Introduction
The more alternatives you have when you are confronted with a dilemma on the golf course, the better off you will be.
Besides proper golfing equipment, if you educate yourself on how to play a variety of chip shots, you will always be able to find a solution. Whether Donald Ross, Pete Dye, or Gil Hanse attempt to take you on, it won’t matter.
To reduce the number of strokes you take on the course, having a varied short game is essential. If you put in the time to practice and develop a variety of chip shot techniques, you will be able to go up and down from any location.
Five Distinct Varieties of Chip Shots
Below you will find an explanation of each of the five distinct varieties of chip shots. Let’s get started!
Texas Wedge
You don’t need a wedge to make a “Texas Wedge” chip shot. When a golfer steps off the green and decides to use his putter, he is said to have “put out.” Pick a putter as your club of choice.
But when do you use a Texas wedge? Simple reply. At any moment you feel uneasy trying one of the other chip shots we’ve listed below. A Texas wedge is a shot that seldom goes wrong. Of course, if there’s a sand trap in the way, this strategy is out the window, but if you’re feeling apprehensive about your chip, knowing how to use a Texas wedge effectively and implementing it could be worth a try.
The Bump And Run
The bump-and-run is a short-distance chip shot. Faster implementation and accuracy are top priorities. When attempting a bump-and-run, less loft is preferable. You may experiment with other clubs, but a 7-iron will get you started.
When you’re on the green but a ways from the hole, this is the chip to make. Because of how low it launches, the ball will go a great distance. When an obstacle is in your path, you cannot execute a bump-and-run maneuver (high grass, bunker, etc.). Keep a close eye on your speed regulation while you drill this shot. That’s the most challenging component of learning how to make a bump-and-run chip shot.
Belly Your Wedge
Such a swing requires a high level of golfing skill. The PGA Tour is where you’ll first see it in use. The blade or belly of the wedge is what you want to strike the ball with. Your ball will get more spin and be able to glide over a modest patch of tall grass if you play it like this (rough). There is no “wrong” wedge to utilize, but the lob wedge or sand wedge are your best bets.
There’s just one circumstance in which this particular chipshot would be appropriate. You hit the green and your ball landed just on the collar. The distance between the fairway and the high rough on a golf course may be considerable. If you’re in this predicament, you are better off bellying your wedge than trying a variety of chip shot techniques.
Trap Spinner
Low handicap and scratch players often use the trap spinner chip shot. After leaving the club, the ball takes a few bounces and spins in the air (checks up). You may use any of your wedges to play the Trap Spinner. Practice with your loftiest wedge (lob wedge or sand wedge).
Most professional golfers use this as their go-to chip. The majority of their shots will be of this kind. This is your “go-to” play, so to speak, assuming the weather and other factors don’t need you to switch up your approach. It’s this shot that you need to work on perfecting.
Flop Shot
The Flop shot became popularized by Golf Hall of Famer Phil Mickelson. This chip shot soars over the green and gently settles there (like a butterfly with sore feet). To make a flop shot, you need to aim high. Keeping this in mind, you should always play with your loftiest wedge (lob, sand).
On the golf course, the flop shot may be useful, but you should only use it if you’ve got no other options. This sort of chip is dangerous, but may potentially pay off big time. Blade the ball well over the green, or duff it short of the putting surface if your execution is poor. When you’re on the defensive, try the flop shot. When you need to loft the ball so it stops fast, you have no other choice.
Final Words
You can now choose between five distinct types of chip shots for any situation. Read over them and begin to integrate them into your golf game. Your short game will improve, which in turn will allow you to lower your score overall.
