A long time ago, Arnold Palmer recommended to Jack Nicklaus that he putt from off the green rather than chip because a poor putt ends up closer to the hole than a poor chip.
Conversely, some experts say if you want a better chance to hole out, a chip is better than a putt.
Wherever you stand, the ability to chip is advantageous. Not only can chipping save you shots around the green, but improving your chipping technique can serve as a building block stroke for your full swing.
All shots should start with a good grip. Chipping is no different. Hinging your wrists at a 45-degree angle from set up – meaning not straight up-and-down and not side-to-side but somewhere between the two – will give you a good sense of the movement of the forearm and wrist action during the stroke.
Now drive the motion from the feet, moving forward-to-back then forward again as you swing your arms and club. Keep in mind that the clubhead moves in the direction of the target for only an instant while traveling on a curved path. The hips are a big help in the curving action while your hands stay out in front. Hold your finish and check that the golf club points back at your lead hip.
Having the technique, take a few practice swings to get a feel for the lie, sensing how the club moves through the turf. Use your imagination to determine the ratio of carry and roll. Though you can choose to always chip with the same club, experimenting with a variety of clubs gives you options to play the shot the situation calls for.
Whenever possible, land the ball onto the green and picture the golf ball rolling to the hole. Landing the ball on the green eliminates irregularities of the first bounce and you’re better able to predict the amount of roll out. So, for a hole close to the front of the green where you want more carry and minimal roll, choose a more lofted club and for a hole toward the back of the green use a less lofted club that will carry onto the front of the green and roll the rest of the way.
Whenever possible, land the ball onto the green and picture the golf ball rolling to the hole. Landing the ball on the green eliminates irregularities of the first bounce and you’re better able to predict the amount of roll out. So, for a hole close to the front of the green where you want more carry and minimal roll, choose a more lofted club and for a hole toward the back of the green use a less lofted club that will carry onto the front of the green and roll the rest of the way.
Learning to chip will add creativity to your short game and in the process, you might improve your full swing, too!
Joe Rocha is the PGA Professional at Golf Country in Middleton. He is the New England PGA’s Teacher of the Year for 2025. Joe can be reached at jrochapga@gmail.com.
