In the world of golf, there are shots that impress with their power—like drives over 250 meters. But if there’s one shot that can truly change the outcome of a round and separate an average player from a solid one, it’s the chip shot.
Although it’s often overlooked compared to other aspects of the game, the chip is an essential tool in every golfer’s repertoire. In this article, we’ll explain why this short shot deserves a starring role in your training and how mastering it can transform your game.
What is a chip shot?
A chip is a short approach shot usually played from just off the green. The goal is to lift the ball only a few centimeters into the air so it lands softly on the green and rolls toward the hole—almost like an extended putt.
It’s used mainly when there are no major obstacles between the ball and the hole, and when a low, rolling trajectory is desired. Typically, it’s played with short irons (like a pitching wedge or sand wedge), or even a 9- or 8-iron, depending on how much roll you need.
The chip shot is fundamentally a precision shot, not a power shot. While it may seem simple on the surface, it requires tactical depth and can greatly impact your final score.
Why is the chip shot so important?
To understand the importance of chipping, just look at the numbers: over 60% of strokes in a typical round are played on or around the green. Within that percentage, chipping is key to leaving the ball close to the hole and creating clear one- or two-putt opportunities.
Mastering the chip means being able to save par when you miss the green in regulation—or even go up and down for birdie on par 4s or 5s. In other words, a good chip shot reduces your margin of error and significantly improves your consistency on the course.
Professional players like Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and Seve Ballesteros are known for their creativity and skill in the short game. In their hands, the chip was an art form—a way to solve tough situations and consistently leave the ball “gimme” range.
For amateurs and developing players, building a solid chipping technique can make a difference of several strokes per round.
Common Chipping Mistakes
Even though it’s a short shot, the chip can become tricky if certain technical elements aren’t followed. Here are a few common mistakes we often see in our students:
Too much wrist action – Many try to “lift” the ball with their hands, leading to inconsistent contact.
Incorrect weight distribution – Shifting weight backward often causes topped shots or uncontrolled high chips.
Always using the same club – Relying solely on one wedge limits your options and forces unnecessary adjustments in technique.
Ignoring green conditions – A successful chip depends just as much on the slope and speed of the green as it does on your swing. Not reading the terrain is a frequent error.
Basic Tips to Improve Your Chipping
Stance and Setup
Use a narrower stance than your full shots. Keep about 60–70% of your weight on your front leg, and your hands slightly ahead of the ball. This helps produce a clean, descending strike.
Controlled Movement
Use a putting-like motion, with limited wrist action and more shoulder control. The swing should be short and smooth, without sudden acceleration.
Club Selection Matters
Not all chips should be played with the same club. If you have room for the ball to roll, an 8- or 9-iron may offer more control than a sand wedge. If you need more carry, go with a pitching or gap wedge.
Visualize the Landing and Roll
Picture where you want the ball to land and how it will roll to the hole. Flight-to-roll ratios vary by club, but here’s a good guideline:
PW: 1/3 flight, 2/3 roll
8-iron: 1/4 flight, 3/4 roll
SW: 1/2 flight, 1/2 roll
Practice With Purpose
Don’t just chip balls randomly. Simulate real game scenarios: different distances, lies, and clubs. Track your outcomes and adjust.
How We Train the Chip at Our Academy
At Blackiron, we treat chipping as a cornerstone of every golfer’s technical development. It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting or already competing—dedicating time to the short game is a must if you want to improve.
Our chip training sessions focus on:
Strong Technical Foundations
We work on posture, clubhead control, and green reading from the very first lesson.
Variety in Practice
We don’t chip from the same spot over and over. We simulate real conditions: rough, fairway, downhill lies, uphill lies, etc.
Using Different Clubs
We teach our students to chip with everything from a 7-iron to a lob wedge, depending on the situation.
Personalized Feedback
We analyze progress using video and performance metrics, correcting flaws and building on strengths.
The results speak for themselves: many of our students have shaved 3 to 4 strokes off their rounds thanks to a more effective short game.
The Chip Can Become Your Best Ally to Lower Your Scores
If you want to take your game to the next level, it’s not just about hitting longer drives. What truly makes a difference is knowing what to do when you fall short of the green.
A well-executed chip can leave you within a meter of the hole, give you confidence in your putting, and save many pars—or even turn them into birdies.
So now you know: the chip is not a minor shot—it’s a powerful weapon.
Train it. Understand it. Perfect it. And soon, you’ll notice your confidence grow—and more importantly, your scores drop.
At our academy, we work every day with golfers of all levels to help them do just that.
Join a session and start lowering your scores right away.
Contact us to book your class today.
