very differently depending on the variables of the shot at hand. These sorts of shots, you need to play around with ball position and the position of the clubface to help develop feel for the shot. Sometimes, we try to play chunk and run shot and some times we are opening the face and swinging through the shot to create more of a lob shot.
July 2, 2016
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Jeff
I like it. So many different ways to chip a ball!
June 21, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Thanks Jeff.
June 21, 2016
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GC
When you mean pressure of 2-4 on last three fingers, you mean it's very weak? So chipping is very little to do with hands but more on body rotation - is that what you mean?
June 12, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Grant. The pressure will be on the back three fingers (pinky to middle). The hands will be used for feel, but face rotation is de-emphasized. More body driven.
June 13, 2016
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brett
My biggest question about short game has been "shoulder elevation". I understand the need in the full swing but feel like the short game should be relatively the same. I see zero elevation in this movement here and also notice that the pro's do exactly the opposite of "short/long", they seem to be longer to short. The feeling is as if the club is doing more of the work. I'm very curious about the lack of shoulder elevation here or if it isn't needed on these shorter shot cause it feels terrible when i try to do it myself. Thanks!
May 31, 2016
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Elevation is a variable in the swing and helps add width and keep the hands and arms from getting too deep into the backswing. The only real need for elevation in chipping is if you need to add more body rotation to add more distance to the shot. Most of the time you will be using little to no elevation for chipping. Pros you see on tv, sometimes play shots where you will see the club stop abruptly or sometimes you will see them play a chunk and run or sometimes they will hold off the face. There are some many factors that lead to the shot selection, green speed, slope, lie etc. This technique helps build a foundation for good chipping technique and can be altered to meet the shot at hand.
May 31, 2016
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brett
Good point on shot selection determining the follow through, etc...That also makes sense about the further back you take it the "more" elevation you would have...but that's the exact issue...on around a 50yd shot when i get elevation (which is probably none due to my very inside takeaway) the contact and release feel quite odd...but this is a work in progress so i'll keep playing with it...thanks for the feedback
May 31, 2016
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
My pleasure Brett. Keep me posted if you need any further help at all.
May 31, 2016
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Chan
Hey Chris, This is the area I need to really work on. I have watched this and the other chipping videos over and over and compare with my swing to make sure i have all details down. I noticed that in your stance there is no space between your feet, whereas Clay, in the Chipping Set-up video, recommends a club-head width. Is that a preference thing for you? Or does it really matter? Also, your left foot looks a little pulled back opening your stance a bit. Is that also a preference thing or is it because you are executing a small uphill chip? Where the lie dictates the setup? -Thanks
March 17, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Chan. I will confirm with Chris and if it is any different I will let you know. But, both points that you noted are more a comfort/preference issue. I prefer the more Clay like stance width. Chris the more narrow. As long as you keep the weight balanced in the proper section it shouldn't make much of a difference. The stance isn't required to be open and can actually cause some faults in the stroke if too open. But, lots of players have grown up being taught the style and eyeline/comfort wise it is a hard habit to beat. I prefer just slightly as Chris is seen here with lead foot a hair back. In an ideal world. Square stance and about a club head width apart.
March 17, 2016
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Chan
Thanks Craig!
March 17, 2016
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JON
Gosh I wish there were a foolproof method. I spend 80% of my practice time on short game and generally feel I have a good chance to execute any shot...except for the harmless-looking chip. Especially off a tight lie. And when it's wet...time to leave. It's a double whammy because eventually it will rob me of my confidence, leak in to my other game, horrible. Never, ever, s----- it unless it's a chip shot like this, bump and run, etc....and then I can go from putting a large bucket into a six-foot circle to s-------- ever single shot. Looking at my divots, it seems very simply an O/I swing problem. I used to hit all my SG shots within 100 yards from an open stance, but not anymore as I've progressed and this problem has gotten worse. So now, trying to switch to an I/O path, I am stubbing it, getting flippy, and skulling shots, again very rare. I do not understand why I can pitch a large bucket from that dread 35-85 yard distances, no problem, and then trying to hit an 8-iron bump and run that everybody says is the ultimate go to shot, not only completely fail but have it wreck the rest of my game and confidence. Apologize for the length of this. Thanks.
January 22, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jon. I understand the frustration. Is it only with the 8 iron bump? Have you experimented with other clubs? You have to maintain the lean (Like in the Taking a Divot Video and Perfect Chipping Technique Video). Once, the club head starts passing the hands too much you lose the ability to pull through the shot and have a consistent strike.
January 23, 2016
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JON
Thanks, Craig. It's all bump n runs, tight lie chips, and occasionally a knockdown...excuse my hijack here but while we're on the subject...[you may have to C&P into browser]: PHIL! http://www.golf.com/tour-and-news/phil-mickelson-drains-beautiful-40-foot-chip-birdie
January 23, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Jon. I would submit the "Chip" for review. I would be happy to take a look at it to find a culprit. Also, just try owning one club. I know it is easier to master one and perfect the move, then expand the arsenal.
January 23, 2016
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Lisa
I love all of your videos Chris... what about tension on both arm, rating from 1-10 (10 is the highest)..how soft would they be? What wedge would the pros use?. Do they use only LW or SW to chip around the green using feel...or they using PW, 9,8...depending how much green to work with??. Thanks.
January 2, 2016
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Awesome. You never want the arms dead locked. You will be relaxed, but still in control. I would split the difference about a 5-6 with the arms. Pros use a mixture of clubs depending on amount of green and roll out.
January 3, 2016
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Tom
I came across a golf mag. article on club chipping selection with a method to get the right club. I step off the distance from the hole to the ball (my step is close to one yard) then step off the distance from the ball to three feet onto the green for a landing spot. Divide the distance from hole-to-ball by the distance from ball-to-landing spot. Subtract this number from 12 and you have the club. Ex., if the distance from hole-to-ball is 10 steps (10 yards or 30 feet) and distance from ball-to-landing spot is 6 steps ( 6 yds/19ft), divide 30 by 6 equals 5. 12 minus 5 is 7-> 7 iron. A one club variation can be used if going uphill or downhill.
December 28, 2015
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Tom, what you are talking about seems to be more complexity than you really need when working to develop "feel". "Feel" is not something that can be taught by an instructor. "Feel" is developed through tons and tons of reps in short game practice. There are so many variables that can change each particular shot around the green. We have some videos on the docket to help develop better feel when chipping. Stay tuned.
December 28, 2015
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Tom
hey Chris, this was just being able to select the right club for the distance. It probably is complicated but with my engineering background it's fairly simple for me. I am of the mindset that I want to get a chip shot on the ground as soon as possible instead of using just the same high lofted wedge most players use that require almost perfect execution.
December 28, 2015
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Tom, I completely understand this approach for sure and as long as it helps you prepare for the shot properly, then I say for for it. There are certain situations that having the ball on the ground as soon as possible can make the short more tricky than flying the ball most of the way to the hole. That is why I speak of the many variables that each chip shot possess. I look at chipping as - how am I am going to get the ball the hole from here. I do not take the 3 foot circle approach. Only sometimes will I say, okay, play defensive and try to get it near the hole. Club selection and shot selection are all part of the process and then it comes down to "feel", imagination and attitude.
December 29, 2015
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Jerry
I suffered from chipping yips for years. Went to 8 to 10 different "pros" over 10 years. What someone finally pointed out was my shoulders weren't turning with my arms. He had me lead with my left shoulder by turning it up. Or around. Either way works. If your shoulders don't lead, your left arm gets stuck at the bottom and you consequently flip with your right hand. No one ever mentions that. Just saying.....
December 28, 2015
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Chris (Certified RST Instructor)
Hey Jerry, The movements you describe are certainly worth a mention in a more detailed environment. We have several short game videos that are in the works and I will touch base on this very subject. Thanks.
December 28, 2015
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Frank
I've lightened my grip and improved touch except in rougher grass where I have to tighten grip or loose control. Is tightening grip in longer grass correct response? Also, i find the thought of keeping shaft moving around my body more helpful than long follow through. Keeping shaft moving reduces flipping and obtains acceleration and follow through. Same idea?
December 27, 2015
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Craig (Certified RST Instructor)
Hello Frank. You might have to tighten the grip in tougher grass to help keep the club head stable and from getting stuck. Yes, keeping it moving around the body versus flipping is roughly the same idea.
December 28, 2015
1.1 Introduction to The GOAT Code 1.2 The GOAT Delivery Position (GDP) 1.3 The GOAT Grip 1.4 The GOAT Setup 1.5 GOAT Ball Position 1.6 Trail Hand Putting Drill 1.7 Tiger Woods Tee Drill 1.8 Add Lead Hand to Putting Stroke 1.9 Skills Assessment Challenge: Putting
2.1 Trail Hand Chipping Stroke 2.2 Trail Hand Ripper Chip 2.3 Add Lead Hand to Chipping Stroke 2.4 Progressive Drill to Add Lead Hand 2.5 Add Lead Hand to Ripper Chip 2.6 Clubface is KING 2.7 Skills Assessment Challenge: Chipping
3.1 Transferring Power from the Core to the Hand 3.2 The GOAT Pitch Shot 3.3 Pitch Shot Starting Line Drill 3.4 Fundamentals of Compression 3.5 Skills Assessment Challenge: Pitching
4.1 Core Activation - Chair Drill 4.2 Core Activation - Medicine Ball Throws 4.3 Core Activation - Slam Ball 4.4 Core Activation - Punching Bag Power 4.5 20 Yard Wedge Shot Basics 4.6 Skills Assessment Challenge: 20 Yard Shots 4.7 40 Yard Wedge Shots - The Magic! 4.8 GOAT Power Sequence 4.9 The GOAT Drill 4.10 The GOAT Takeaway 4.11 The GOAT 9 to 3 Drill
Webinar 1: The Core Webinar 2: Core Power & Putting Webinar 3 - Compression & Clubface Control Webinar 4 - Fascia & Effortless Power
Squish the Bug for Effortless Power - Pt 3 of 3 The GOAT Release The GOAT Release Intro - Endless Conveyor Belt GOAT Code Secret to Effortless Power - Pt 1 of 4 GOAT Code Effortless Power - Head Movement - Pt 2 of 4 GOAT Code Effortless Power - Using Your Head - Pt 3 of 4 GOAT Code Effortless Power - Take it to the Course - Pt 4 of 4

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