Chip
The chip is the short approach shot with little flight and plenty of roll.
The chip is the small shot from close to the green: a short flight, then you let the ball roll out like a long putt. It is played from the apron or short grass with an iron or a wedge. The rule behind it is simple: as little air time as necessary, as much roll as possible. A rolling ball is more predictable than a flying one. That is why the chip is the first short-game shot beginners should learn.
The technique is compact: a narrow stance, hands ahead of the ball, a short swing without wrists. The club choice controls the roll behavior. An example: your ball lies three meters short of the green, the flag ten meters beyond it. With the pitching wedge the ball carries three meters and rolls seven. With the 8 iron it carries two and rolls eleven. You choose according to the ratio of flight to roll. This calculation becomes automatic with practice.
A typical mistake is trying to lift the ball instead of swinging through. The result is tops or fat shots in the grass. Trust the loft of the club — it gets the ball up, you do not need to help. If you master the chip, you have laid the foundation for up and down. That saves several strokes per round.
FAQ
When do I play a chip instead of a pitch?
Whenever no hazard lies between your ball and the flag and there is enough green for the ball to roll out. The chip flies only briefly and rolls the rest like a long putt, while the pitch is carried high over bunkers or tall grass. Rule of thumb: as little air time as necessary, as much roll as possible.
Which club do I take for a chip?
That depends on the ratio of flight to roll. If the flag is far away, an 8 or 9 iron rolls the ball more safely to the target than a wedge; with little room behind the edge of the green, a wedge that stops earlier is the better pick. Practice both variants and the choice on the course becomes automatic.
Why do I keep topping my chips?
The most common reason is trying to actively lift the ball instead of swinging through. The hand position tilts, and you strike the ball at its upper edge or dig into the grass. Trust the loft of the club — it gets the ball into the air by itself, you do not need to help.