Over the years I’ve played a lot of golf with players of all levels.
Between Pro-Ams, club competitions and social rounds, I’ve had the chance to play alongside plenty of recreational golfers. One thing that consistently stands out is that many golfers struggle with the same chipping mistakes.
The good news is that chipping doesn’t need to be complicated. With a few simple fundamentals, it can quickly become one of the most reliable parts of your game.
Here are the three mistakes I see most often.
1. Trying to Scoop the Ball Into the Air
This is by far the most common issue.
Many golfers feel like they need to help the ball up into the air, so they start flicking their wrists or leaning back through the shot.
This usually leads to:
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thin shots that fly across the green
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heavy shots that barely move
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inconsistent contact
If you watch the best players in the world, they’re actually doing the opposite.
Top players are generally striking slightly down on the ball, and the loft of the club sends the ball into the air.
When golfers stop trying to lift the ball and instead allow the club to do the work, their chipping usually improves very quickly.
2. Poor Setup Position
Many chipping problems actually begin before the swing even starts.
A simple setup can make a big difference to how consistently you strike the ball.
For most chip shots around the green, try setting up with:
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slightly more weight on your front foot
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hands positioned just ahead of the ball
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a narrow stance
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the ball positioned slightly back of centre
This setup encourages the club to strike the ball first, then the ground, which produces cleaner contact.
3. Not Choosing a Landing Spot
Another mistake I often see is golfers aiming their chip directly at the hole.
Better chippers usually think about the shot differently.
Instead of focusing on the hole, they choose a landing spot on the green and let the ball roll towards the target from there.
It’s similar to throwing a ball underarm. You naturally pick where the ball should land before it rolls out.
This simple adjustment can make distance control much easier.
What Good Chippers Tend to Do
When you watch skilled players around the greens, a few patterns stand out.
They generally:
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allow the club to do the work
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keep their weight moving slightly forward through impact
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strike the ball before the turf
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avoid falling backwards through the shot
The motion stays simple, controlled and repeatable.
A Simple Feel to Try
Next time you practise your short game, try this simple thought:
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start with slightly more weight on your front foot
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keep that weight moving forward through the strike
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allow the club to brush the ground after the ball
Many golfers immediately notice better contact and control when they stop trying to lift the ball.
Improve Your Short Game
The short game is one of the fastest ways to lower your scores. Even small improvements in chipping can save several shots per round.
If you'd like personalised guidance on your short game, you can learn more about golf lessons and coaching at Golf 360.
Working with a PGA professional can quickly identify the small changes that make chipping far more reliable.
FAQs
Should you hit down on the ball when chipping?
Yes. Most good chippers strike slightly down on the ball and allow the loft of the club to lift the ball into the air.
Why do golfers scoop chip shots?
Many golfers try to help the ball into the air instead of trusting the loft of the club.
Where should your weight be when chipping?
Most golfers benefit from starting with slightly more weight on their front foot and keeping it there through impact.
What club should I use for chipping?
Many golfers chip effectively with a pitching wedge, gap wedge or sand wedge depending on the height and rollout required.
Happy golfing
Scott Pickett
PGA Professional
Founder - Golf 360
Mount Maunganui
