Chipping
Chipping is a short shot played from just off the green — a small swing that gets the ball rolling on the green quickly, using the putting surface to carry it to the hole.
A chip trades air time for roll: the ball spends only a fraction of its journey in the air, then rolls like a long putt the rest of the way. Club selection varies by lie, green speed, and distance — a lower-lofted club (8-iron) rolls more; a wedge produces a higher, shorter roll. Chipping mechanics use a narrow stance, ball back, and a minimal wrist action, with the lead wrist staying firm through impact to prevent scooping. Tour players often choose any club from 7-iron to lob wedge depending on the situation.
Example
A chip from 10 feet off the green with a 9-iron lands a yard onto the green and rolls 12 feet to the hole — the "chip and run" using the ground as a tool.
Related terms
- PitchingPitching is a mid-range short-game shot that carries the ball most of the way to the target with a descending blow and controlled spin, typically from 30–100 yards.
- Chip-and-RunA chip-and-run is a low, bouncing chip that gets on the putting surface quickly and rolls toward the hole — the safest short-game choice when there is room between the ball and the green edge.
- Bump-and-RunA bump-and-run is a low chip that uses the fringe and green to deliver the ball — bumped onto the surface just past the fringe and allowed to run to the hole like a putt.
- Green ReadingGreen reading is assessing the slope, grain, and speed of a putting surface to predict how much and which way the ball will curve from its starting line to the hole.
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