Chris Starkjohann

There are essentially two ways to approach chipping. Well, actually there are three, but most people find the third option is not very effective.

1. Keeping the club face square to the target line at all times while swinging the club
Or
2. Letting the toe of the club face rotate closed as you swing the club through more in a circular motion
Or
3. Setting up completely wrong, using too much wrist action, and chunking or skulling the ball.

Number 3 is used by most golfers, but they can absolutely learn how to use either Number 1 or 2 for more effective results.
Number 1 is used by more golfers because it is easier to do. You just move your arms like a putting stroke and your hands are not involved.

So why would a golfer choose to use method 2?
In my opinion, the method of Number 2 is more consistent with predicting the amount of roll the ball has after the chip.

Which one do you use and which one is more effective and consistent for you? If you currently use one method and want to learn another, come see me and we’ll discuss which approach will result in helping you improve your game the most.

Chris Starkjohann, PGA Member, is a successful competitive player who earned PGA Southern California Player of the Year honors in 2010 by being the first player to win both the Section Championship and Senior Section Championship in the same year. He is available for private lessons. To schedule a lesson, call Chris directly at 760-809-5568.