Every golfer needs one shot they can always rely on around the greens, and the basic chip is the perfect solution.
Better players might reach for high-lofted wedges or try flop shots that land soft, but for golfers at every level, the simple, repeatable chip is what keeps scores from blowing up. It’s the shot that gets the ball onto the green, rolling toward the hole with control and confidence.
Whether you’re a beginner learning the short game or an experienced player trying to save more pars, learning how to chip properly gives you a dependable foundation for everything around the greens.
What Is a Chip Shot (and When Should You Use It)?
A chip shot is a short, low-trajectory shot played from just off the green. It’s typically played from a few feet to 30 yards away. The goal is to get the ball on the putting surface quickly and let it roll toward the hole like a putt.
You’ll use a chip shot when:
- You’re close enough that a full swing isn’t necessary.
- You have room for the ball to land and roll.
- You want a predictable shot that minimizes risk.
The chip is a controlled, compact motion, but it can be played with a variety of golf clubs, from a sand wedge to an 8-iron.
Step-by-Step: How to Hit a Basic Chip Shot
Let’s walk through every part of the shot so you can build a technique that holds up under pressure.
1. Club Selection
When it comes to chipping you have a few options for the best club to use. A higher lofted club will roll less than a lower lofted club.
- More roll (lower flight): Use a lower-lofted club like an 8- or 9-iron.
- More carry (higher flight): Use a wedge (PW, GW, or SW).
A great starting point is to use your pitching wedge for most chips. As your confidence grows, you can experiment with other clubs for different lies and distances.
2. Ball Position
Place the ball slightly back of center, closer to your trail foot.
This promotes ball-first contact with a downward strike. If the ball creeps too far back, you’ll dig into the turf; too far forward, and you’ll likely hit it thin.
A good checkpoint is that you should feel like your hands are just ahead of the ball at address.
3. Feet Placement and Weight Distribution
Set your feet close together, roughly a clubhead’s width apart, and lean about 60–70% of your weight onto your lead foot.
This stable setup helps you control the low point of your swing and encourages crisp contact. Don’t sway or shift during the motion. The best chip swings stay quiet and centered. Remember that this is supposed to be a simple shot.
4. Hand Position and Alignment
Keep your hands slightly ahead of the ball and the shaft leaning forward. This keeps the loft consistent and prevents wrist flipping at impact.
Your stance should be square or slightly open, and your shoulders aligned parallel to your target line.
5. The Swing Motion
Think of the swing as a mini putting stroke.
- Use your shoulders and chest to move the club, not your hands. You can have that same pendulum concept you do when putting.
- Keep your wrists firm, but not locked.
- Maintain a smooth tempo — a one-two rhythm going back and through.
The motion should feel compact, controlled, and unhurried. You’re not “hitting” the ball you’re brushing it cleanly off the turf.
6. Controlling Distance
Distance control in chipping comes from swing length. You won’t want to adjust the speed of the chipping swing as that is difficult to replicate. The rhythm stays constant, you just make a longer or shorter backswing to change distance.
A simple drill:
- Hit 10 chips with the same club.
- Keep the tempo identical.
- Adjust only your backswing length.
You’ll quickly build a feel for how far each motion sends the ball.
7. Finishing the Swing
Hold your finish briefly to check balance and body control.
Your club should stay low and point toward the target, not flipping upward.
If you can finish in a balanced position every time, you’ll make cleaner contact and develop more consistency around the greens.
Chipping Scenarios: When to Use (and When Not To)
Here’s a quick guide to help you pick the right club and approach based on your lie. Most of these situations are perfect for a standard chip. Note the final row, where the chip isn’t the best choice. This is often the case when you need a lot of loft or spin to carry an obstacle.
| Lie / Situation | Best Club Choice | Notes for This Shot |
|---|---|---|
| Tight fairway lie | 8-iron or 9-iron | Perfect for a low, running chip that lands early and releases toward the hole. |
| Short rough or fringe | PW or GW | Slightly higher flight with controlled rollout; keep hands forward and weight left. |
| Uphill lie | PW | Smooth tempo and land the ball a few feet onto the green — it will release less up the slope. |
| Downhill lie | SW | Shorter swing with firm wrists; land the ball just on the green and allow for extra rollout. |
| Into the grain or soft turf | GW | Keep the motion shallow and let the bounce work to prevent digging. |
| Thick rough with little green to work with | LW or SW | Not ideal for a standard chip. The grass grabs the club and limits rollout. Use a higher-lofted pitch or flop instead. |
A solid chip shot might not grab attention like a long drive or a flop shot, but it’s the true difference-maker in lowering scores. If you can get your chips close and get up and down, it will save strokes.
Most amateur golfers overcomplicate their chip shots, using their their wrists and body more than necessary. The simpler you can keep the chip shot the easier it will be to repeat and benefit from on the course.
