How to Chip a Golf Ball
With all the frustrating roughs and traps a ball can go to, the phrase “the gentleman’s game” sticks to golf because of the discipline and skill required to play it. Even the most skilled and talented golfers will find themselves struggling with the rough or figuring out a way to get the ball out of a bunker. Here are some tips to help you chip a golf ball.
Chipping Situations
Chipping is a fundamental skill in golf. Not all shots will land on the fairway or the green. Sometimes a ball may land in the rough or in a sand trap, and the golfer has to chip the ball in such a way that the ball will land square on the green with one stroke. A crisp, flawless chip can take the ball out of the rough or the bunker with the fewest number of strokes, which is the goal of golf.
Choosing the Right Club
While you can chip with any club you have on your golf bag, there are two important sets of clubs that you should be use for chipping:
Iron. The iron is specifically designed to go under the rough. Irons give your ball high elevation at the expense of distance, which is the goal of chipping.
Wedge. For bunkers, a golfer needs a way to lift the ball out of the sand trap and into the green. The sloping design of the wedge cuts through the sand, and eases the ball out of the bunker and into the green.
Steps
To chip the ball out of the trap or the rough and into the green, follow these steps:
Choose the appropriate club for the chipping task. You may want to consult your caddy for suggestions.
Assume the standard stance and grip you have on the club.
If you’re on a slope in the bunker or an uneven part of the rough, make sure you’re completely stable.
Address the ball, and set your sights to a particular spot in the green. If you think you can pull it off, set your sights on the hole.
Take a small backswing out to give your club momentum. Use your entire body, but do not make a full backswing unless absolutely necessary.
Chip the ball out of the hazard, and follow through.
Every golfer wants to play the perfect game of golf, but hazards, roughs, and bunkers form interesting and exciting challenges on the course. With these tips, you can improve your short game, and have a more challenging experience with the gentleman’s game.