Good chipping turns misses into pars and bad holes into bogeys. The secret is a simple, repeatable motion — not fancy flop shots.
Set up for clean contact
Narrow stance, weight favoring your lead foot, ball slightly back, hands ahead of the ball. This setup helps you hit down and through, catching the ball before the turf.
Rock the shoulders, quiet the wrists
Chip with a small, putting-like motion powered by your shoulders — not a wristy scoop. Trying to "help" the ball into the air is what causes chunks and skulls. Trust the loft.
Land it on the green, let it roll
Think of chipping like throwing a ball: land it just onto the green and let it release to the hole. Picking a landing spot is easier than trying to fly it all the way.
Pick one club and learn it
Get comfortable with a single chipping club first (a wedge or 9-iron) so you groove distance control. Add variety later.
Practice the up-and-down
Chip and then putt out — that combo is how you save strokes and start breaking 90. Pair it with your putting.
FAQ
How do I stop chunking my chips?
Set up with weight on your lead foot and hands ahead of the ball, then rock your shoulders and hit down through it. Chunks come from scooping and hanging back.
What club should a beginner chip with?
Start with one club — a wedge or 9-iron — to groove distance control, landing the ball on the green and letting it roll to the hole. Add more clubs later.