Chipping · Lesson
Stop Chunking Your Chip-and-Runs
Part of our chipping programs for fat or chunked. Build a program with it
Chunked chips come from poor low-point control. Fix the setup. Play the ball just inside your trail heel. Add a little shaft lean. Narrow your stance. Stack most of your weight on your lead side. Keep your chest ahead of the ball. Don't tilt back like you would with a driver. Then turn and let the club release. Let your body rise a little so the club brushes the turf instead of digging. Lighten your grip, too.
Step by step
- Ball inside your trail heel.
- Small shaft lean, narrow stance.
- Weight stacked on your lead side.
- Turn and release; brush the grass.
- Grip lighter than you think.
Why it works
The lowest point of the swing needs to land just in front of the ball. A back ball position, a little shaft lean and most of your weight on your lead side all move that low point forward and keep it steady. When you turn through and let the club release, the club brushes the turf instead of digging behind the ball. A lighter grip lets the club move freely, so the sole glides.
Common mistakes
- You lean back onto your trail foot to help the ball up.Keep most of your weight on your lead side and your chest ahead of the ball from setup to finish.
- You stop turning and flick the hands at the ball.Turn your chest toward the target through impact and let the club release past your hands.
- You grip tightly and the club digs in behind the ball.Hold the club lighter than feels natural so the sole can brush the turf.
How you'll know it's working
- The club brushes the grass just ahead of the ball, leaving a shallow scuff instead of a deep divot.
- The ball starts low, hops forward and rolls out the same way each time.
- Your weight and chest still sit over your lead side at the finish, and the grip feels light throughout.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Use a short, simple swing on flat, tight turf and make small turns while keeping your weight forward the whole time.
Harder: Try the same chip from a slightly downhill or fluffier lie, or pick a landing spot and aim to roll the ball to a target.
Common questions
Why do I keep hitting chip shots fat?
Usually the low point of your swing is behind the ball. This often comes from weight on your trail side or a ball too far forward, so move the ball back and set your weight on your lead side.
Where should the ball be for a chip and run?
Play it just inside your trail heel with a little shaft lean and a narrow stance. This makes the club strike the ball first and then brush the turf.
