Improve Your Chip Shots with These Top 5 Pro-Tips
Say Goodbye to Flubbed Chips
A chip shot can turn a potential bogey into a par-saving miracle or, well, the one that can leave you groaning in frustration when it doesn’t quite make it onto the green.
Whether you’re a casual weekend golfer or a seasoned player, chip shots are crucial for lowering your score. They can make all the difference when you’re looking to save strokes around the green. The good news? You can improve your chipping game with just a few key adjustments and some practice.
In this golfer’s guide, I’ll walk you through five pro-tips that will help you master your chip shots. From the right equipment to mastering your technique, these tips will have you chipping like a pro in no time.
Get ready to save more pars.
Topics Covered in This Guide
1. Set Up with Proper Alignment
First things first—alignment. If you’re not aligned correctly, no amount of fancy technique is going to save your chip shots. A common mistake among golfers is positioning the body and club in ways that make it harder to strike the ball cleanly.
The Fix
Start with your feet, hips, and shoulders aligned parallel to your target line. Your ball should be positioned toward the back of your stance (closer to your trail foot), which will help you make a downward strike. This ensures that you’ll hit the ball before the ground and get that crisp, clean contact every time.
Pro Tip: Imagine you’re standing on a tightrope. You want everything to be balanced and aligned for a smooth, controlled shot.
2. Focus on a Smooth, Controlled Swing
Here’s the deal: chipping isn’t about power. It’s about finesse, control, and consistency. Swinging hard in an effort to “muscle” the ball is a surefire way to send it flying too far or mishit it completely.
The Fix
Focus on a controlled swing with a smooth tempo. Your arms and body should work together to make a fluid motion, almost like a pendulum. The key is a short, controlled backswing, followed by a steady follow-through. A smooth swing reduces the chance of poor contact, and it gives you better control over distance.
Pro Tip: Practice chipping with a relaxed swing. Try hitting a few chips with your eyes closed just to get the feel of the motion. This will help build muscle memory and ease up any tension.
3. Use a Utility Wedge for More Versatility
Let’s face it, there are times when you’re faced with an awkward lie, thick grass, or a tricky bunker edge. This is where the right club can make all the difference. A utility wedge (also known as a gap wedge) is a fantastic option for improving your chip shots.
Why It Works
The utility wedge offers a perfect balance of loft and versatility, which allows for higher, softer chips that stop quickly on the green. If you’re tired of hitting those low, rolling chip shots that always end up five feet past the hole, a utility wedge will give you the control you need.
The Fix
Consider upgrading to the P3 Pharaoh Wedge, a utility wedge that’s designed with the perfect chipping technique built into it. This wedge features a higher loft and a balanced sole that glides smoothly through thick grass or rough patches, so you can make better contact and execute a variety of shots with ease.
The Pharaoh Wedge helps reduce the likelihood of chunked or thin chips and gives you greater control over distance and trajectory.
If you want a game-changing wedge that can handle different lies and improve your chipping game, the P3 Pharaoh Wedge is a must-have addition to your bag.
P3 Pharaoh Wedge
★★★★★ (450+)
Experience the Swiss Army Knife for your short game with the perfect chipping technique built right in
Pro Tip: Practice with your utility wedge from different lies. Whether you’re in the rough, fringe, or tight lies, get comfortable with the club's versatility and watch your short game improve dramatically.
4. Keep the Ball Low When Necessary
There are times when a high chip shot just isn’t going to work—especially when there’s a bunker, a tree, or other hazards in your way. In these cases, you need to keep the ball low and running towards the hole.
The Fix
To hit a lower chip, use a club with less loft, like a 7-iron or 8-iron. Position the ball slightly farther back in your stance and lean a little more weight onto your front foot. Focus on keeping the follow-through compact and controlled to ensure the ball stays low and rolls more.
Pro Tip: Try hitting a few low chips with a 7-iron during practice. Visualize the shot as you would on the course—this will help you control the trajectory and distance when you need it most.
5. Work on Your Distance Control
The ability to control the distance of your chip shots is what separates the amateurs from the pros. You can hit a perfect chip, but if it rolls past the hole by ten feet, it’s all for naught. To save more pars, you’ve got to master distance control.
The Fix
Practice chipping from varying distances and focus on the feel of the swing. The key to great distance control is to adjust the length of your backswing according to the shot you want to hit. A short backswing will get you a shorter shot, while a longer backswing will give you more distance.
Pro Tip: Try a drill where you chip from different distances, aiming for specific targets (such as a towel or marker) on the green. This will help you develop a better feel for the distance and improve your accuracy.
Chip Like a Champ
Improving your chip shots doesn’t have to be a complicated process. These five pro-tips will not only boost your confidence around the green but also help you save more pars and avoid those dreaded three-putts.
And if you’re looking to meaningfully improve your chipping game without minimal effort, make sure to check out the P3 Pharaoh Wedge . It’s got the perfect combination of loft, design, and versatility that every golfer needs in their bag. With the Pharaoh Wedge in your hands, you’ll be nailing those tricky chip shots like a pro.
To better golf,
Matt Stephens
Founder & Inventor, Pyramid Golf
P3 Pharaoh Wedge
★★★★★ (450+)
Experience the Swiss Army Knife for your short game with the perfect chipping technique built right in