Golf Chipping Drills & Tips

As a golf instructor specializing in short game improvement, I’ve seen how mastering the art of chipping can dramatically lower your scores. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you develop a reliable chipping technique through proven drills and expert tips.

Understanding the Fundamentals of Chipping

Proper Setup Position

• Stand closer to the ball than in full shots
• Feet positioned about 6-8 inches apart
• Ball position slightly back of center
• Weight favoring the lead foot (60-70%)
• Hands pressed slightly forward
• Club shaft leaning toward the target

The Basic Motion

Think of chipping as a pendulum movement controlled by your shoulders. The wrists should remain relatively quiet, and the lower body stays stable throughout the motion.

Essential Chipping Drills

1. The Landing Spot Drill

Purpose: Improve distance control and target awareness

Setup:

1. Place three golf balls in a line
2. Put a small coin or tee as your landing spot
3. Pick different targets varying in distance

Execution:

• Focus on landing each ball on your chosen spot
• Observe how the ball rolls out
• Adjust your club selection based on the desired roll-out
• Practice with different clubs to understand their roll-to-carry ratios

2. Clock Face Drill

Purpose: Develop consistent contact and rhythm

Setup:

• Imagine your chipping motion as a clock face
• Your finish position is 3 o’clock
• Your starting position is 9 o’clock

Execution:

• Make chips keeping your swing length consistent
• Focus on hitting through the ball, not at it
• Practice 25 chips maintaining the same rhythm
• Gradually adjust the length for different distances

3. The Towel Drill

Purpose: Eliminate fat and thin contact

Setup:

1. Place a small towel one inch behind your ball
2. Take your normal chipping stance
3. Practice hitting chips without touching the towel

Execution:

• Focus on hitting the ball first
• Keep your weight forward throughout
• Make sure your hands lead the clubhead
• If you hit the towel, you’re hitting behind the ball

Advanced Chipping Techniques

Varying Trajectory Control

Low Shot:

• Ball back in stance
• Hands well forward
• Lower lofted club
• Abbreviated follow-through

High Shot:

• Ball forward in stance
• More lofted club
• Allow for more wrist hinge
• Fuller follow-through

Club Selection Strategy

Learn these basic roll-out ratios:

• Sand Wedge: 20% carry, 80% roll
• Gap Wedge: 30% carry, 70% roll
• Pitching Wedge: 40% carry, 60% roll
• 9-Iron: 50% carry, 50% roll

Common Mistakes and Solutions

Mistake 1: Flipping the Hands

Solution:

• Maintain forward shaft lean
• Feel hands leading through impact
• Practice with alignment rod through forearms

Mistake 2: Excessive Body Movement

Solution:

• Keep lower body quiet
• Rock shoulders only
• Practice with feet together

Mistake 3: Deceleration

Solution:

• Make longer backswing, shorter follow-through
• Focus on rhythm rather than power
• Practice acceleration drills

Practice Games for Improvement

1. Up-and-Down Challenge

• Place 5 balls in different positions around green
• Keep score of successful up-and-downs
• Set personal goals and track improvement
• Challenge yourself to beat previous scores

2. Three-Ball Challenge

Setup:

• Choose three different clubs
• Pick one target
• Hit one ball with each club

Scoring:

• Award points based on proximity to hole
• Track which club performs best from different lies
• Learn versatility in club selection

Building a Practice Routine

15-Minute Practice Session:

1. 5 minutes – basic technique practice
2. 5 minutes – distance control drills
3. 5 minutes – up-and-down challenges

Focus Areas by Skill Level

Beginners:

• Consistent contact
• Basic distance control
• Simple straight-line chips

Intermediate:

• Varying trajectories
• Different lies
• Multiple club selections

Advanced:

• Specialized shots
• Pressure situation practice
• Creative shot-making

Course Management Tips

1. Always favor the high side of the hole
2. Consider uphill vs. downhill chips
3. Account for grain and green speed
4. Choose the safest landing area
5. When in doubt, take more club and swing easier

Mental Game Approach

1. Develop a consistent pre-shot routine
2. Visualize the ball’s entire journey
3. Focus on landing spot, not the flag
4. Stay committed to your chosen shot
5. Accept that perfect contact isn’t always necessary

Final Thoughts

Remember that improving your chipping takes patience and dedicated practice. Focus on mastering the fundamentals before moving to advanced techniques. Regular practice with these drills will help you develop touch, feel, and consistency around the greens.

Track your progress by keeping statistics on:

• Up-and-down percentage
• Average proximity to hole
• Success rate from different lies
• Left/right miss tendency

Consider videoing your practice sessions to ensure you’re maintaining proper form and technique. Most importantly, stay patient and celebrate small improvements along the way.