How To Play Basic Golf Chip Shots

When it comes to golf chip shots, you can vary your technique or shot of choice depending on your lie and how far away you are from the hole.

Golf Chip Shots

The Bump And Run

The bump and run chip shot is played when there is a lot of green to get the ball rolling on in between you and the hole. It's good to land the golf ball onto the green quickly and allow for it to roll the rest of the way. Your chip shots will be more accurate when you get the ball rolling on the ground more quickly as opposed to trying to fly the ball all the way to the hole.

The setup with bump and run golf chip shots requires a few adjustments that are helpful for hitting down on the golf ball and getting it rolling more quickly. Make sure you have about 70% of your weight on your left or front foot in your setup. You'll want to play the golf ball all the way off of your right or back heel. The hands should sit forward a little bit so this de-lofts the clubface. Setting up to the ball this way will promote hitting down on the golf ball. The loft of the clubhead makes the ball go up in the air so there is no need to try and help, lift, or scoop the golf ball.

Let your hands, arms, and shoulders work together as one unit. A basic chip shot is similar to the putting stroke in the way that you want your lower body to be fairly stable and the shoulders, arms, and hands work together to swing the golf club. You'll generally want to swing the club back and through approximately the same length. Deceleration on the follow through with chip shots can be a problem for some amatuer golfers. So try to get your followthrough matching your backswing and you'll be able to accelerate through the golf ball and your shot more easily.

The Flop Shot Can Be Used When You Have To Land The Ball Close To The Hole

When you are close to the green and have to stop the ball quickly, you can try using a flop shot or variation of it. Simply open your club face and aim to hit an inch or two behind the golf ball. The flop shot is similar to a bunker shot. You can open your stance and try and cut the golf ball with a slight out to in swing path. This will put spin on the ball and allow it to stop more quickly. You'll play the golf ball either in the middle or towards the front of your stance. This will make the ball get up in the air even more quickly.

Since you are opening the face with a flop shot and hitting slightly behind the ball, it's okay to take a little longer swing. You're simply trying to pop the ball out of the rough and onto the green without intending for it to roll very far. For a flop shot, you should still try to match the length of your backswing with the length of your follow through.