7 golf chipping tips to enhance your game

If you're just starting out on your golf journey, you’ll no doubt be looking at how you can improve your chipping game to lower your scores.

You’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll look at some essential golf chipping tips that can take your short game to the next level.

What is chipping?

To tee off, let's answer the most basic question: what is chipping?

Chipping is a short game technique used to hit the ball close to the green, typically from around 20 to 40 yards. The goal is to get the ball up in the air briefly and then have it roll towards the hole. Unlike a full swing, chipping involves a more controlled and precise motion with a much shorter swing.

Chipping is an important skill in golf because it makes up a significant part of your game. Whether you're trying to save par after missing the green or looking to improve your approach shots, effective chipping can save you plenty of strokes. When you're faced with a tricky chip shot, mastering it can make the difference between a frustrating double bogey and a satisfying par.

Here, we’ll cover several golf chipping tips to help you hit more consistent shots. Read on to find out more. 

Why you need to work on your chipping game

Before we get into the tips, let's discuss why chipping is so important.

Chipping isn't just about hitting the ball onto the green, it's about controlling the ball and reducing the number of shots it takes to get to the hole.

A poor chip can leave you with a longer distance to putt or, worse, a tricky second chip to get to the green. A good chip allows you to reduce your shots by setting up an easier putt.

Practising your chipping allows you to be more consistent in these situations, which can shave a few strokes off your score over time.

Top golf chipping tips to improve your game

Now that you understand what chipping is and why it matters, let's look at some chipping tips that you can start working on today.

1. Use the right club for the job

One of the most common mistakes golfers make when chipping is reaching for the wrong club. While a pitching wedge is a go-to for many, it’s important to know when to use different clubs based on the conditions and distance.

• Shorter chips: Use a higher-lofted club like a sand wedge or lob wedge.
• Longer chips: A pitching wedge or 9-iron might be a better choice for a longer chip where the ball can roll more.

The more comfortable you get with different clubs, the more options you'll have for different chip shots near the green.

2. Focus on your grip

Your grip plays a huge role in the control and consistency of your chip shots. A firm yet relaxed grip is ideal. Try not to overgrip the club, as this can lead to a stiff shot. Hold the club with your normal grip, but loosen your hands slightly to allow for more feel and touch. A lighter grip helps with smoother speed during the swing, making your chips more controlled.

3. Proper set up: feet close together, weight forward

A good stance is important for successful chipping. You’ll want your feet close together (about hip-width), which helps you control the shot with a solid base.

Here’s how:

• Position the ball just slightly back in your stance, closer to your back foot
• Tilt your upper body slightly toward the target
• Keep your weight on your front foot (left foot or right-handed golfers) to help with a downward strike on the ball

This setup encourages a clean strike. It’s one of those golf chipping tips for beginners that can immediately make a big difference.

4. Chip with your hands, not your wrists

One of the best chipping golf tips is to remove wrist action from the shot. Many beginners tend to get too wristy, leading to inconsistent chips. Instead, focus on a smooth, controlled swing with your arms and shoulders.

• As you swing back, use your shoulders to guide the motion
• Keep your hands firm and steady
• The key is to make the swing a natural, pendulum-like motion, using your body rotation rather than your wrists

This will help produce a more consistent strike.

5. Be smooth and controlled

Now you’re aware of using a motion like a pendulum, it’s important to control your power. Your upper body and arms should work together in a fluid motion, and your lower body should remain stable. Avoid any jerky movements, as this can throw off your timing and lead to poor shots.

A common mistake is to overcompensate by swinging too hard, trying to get more distance. Keep the motion smooth and controlled. With more practice, you'll get a feel for how much swing is needed for different distances.

6. Practice your short game with focused drills

You need to practice regularly to improve your chipping—but practice doesn't just mean randomly hitting chip shots. To get better at chipping, you need to make sure your practice sessions are focused and purposeful.

Here are a few drills to help you:

• One-ball drill: Place a ball on the edge of the green and chip it to a specific target. Focus on hitting a precise spot and try to improve your accuracy with each chip.
• Landing zone drill: Mark out a target area on the green and try to land your chips in that spot. The goal is to control both the height and distance of the ball.
• Up and down challenge: Pick a spot on the course and challenge yourself to get up and down (chip and then putt) within two strokes.

By practising with a purpose, you'll develop consistency and confidence in your short game.

7. Use your non-dominant hand

A fun and challenging drill to work on your chipping is to try hitting chips using only your non-dominant hand. This not only forces you to rely on your body rotation, but it also prevents you from getting too wristy.

While this might initially feel awkward, it helps build better control and awareness in your chipping technique. Over time, this will develop into more consistent and controlled chips with both hands.

How to practice chipping away from the course

You don’t always necessarily have to be on the course to work on your chipping. With a little creativity, you can practice your short game at home or on the driving range. Here are some chipping tips you can carry out without leaving your house.

• Practice at home: A simple way to practice chipping is by setting up some makeshift targets indoors. You can use small cups or containers as targets and try to chip soft, controlled shots towards them. If you want to go the extra mile, you can even practice with foam or soft balls to ensure safety.
  
  
• Use the driving range: At the driving range, don’t just focus on your driver. Spend time working on your short game by hitting chips with different clubs and distances. This allows you to practice in various conditions and fine-tune your skills.
  
  
• Watch your progress: Keep track of your improvement over time. Whether it’s through a golf app or simply marking the areas you’ve been practising, tracking your progress can provide insights into where you need to focus more attention.

Chip away

Chipping may be one of the most overlooked aspects of the game, but it’s also one of the most important. Mastering it can significantly improve your overall game, reduce your score, and give you confidence when you’re near the green.

By following these golf chipping tips and committing to regular practice, you'll soon notice a difference in the quality of your chip shots. Remember, it's not about the perfect technique but rather the consistency and control you develop over time.

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