Why Consistency Around the Greens Matters
If you want to lower your scores quickly, your short game is the fastest place to do it.
You don’t need perfect shots, you just need predictable contact, simple technique, and confidence under pressure.
The Biggest Problem Most Golfers Have
Most golfers struggle with blading chips, chunking chips, and inconsistent distance. Not because of ability, but because of too many moving parts. Good chipping is simple.
The Goal of Good Chipping
Before we get into technique, understand this. You’re not trying to hit the perfect shot, you’re trying to get reliable contact and predictable roll.
A Simple Chipping Setup That Works
Start here, this alone will fix a lot.
Ball position: slightly back of centre.
Weight: favour your front foot, slightly.
Hands: just ahead of the ball.
That setup helps you strike the ball cleanly without having to manufacture anything.
The Motion: Keep It Simple
Forget complicated swing thoughts. Think of a small, controlled motion with minimal movement. Rock your shoulders, keep your body quiet, and let the club swing naturally.
The One Feel That Makes a Difference
If you take one thing from this, make it brushing the grass after the ball. That single feel helps prevent chunking, prevent blading, and improve strike consistency.
Control Your Low Point
Consistent chipping comes down to where your club hits the ground. Too early and you chunk it, too late and you blade it. Get this right and everything improves.
Choosing the Right Shot
You don’t always need to chip. If you can putt it, putt it. We break that down in our guide on whether to chip or putt from off the green.
Fixing Common Mistakes
If you’re struggling, it’s usually one of two things. If you’re thinning it across the green, read why you keep blading chip shots. If you’re hitting the ground first, read why you keep chunking chip shots. It’s also worth knowing the three biggest chipping mistakes I see week to week.
A Simple Practice Method
Don’t overcomplicate practice. Pick one club, hit 10 to 15 chips, and focus only on contact. Ignore the result and watch the strike. Build consistency first, then start controlling distance.
Confidence Comes From Simplicity
The more simple your technique, the more repeatable it becomes and the more confident you feel. That’s when your short game improves quickly.
Want to Improve Faster?
If you want to fast-track this, a properly fitted set of wedges makes a real difference, and a short game session through our golf lessons and coaching can change things in a short space of time. If the bounce on your current wedges is fighting the turf you play, that is something we can look at in a club fitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What club should I use for chipping?
Start with a wedge, but you can also use irons depending on the shot.
Why am I inconsistent with my chipping?
Usually too much movement and poor low point control.
Should I be hitting down on chip shots?
Slightly, but don’t force it. Good setup creates this naturally.
Final Thoughts
Consistent chipping isn’t complicated. It comes down to a simple setup, a controlled motion, and a consistent strike. Keep it simple, trust the process, and your short game will improve.
Happy golfing,
Scott
