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Introduction to Chipping

The Three Basic Chip Shots

When you are out playing on the course, you will encounter many different lies and circumstances around the green. Instead of trying to use a different technique each time, you need to master three basic chip shots and then adapt them to suit each situation.

I will take you through the three techniques and then you can practise them in the Games section.

Chip_no1

Chip No. 1

There will be situations where your ball is lying on the fringe or fairway but where you cannot putt the ball.

The technique is to use your putting stroke but with an iron instead of a putter.

The result will be that the ball pops onto the green and then runs out like a putt.

This is a simple technique to use and is very effective when you are close to the flag.

You can use a 5 iron to sand wedge depending on how far the ball has to run. However, you need a good lie and must be close to the green with no obstacles between you and the hole.
Chip_no2

Chip No. 2

Suppose you are close to the green, but 30 yards (27 m) away from the flag with no obstacles between you and the hole.

You are too far away to use a putting stroke so you will use a technique that gives a low trajectory in flight and which allows the ball to run along the green long distances.

This will allow you huge versatility around the green but club selection is very important.

Learning the technique is simple, but learning the feel for distance demands practice.

You will use Chip No. 2 in most situations where there are no obstacles between you and the hole.
Chip_no3

Chip No. 3 or Pitch

Whenever you have an obstacle between you and the hole, or are in the rough, or need the ball to stop quickly, you will need to use Chip No. 3.

I will show you how to use your sand wedge to hit a variety of high flying and quick stopping shots that can help you get out of the most difficult of situations.

This shot requires very good technique, so you should consider Chip No. 3 as your last option.

However, if you take the time to go through the instructions you will be getting up and down with the best short game players in the world!