Chip Putt
The chip putt is a short approach shot around the green in which the ball, after a short flight, rolls across the green like a putt.
The chip putt combines two worlds of the short game: the minimal swing of a putt and the slight lift of a chip. You play it from the apron or from short grass directly at the edge of the green when no obstacle is in the way. The ball should only go briefly into the air, land on the green and then roll out towards the flag. Technically the swing stays short and calm, almost like a long putt with an upright grip end. Many golfers use a wedge or a short iron with little loft.
In practice, the chip putt is the safest option at the edge of the green. An example: your ball lies one meter in front of the green in the short grass, the flag stands twelve meters further back. Instead of a high pitch you choose the wedge, letting the ball fly two meters and roll ten. The advantage over the high shot: little can go wrong because the ball rolls in a controlled way across most of the distance. This style of play is the core of the Texas wedge, that is, putting from short distance off the green.
Typical mistake is too much swing. Anyone who plays the chip putt like a normal chip with the wrists loses control over the roll distance. Keep the hands quiet and let the shoulders work as when putting. Second misconception: the chip putt is not an expert trick but the first approach shot beginners should learn. Practice it on the chipping green with three ball positions and a firm target, and on the round you will have a standard shot that opens up many up and down chances.
FAQ
When is the chip putt the right choice at the edge of the green?
Whenever your ball lies in the short grass directly in front of the green and no obstacle is in the way. The ball flies only a short stretch, lands on the green and rolls towards the flag — the safest option because almost nothing can go wrong. From the apron you play the same idea as a pure putt, the Texas wedge.
Which club do I play a chip putt with?
Most golfers use a wedge or a short iron with little loft, for example an 8 or 9 iron. What matters is that the ball only lifts minimally and rolls most of the distance. You hold the grip as when putting, and the swing stays short and calm like a long putt with the putter.
What is the most common mistake with the chip putt?
Too much swing: anyone who activates the wrists as with a normal chip loses control over the roll distance. Keep the hands quiet and let the shoulders make the movement, exactly as when putting. That keeps the tempo predictable and the ball rolls predictably towards the flag.