By Brian Hwang, Teaching Professional
Many amateurs dread the thin chip, devoid of touch or control, that shoots off the green.
The main reason people hit these shots is an improper attack angle created when golfers try to flip the wedge with their wrists and help the ball get up instead of letting the club do the work. According to TrackMan, most chip shots should have an average of -6 degrees of attack angle. This means the club comes in on a descending angle and traps the ball at impact instead of hitting the ball first with the leading edge of the club.
Understanding the proper setup and swing on your chips can make a world of difference. Work on these steps and study the sequence below, and you’ll be knocking them close in no time.
- Set up close to the ball and get your stance narrow at address
- Take your grip in the middle of the grip for more control
- Position the ball off your right toe (left for lefty)
- Feel an early hinge on your backswing
- Let gravity transition the downswing
- Keep the shaft angle a little ahead at impact for great contact and control
- Make sure to keep your hands low and quiet
- For consistent feel, keep your club and chest facing the target until the ball stops
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