The Most Frustrating Shot in Golf
Few things in golf are more frustrating than a bladed chip.
You’re just off the green, it should be simple…
👉 and then you send it flying 20 metres past the hole.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
Why Bladed Chips Happen
Blading a chip usually comes down to poor contact, not bad luck.
Here are the most common causes:
1. Trying to Help the Ball Into the Air
This is the biggest one.
A lot of golfers:
- Lean back
- Flick their hands
- Try to lift the ball
👉 The club already has loft, you don’t need to help it.
This often leads to:
- Thin contact
- Bladed shots
2. Too Much Tension in the Hands and Forearms
When you’re tense:
- The club gets “grabby”
- Timing becomes inconsistent
👉 You lose control of the strike.
This is something you’ve probably already felt, even if it’s subtle.
3. Poor Weight Position
If your weight is too far back:
- The bottom of your swing moves
- The club strikes too high on the ball
👉 Result: blade
4. Inconsistent Low Point
Good chipping is about controlling where the club hits the ground.
If your low point is:
- Too early → chunk
- Too late → blade
👉 Consistency here is everything
Simple Fixes That Actually Work
Let’s keep this practical.
✔ 1. Lean Slightly Forward
- Weight slightly on your front foot
- Hands just ahead of the ball
👉 This helps you strike the ball more cleanly
✔ 2. Let the Club Do the Work
Don’t try to lift it.
Think:
👉 “brush the grass”
The loft will take care of the height.
✔ 3. Reduce Tension
You don’t need to be completely relaxed, but:
- Soften your grip
- Let the club move naturally
👉 This improves your feel instantly
✔ 4. Keep It Simple
The more you try to control everything, the harder it gets.
Simple motion = better contact
A Smarter Option Most Golfers Ignore
Here’s something worth considering:
👉 If you can putt it, putt it.
From just off the green:
- Putting is more predictable
- Less can go wrong
👉 We covered this in more detail here:
Should You Chip or Putt from Off the Green?
The Real Key: Confidence
A lot of bladed chips come from:
- Doubt
- Overthinking
- Lack of trust
If you’re not confident:
👉 simplify the shot
- Use a safer option
- Stick to what you trust
Want to Fix This Faster?
Short game is one of the quickest ways to lower your scores.
If you’re struggling with contact:
👉 https://golf360.co.nz/pages/golf-lessons-and-coaching
A bit of guidance here can make a huge difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I blade chips more under pressure?
Because tension increases and your timing changes.
Should I use a different club to stop blading?
Sometimes, but technique and setup are usually the main issue.
Is blading chips a common problem?
Very common, especially for amateur golfers.
Final Thoughts
Bladed chips aren’t random.
They come from:
- Trying too hard
- Poor setup
- Lack of trust
Keep it simple, let the club do the work, and your contact will improve quickly.
Happy golfing
Scott Pickett
PGA Professional
Founder - Golf 360
Mount Maunganui
