Keys to Becoming a Better Chipper

To become a better chipper you must consistently make solid contact with the golf ball.

First, when getting your stance for a chip shot, use a narrow stance that is slightly open. For the right handed golfer an open stance is turning the feet and hips a little to the left. This will allow you to freely swing the golf club down the target line without the left leg and hips interfering with the handle of the club.

When choosing a club to use for the chip shot, use the club that has just enough loft to get the ball on the green and rolling as soon as possible. A good rule to keep in mind for chipping is: You want the ball in the air 1/3 of the way and rolling on the green the final 2/3 of the distance to the hole.

Now set up to hit the chip shot, again with a narrow stance, play the ball closer to the right foot. This should naturally put your hands in front of the ball and promote a swing that should make contact with the ball first then with the ground. Also, keep the majority of your weight on your front leg to assist in striking down at the ball. Another tip for chipping: grip down all the way to the bottom of the grip to shorten up the club as much as possible, a shorter club is easier to control.

Finally, the most important factor is using very little wrists in the swing. Instead, keep the arms connected to the chest and rotate the body rather than jabbing at the ball with your hands. Keep the wrists still.

If you give these tips a try, and practice occasionally, you will find that it is rather easy to gain confidence in your short game. The shots that are taken on and around the green are where you can make the biggest improvements in your scores.