How to Chip Like Scottie Scheffler
Master Your Short Game: Learn Scotty Scheffler's Old School Chipping Method
Are you tired of inconsistent chip shots around the green? Scotty Scheffler's time-tested chipping technique could be the game-changer you've been searching for. The world's number one golfer uses an old school method that's both simple and incredibly effective.
Why Scotty Scheffler's Chipping Method Works
Scotty Scheffler isn't just an exceptional ball striker and driver – he's arguably the best chipper and pitcher on the professional tour right now. His success comes from mastering a fundamental technique that amateur golfers can easily learn and implement.
The beauty of this old school chipping method lies in its consistency. While many modern instructors have moved away from teaching this technique, it remains one of the most reliable ways to improve your short game quickly.
The Setup: Foundation of Great Chipping
Club Selection
- 60-degree wedge (preferred)
- 58-degree wedge (excellent alternative)
- 56-degree wedge (also effective)
Ball Position and Stance
The key to Scheffler's method starts with proper setup:
Ball Position: Place the ball back by your back foot, creating a steep angle of attack that ensures clean contact every time.
Hand Position: Position your hands forward by your front leg. This forward press is crucial for maintaining the proper angle throughout your swing.
Weight Distribution: Keep your weight forward throughout the entire motion. This prevents the common mistake of hanging back and skulling or chunking the shot.
The Critical Angle: Your Secret Weapon
The most important aspect of this technique is creating and maintaining the angle in the back of your right hand (for right-handed golfers).
Proper Grip Technique
Hold the club in your fingers, not your palm. This finger grip allows you to create the necessary angle in the back of your hand. A palm grip will flatten this angle and reduce your control.
Maintaining the Angle
Keep your shoulders level throughout the swing and hold onto that angle from setup to finish. This consistency is what separates great chippers from struggling golfers.
The Swing: Simple Yet Effective
Once you've established the proper setup and angle, the swing becomes remarkably simple:
- Keep your weight forward throughout the entire motion
- Maintain level shoulders - no dipping or lifting
- Hold that hand angle from start to finish
- Control distance with arm swing speed - not wrist action
The beauty of this method is its simplicity. You're not trying to manipulate the clubface or create complex movements. Just maintain your angles and let the loft of the club do the work.
Distance Control Made Easy
Distance control becomes intuitive once you master the fundamentals. Simply vary the length and speed of your arm swing while maintaining all your setup positions and angles.
- Short chips: Shorter, slower arm swing
- Longer chips: Longer, more aggressive arm swing
- Consistent technique: Same setup and angle maintenance regardless of distance
Why Many Instructors Avoid Teaching This Method
Many modern golf instructors have moved away from this technique because maintaining the hand angle can be challenging for beginners. However, with proper practice and feel, this becomes second nature.
The key is persistence. Focus on feeling what it's like to maintain that angle throughout your swing. Once you develop this feel, your chipping will become remarkably consistent.
Practice Tips for Mastering the Technique
Developing the Feel
- Start with slow-motion swings to feel the angle maintenance
- Practice without a ball first to groove the motion
- Use alignment sticks to ensure proper ball and hand position
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't release the angle early - this leads to chunked shots
- Avoid shifting weight backward during the swing
- Don't grip the club in your palms - fingers only
The Results You Can Expect
When executed properly, this chipping method produces:
- Consistent ball-first contact
- Predictable ball flight and spin
- Improved distance control
- More up-and-downs around the green
- Lower scores and increased confidence
Transform Your Short Game Today
Scotty Scheffler's old school chipping method isn't just for tour professionals. Any golfer can master this technique with proper practice and understanding of the fundamentals.
Start by focusing on your setup position, grip, and that crucial hand angle. Practice maintaining these positions through slow-motion swings before progressing to full shots.
Your short game transformation begins with mastering these fundamentals. Once you develop the feel for maintaining that angle throughout your swing, you'll wonder why you ever struggled with chipping.
Remember, consistency comes from simplicity. This time-tested method has helped countless golfers improve their short games, and it can do the same for you.