Better Golf Chipping Skills Will Lower Your Score

One of the best ways to improve your game is to improve your golf chipping skills. The game of golf can be divided into many types of shots. Most golfers want to be able to drive the ball 300 yards, but only a small percentage can actually accomplish that feat. Hitting a long iron onto the green from 200 yards away is not very easy for most amateur golfers. The best way to improve your score and lower your handicap is by working on your short game. Putting is very important and so is learning to hit a wedge from 100 yards out. Often overlooked, but also quite important to your overall game, is the art of chipping.

Golf chipping is a skill that is needed when your shot comes up short of the green. In general, you should be prepared to hit a chip shot anytime you fall 50 yards or less short of the putting surface.

A chip shot can be defined as a shot that features an abbreviated backswing and an equally short follow through. The idea is to get the golf ball a few feet off of the ground and headed toward the hole. The shot involves a lot of feel and control.

Most golf chipping situations require the use of a 7 or 8 iron, but you can actually chip with a number of other clubs as well. For example, if you find yourself 40 yards away from the green in the woods, you might want to make sure you keep the ball low to avoid hitting any branches. In such a situation, choosing a 3 or 4 iron might be the most appropriate play.

Many golfers can not reach long par 3s in one shot or long par 4s in two. The second or third shot is often just a few yards off the green. It might be too far to try to putt the ball, so you must chip.

The proper technique for proficient golf chipping involves everything from the stance and grip to the club selection and the striking of the ball. You should line yourself up so you are aimed at the target. Spread your feet about shoulder width apart. Relax your grip so you have a good feel of the ball when it hits the club face. Pick out a landing point somewhere between the ball and the hole and try to hit that spot. The perfect chip shot will sail a few feet in the air, hit the ground and release in a straight line to the hole.

Learning how to hit a chip shot is just like learning any other shot. The more you practice the closer you'll be able to get the ball to the hole. Mastering the chip shot will definitely shave a few shots off your final score.

By: Jeremy C. Winters

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