When golfing, the green isn’t always just for putting; one’s short game can technically consist of whatever the player wants it to consist of. For chipping, it’s common to see this around the edges of the green, getting out of a sand trap, and more. But sometimes chipping on the green is necessary, suitable, and a possible option.
In the rules of golf, chipping on the green is legal. Golfers often choose to do this if the hole is too far away to putt or if putting will send the ball off the greens. It’s smart to check with the golf course first because different local courses may have rules only allowing putters on the green.
It’s safe to say that if you chip your golfball about three feet away from the hole, it’s an easy putt. Based on the scenario, keep reading to understand when it’s appropriate to chip, how to chip, and what clubs to use.
Chipping on the Green
According to the official rules of golf, chipping on the green is okay. You can technically hit any kind of shot you want on the green, whatever will help you make it into the hole.
Why not putt?
- Sometimes people don’t quite feel comfortable putting on the green.
- One common reason for chipping on the green rather than putting is when the putt is too long.
- This factor means it will probably be easier to pitch or chip it in a closer area to putt from.
Another time this happens is when their desired putt line cannot be hit without putting the ball off the green. Whether it’s through the fringe or rough, it’s going to be easier to chip or pitch the ball over. (source)
Why chipping might not be allowed on the green
Depending on the golf course, there can be different rules implemented. Be cautious of the rules because if you break them, you could end up with a penalty or even get kicked off.
If a course doesn’t allow anything but putters on the green, is most likely because the divots and large chunks that chipping can cause ruin the green. Repairing this costs extra money, so remember that it’s reasonable to enforce this. (source)
How to Chip around the Green
When it comes to chipping, the posture and foot position isn’t as important since it has a shorter arc. You basically can do whatever is comfortable and is going to help you be consistent with your shots. There are different methods and techniques that can guide you to a great chip. (source)
The hinge-and-hold method
This method is made up of hinging your wrists in the backswing and keeping that hinge while you downswing into the ball. The hinge-and-hold method is recommended by golfers because it almost promises you will deliver the clubface to the golf ball at a consistent loft.
It’s important to accelerate through the ball when hinging and holding so the clubhead doesn’t catch up to your hands.
The bump and run
The bump and run consists of a lower-lofted club with the ball more towards the back of your stance to keep it low. For the swing, have stable elbows and quiet wrists. It can even be described as an exaggerated putting stroke where the movement comes from the shoulders.
Keep the backswing as short as possible. This way the clubface hits the ball first on a slightly downward angle and helps to keep the leading edge down.
The lower flighted chip
- This one is similar to the bump and run because it’s easier to master.
- Using a lower-lofted wedge, it’s a downward strike that hits the ball first, then the ground.
- Differentiating from the bump and run, being looser on the wrists can help impart spin on the ball and stop it.
Your weight should stay on the front foot, and your hands should be forward to prevent the leading edge from lifting up too much. (source)
Clubs and Wedges Best for Chipping around the Green?
To chip in golf, the club used is a wedge. The type of wedge you use to chip depends on how you are hitting it and how fast or firm the greens are.
For example, a higher degree wedge would be best if the greens are firm. If you’re playing slower greens with longer grass, you could use pitching wedges around the green and then roll the ball in like a putt. (source)
Pitching Wedge
A pitching wedge consists of a loft around 45-49 degrees. This typically comes in a standard iron set.
It’s most appropriate to use a pitching wedge if the ball is around 10 yards away from the green, and the ground is mostly flat. It can be used to keep the ball lower to the ground, enabling it to run to the hole. (source)
Sand Wedge
The loft of a sand wedge is around 54-57 degrees. This one is great to launch the ball into the air out of a sand trap and land softly on the green.
Lob Wedge
This wedge’s loft is usually about 58-64 degrees, similar to the sand wedge. The lob wedge is also nice for popping the ball into the air, as well as if the ball is in the rough since it’s easy to get the club underneath.
As stated before, the wedge used depends on the scenario.
Tips and Tricks for Chipping around the Green
Open your left side to the hole
Since the ball goes in the direction of the club, your body’s position doesn’t matter as much. Some people prefer for their body to slightly remain open towards the target during chipping shots.
Chipping in the rough
When in a situation in the rough, it’s important to make sure you’re accelerating through the ball. This is so the grass doesn’t grab the clubface and mess you up.
Try to keep these in mind next time you chip from the rough: aim left, open up the clubface, swing across your toe line, and pick out a spot on the green and let the ball roll from there.