Chipping · Tip
The One-Hop-and-Stop Chip
Part of our chipping programs. Build a program with it
Sometimes you need a chip that lands, hops once and stops. It's a riskier shot. Use it from good lies. Take a lofted wedge. Set up fairly square and open the face a little. That adds loft and keeps the ball on the face longer for spin. Don't push your weight too far forward. About 55 percent on your lead side is plenty. Keep the shaft fairly upright. At impact, return it to that same spot and slide the club under the ball.
Step by step
- Use a lofted wedge from a good lie.
- Set up square, face slightly open.
- About 55 percent weight forward.
- Keep the shaft upright.
- Return it upright and release under the ball.
Why it works
An open face and an upright shaft add loft, so the ball flies higher and lands softer. Light forward weight and a shaft that returns to its setup position let the club slide under the ball without digging. That keeps the ball on the face a little longer, which adds spin and lets it hop once and stop.
Common mistakes
- You lean too far forward and de-loft the club.Keep about 55 percent of your weight on your lead side and let the shaft stay fairly upright.
- You let the hands run ahead of the ball at impact.Return the shaft to its setup angle and let the clubhead pass your hands.
- You try this from a poor lie.Save this shot for a clean lie and choose a lower, running chip when the ball is sitting down.
How you'll know it's working
- The ball lands softly, hops once and stops within a short distance.
- You feel the club slide under the ball and brush the turf, not dig into it.
- The ball flies higher than your normal chip and starts on your intended line.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Practice from a clean fairway lie with a short, simple swing and a target that leaves plenty of green to work with.
Harder: Hit to a tight pin with little green, or practice from a slightly tighter lie, and aim to land the ball on a small spot.
Common questions
What club is best for a chip that stops quickly?
Use a lofted wedge, since the extra loft helps the ball fly higher and land softly. Pick the one that gives you a clean strike from a good lie.
Why does my chip shot not stop on the green?
The ball may be coming out low with too little loft, often from leaning too far forward. Keep the shaft upright, use about 55 percent of your weight forward and slide the club under the ball.
