Golf technique: chipping
What exactly is chipping?
Chipping
When your long tees are just not precise enough, you will occasionally hit the ball off the green. It is important that you master these short strokes (chips) in order to save your scores. Chipping is generally done over a maximum distance of +- 20 meters. When you get your chips under control you can make sure that you have not two, but one putt left. Good chipping can help you make more PARs!
Chipping for beginners
Chipping is largely a feeling. It is therefore important that you maintain a good set-up to create a stable base. When your starting position is constant, you can practice your chip tricks from this point. It is important that you practice a lot of chip strokes to get the right length of your swing. With a constant swing length, you achieve a feeling for the right distance on the green.
Chipping for pros
A good balance and stable position before chipping is important. Make sure that about 60% of your weight is on your left leg. In addition, hang lightly in your thighs. This allows you to relax your shoulders as much as possible. Tension always causes a forced shot and poor ball contact. In addition, make sure that your feet are parallel, the golf ball should be exactly in the middle.
Make sure the pressure in your grip is about the same in both hands. Phil Mickelson says that the grip pressure when chipping may be slightly higher than when performing a ‘normal golf swing’. Then, as with any golf swing, the hands are in front of the inside of your front thigh. When all positions are correct, you will notice that you can make a gentle pendulum movement with your shoulders. This mini golf swing will make sure you hit the ball right!
Why would you chip?
Pictures say more than words. Below you can find a series of “chip instruction videos” by the brothers Wouter & Floris de Vries. The brothers tell you everything about chipping: the set-up, the ball contact, varying in height and how you get a lot of backspin. Watch the first part of four better chipping videos.
You get control over the club face and good ball contact by turning from the body because the hands are much harder to control.
