Which Golf Club is Best for Chipping?

← Golf Instruction & Improvement | Short Game Mastery

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Quick Answer

• Lob wedges and sand wedges are your go-to clubs for chipping.
• Loft is king for getting the ball up and over trouble.
• Don’t be afraid to mess around and find what feels right for you.

Who This is for

• New golfers trying to get their short game dialed in.
• Anyone looking to shave strokes off their score around the greens.

What Club to Chip With: First Checks

• Wedge Loft: Check the degree of loft on your wedges. Lob wedges usually sit around 60-64 degrees, while sand wedges are typically 54-58 degrees. More loft means the ball will fly higher. [1]
• Bounce Angle: See how much bounce your wedge has. Higher bounce is generally more forgiving, especially in softer conditions, as it helps prevent digging.
• Grip Comfort: Make sure your hands feel good on the grip. A consistent, comfortable grip is crucial for repeatable chip shots.

Step-by-Step Plan for Chipping

Select Your Chipping Club

• Action: Grab a lob wedge or a sand wedge.
• What to look for: You want a club with enough loft to get the ball up and over any fringe or short obstacles. I usually grab my 60-degree lob wedge for most chips.
• Mistake to avoid: Picking a club with too little loft, which will leave you short or force you to try and “scoop” the ball, leading to thin shots.

Ball and Stance Setup

• Action: Position the ball slightly back in your stance.
• What to look for: The ball should be aligned with the middle of your stance or just a hair behind it. This promotes a downward strike.
• Mistake to avoid: Setting up with the ball too far forward. This encourages you to lift the ball instead of hitting down on it.

Grip Down

• Action: Grip down on the club, taking a couple of inches off the end of the grip.
• What to look for: Your hands should feel lower on the shaft. This shortens the club’s effective length and gives you more control.
• Mistake to avoid: Taking a full grip. This often leads to trying to hit too hard and taking too much of a swing.

The Swing

• Action: Make a smooth, controlled swing, focusing on accelerating through the ball.
• What to look for: A pendulum-like motion with your shoulders and arms. The clubhead should be moving forward at impact.
• Mistake to avoid: Decelerating or “hanging back” at impact. This is a recipe for fat or thin shots.

Mastering the Chip Shot: Choosing the Right Golf Club

When you’re deciding what club should I chip with, remember that consistency is key. A lob wedge or sand wedge offers the loft needed to get the ball airborne and rolling out towards the hole. Practicing with these clubs will build confidence and improve your short game significantly. [2]

Common Mistakes

• Using Too Much Loft — Ball goes too high and short, or you try to help it up. — Select a wedge with slightly less loft or adjust your technique to keep the face square.
• Decelerating Through Impact — Fat or thin shots, lack of distance. — Focus on a smooth, accelerating swing tempo all the way through the ball. Think “punch” not “lift.”
• Poor Weight Distribution — Inconsistent contact, chunked or bladed shots. — Ensure your weight stays forward on your lead side throughout the swing.
• Trying to Scoop the Ball — Thin shots that sail over the green. — Trust your loft. Make a downward strike, letting the club do the work.
• Overthinking the Shot — Hesitation and poor execution. — Keep it simple. Pick a club, set up, and make a confident swing.

FAQ

• What is the difference between a chip shot and a pitch shot?

A chip shot is generally a lower shot with more roll, played closer to the green, using less of a swing. A pitch shot is higher, with less roll, and uses a bigger swing, often played from further away or when needing to carry an obstacle. [3]

• How does the bounce of a wedge affect a chip shot?

Bounce helps the club glide through the turf rather than digging in. Higher bounce is more forgiving on softer ground or when you catch the ball slightly behind the equator, preventing chunked shots.

• Should I use my putting grip for chipping?

Some players find success using a putting grip or a slightly modified one for more control, especially for shorter chips. Experiment to see what feels most stable and repeatable for you.

• Can I chip with my pitching wedge?

Yes, you can. A pitching wedge has less loft (typically 45-48 degrees), so the ball will fly lower and roll more. It’s a good option if you want the ball to stay on the ground and roll like a putt. [4]

• How far should my chip shot travel in the air?

Generally, you want the ball to travel about one-third of the total distance to the hole in the air, with the remaining two-thirds being roll. This ratio can change based on the lie, green conditions, and the club you choose. [5]

Sources:

[1] Chipping Technique: Which Golf Club to Choose: https://golfhubz.com/chipping-technique-which-golf-club-to-choose/

[2] Choosing the Right Club for Effective Golf Chipping: https://golfhubz.com/choosing-the-right-club-for-effective-golf-chipping/

[3] Best Clubs for Chipping: Improving Your Short Game: https://golfhubz.com/best-clubs-for-chipping-improving-your-short-game/

[4] Chipping in Golf: Selecting the Right Club: https://golfhubz.com/chipping-in-golf-selecting-the-right-club/

[5] Mastering the Chip Shot: Choosing the Right Golf Club: https://golfhubz.com/mastering-the-chip-shot-choosing-the-right-golf-club/