3 Secrets to Amazing Golf Chipping (From Beginner to Pro Level)

Chipping is often called the "great equalizer" in golf. While you might not be able to drive the ball 300 yards, you can absolutely chip like a tour professional with the right technique. In fact, with proper instruction, a complete beginner can be chipping better than half the golfers on any public course within a single lesson.

In this comprehensive guide, I'll share the three fundamental secrets that transform ordinary golfers into exceptional chippers. These aren't complex techniques—they're simple, proven fundamentals that will revolutionize your short game immediately.

Why Chipping Matters More Than You Think

Before diving into the secrets, understand that exceptional chipping transforms your entire game:

• Reduces pressure on approach shots - you're not afraid to miss greens
• Lowers your scores immediately - saves strokes every round
• Builds confidence - knowing you can get up and down from anywhere
• Creates birdie opportunities - aggressive play becomes possible when you trust your short game

The best part? Chipping requires zero athleticism. A 90-year-old can chip as well as a tour professional with proper technique.

Secret #1: Pick the Right Landing Spot (Not the Hole)

The first secret that separates good chippers from poor ones is where they're actually aiming. Most golfers aim at the hole—this is completely wrong.

Think Like You're Tossing Underhand

Imagine you're tossing a ball underhand to the hole. You wouldn't throw it directly at the cup—you'd throw it to a spot where it would land and roll to the target. Chipping works exactly the same way.

The Landing Spot Formula

For most chip shots:

• Identify your landing area on the green (not the hole)
• Visualize the ball bouncing and rolling from that spot to the cup
• Aim your clubface at the landing spot (not the hole)
• Trust that proper contact will produce the right trajectory and roll

Distance-Dependent Landing Spots

• Short chips (10-20 yards): Land the ball about 1/3 of the way to the hole
• Medium chips (20-40 yards): Land the ball roughly halfway to the hole
• Longer chips (40+ yards): Land the ball about 2/3 of the way to the hole

This ratio changes based on green conditions, but this formula provides an excellent starting point.

Secret #2: Stand Much Closer to the Ball

Most golfers set up for chip shots the same way they address a full swing—this is a critical error. Chipping requires a completely different setup.

The Proper Chipping Distance

• Stand only 12-14 inches from your toes to the ball (much closer than full swings)
• Keep your feet close together (nearly touching for short chips)
• Maintain 50/50 weight distribution between both feet
• No weight shifting during the swing

Why This Setup Works

When you stand closer to the ball:

• Better control over the clubhead
• More consistent contact patterns
• Easier to hit down on the ball properly
• Reduced variables in your swing

Common Setup Mistakes to Avoid

• Standing too far from the ball (like a full swing)
• Feet too wide apart (creates unnecessary movement)
• Hands positioned too low (promotes scooping)
• Weight favoring back foot (leads to thin contact)

Secret #3: Master the "Up and Down" Motion

The third secret is understanding the proper swing shape for consistent contact. This is where most golfers fail catastrophically.

The Correct Swing Shape

Think "up and down," not "low and through":

1. Backswing: Club goes UP (not back low and around)
2. Downswing: Club comes DOWN to the ball and grass
3. Impact: Hit the ball first, then take a small divot
4. Follow-through: Minimal—let the grass stop the club

Why "Up and Down" Works

• Ensures proper contact every time
• Creates consistent ball flight and spin
• Prevents thin and fat shots that plague most amateurs
• Builds confidence through repeatable results

The Role of Your Body

Arms and chest do the work—not your wrists:

• Turn your chest slightly back and through
• Keep wrists firm throughout the motion
• Let your arms follow your chest rotation
• No independent wrist action that opens or closes the face

The Practice Progression

Step 1: Perfect Your Setup (Week 1)

• Practice proper distance from the ball
• Work on narrow stance with feet together
• Ensure sole of club sits flat behind the ball
• Check that clubface aims at your landing spot

Step 2: Master Ground Contact (Week 2)

• Take practice swings focusing on brushing grass
• Work on "up and down" swing shape
• Practice without a ball initially
• Add ball only after consistent grass contact

Step 3: Distance Control (Week 3)

• Start with very short chips (5-10 yards)
• Focus on swing speed, not swing size
• Learn your landing spot for different distances
• Practice various trajectories with different clubs

Step 4: Course Application (Week 4)

• Use multiple practice swings before each shot
• Trust your setup and swing fundamentals
• Focus on process, not results
• Build confidence through repetition

Common Chipping Mistakes and Fixes

Mistake #1: Trying to "Help" the Ball Up

Problem: Scooping motion that leads to thin or fat contact Fix: Trust the club's loft and hit down on the ball

Mistake #2: Too Much Wrist Action

Problem: Inconsistent face angle and contact Fix: Keep wrists firm and let body rotation control the swing

Mistake #3: Following Through Too Much

Problem: Difficulty controlling distance Fix: Let the grass stop your club after impact

Mistake #4: Aiming at the Hole

Problem: Improper trajectory and landing spot Fix: Always aim at your calculated landing area

Mistake #5: Taking Too Big a Backswing

Problem: Having to decelerate, leading to poor contact Fix: Smaller backswing with consistent acceleration through

Club Selection for Chipping

Pitching Wedge (Most Versatile)

• Best for: Most chip shots around the green
• Ball flight: Medium trajectory with good roll
• Landing spot: About 1/3 to 1/2 way to hole

Sand Wedge (Higher Trajectory)

• Best for: When you need to clear obstacles
• Ball flight: Higher with less roll
• Landing spot: Closer to hole due to minimal roll

9-Iron (Lower Trajectory)

• Best for: Longer chips with more roll
• Ball flight: Lower with maximum roll
• Landing spot: Earlier on green with extended roll

Mental Approach to Chipping

Pre-Shot Routine

1. Visualize the shot from landing to hole
2. Take 2-3 practice swings focusing on grass contact
3. Feel the right swing speed for your target distance
4. Set up to your landing spot (not the hole)
5. Execute with confidence and trust your preparation

Building Confidence

• Start with short chips (easier to control)
• Practice on tight lies initially (avoid thick rough while learning)
• Focus on process over results during practice
• Celebrate good contact even if distance is off

Course Management with Better Chipping

Once you've mastered these three secrets, your entire approach to golf changes:

Aggressive Iron Play

• Attack pins knowing you can get up and down
• Take more risks on approach shots
• Reduce three-putts by getting closer with chips

Strategic Thinking

• Miss on the correct side of greens for easier chips
• Use chipping to set up easier putts
• Turn bogeys into pars consistently

Practice Recommendations

Daily Practice (10 minutes)

• Perfect your setup position
• Work on grass contact without a ball
• Hit 10-15 chips to the same target

Weekly Session (30-45 minutes)

• Practice from various lies and distances
• Work with different clubs
• Simulate on-course situations

Monthly Assessment

• Track up-and-down percentage
• Identify weaknesses in technique
• Adjust practice focus accordingly

Key Takeaways

1. Aim at landing spots, not the hole - proper trajectory comes from proper targeting
2. Stand much closer to the ball - chipping setup is completely different from full swings
3. Master the "up and down" motion - ensures consistent contact every time
4. Practice the fundamentals religiously - these basics work for all skill levels
5. Trust the process over results - good technique produces good outcomes
6. Start with short chips - build confidence before tackling longer shots
7. Use your body, not your wrists - chest rotation creates consistency

Final Thoughts

Chipping is a skill that anyone can master regardless of age or athletic ability. By focusing on these three fundamental secrets—proper landing spot selection, correct setup distance, and the up-and-down swing motion—you'll see immediate improvement in your short game.

Remember that even tour professionals take multiple practice swings when chipping. They're not just warming up—they're feeling the proper swing speed and ensuring correct ground contact. Make this part of your routine, and you'll be amazed at how quickly your chipping improves.

The beauty of mastering these fundamentals is that they work in any condition, with any club, from any lie. Once you've ingrained these basics, you'll have the confidence to be aggressive throughout your round, knowing that you can get up and down from anywhere around the green.