The Other Frustrating Miss Around the Greens
If blading chips sends the ball flying…
👉 Chunking it barely gets it off the ground.
You catch the turf first, the ball goes nowhere, and suddenly a simple shot becomes a mess.
It’s one of the most common issues golfers face, and the good news is:
👉 It’s usually easy to fix.
Why Chunked Chips Happen
Chunking comes down to where your club hits the ground.
If the club bottoms out too early:
👉 you hit the turf first, then the ball
Here are the main causes:
1. Weight Too Far Back
This is the biggest one.
If your weight sits on your back foot:
- The bottom of your swing moves backwards
- The club hits the ground too early
👉 Result: chunk
2. Trying to Scoop the Ball
Very similar to blading, just a different outcome.
When golfers try to:
- Help the ball into the air
- Flick their hands
👉 The club loses its natural strike point
3. Too Much Movement in the Swing
Chipping should be simple.
But many golfers:
- Shift too much
- Move their body excessively
👉 That makes contact inconsistent
4. Poor Low Point Control
Good chipping = consistent strike location.
If your low point is:
- Behind the ball → chunk
- Too far forward → thin
👉 Control here is everything
Simple Fixes That Actually Work
Let’s keep this practical and easy to apply.
✔ 1. Lean Slightly Forward
- Weight favouring your front foot
- Keep it there throughout the swing
👉 This moves your strike forward
✔ 2. Keep Your Chest Moving Through
A common issue is stopping through impact.
Instead:
- Keep your chest turning
- Let the club follow your body
👉 Prevents the club from digging early
✔ 3. Let the Loft Do the Work
You don’t need to scoop it.
Think:
👉 “brush the grass after the ball”
This promotes clean contact.
✔ 4. Simplify the Motion
Less is more.
- Small swing
- Minimal moving parts
👉 More consistency, better results
Blading vs Chunking (Quick Comparison)
- Chunking → club hits ground too early
- Blading → club hits ball too high
👉 Both come from poor low point control
We covered blading in more detail here:
👉 Why You Keep Blading Your Chip Shots
A Smarter Option (Don’t Forget This)
If the shot allows it:
👉 putt it instead
From just off the green:
- It’s more predictable
- Less risk
👉 Read more here:
👉 Should You Chip or Putt from Off the Green?
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 big difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I chunk chips more under pressure?
Because tension and poor weight control creep in.
Should I change clubs to stop chunking?
Sometimes, but setup and technique are usually the main issue.
Is chunking more common than blading?
Both are very common and often linked.
Final Thoughts
Chunked chips aren’t random.
They come from:
- Weight being in the wrong place
- Trying to help the ball
- Inconsistent movement
Keep it simple, stay slightly forward, and let the club do the work.
Happy golfing
Scott Pickett
PGA Professional
Founder - Golf 360
Mount Maunganui
