The wonder of a chip shot is you can use it from anywhere. Most players haven't thought about using their chip unless their ball is just off the green, sitting on its apron or in the greenside rough. But others have mastered the chip shot and use it regularly in many creative ways when they're in trouble.

For some reason, chipping is a stroke players think they already know. Not so. Chipping is demanding and has its own technical aspects, not unlike hitting your ball into the middle of the
fairway with your driver. Once you learn to chip effectively, it may become your favorite stroke.  To own a chip shot, there are a few rules you must know.

The first rule:
Get the ball rolling on the ground ASAP.  How do you do that? I suggest you consider using a different club around the green other than your sand or pitching wedge. Try a less lofted club, like an 8 or 7 iron (or even a wood), to get the ball rolling early with a smaller stroke.


The second rule:
Play the ball off your back foot, the foot that is farthest away from your target. Place the ball  back to make it fly low and run. Having the ball back in your setup ensures you will hit the ball with a descending motion.


The third rule:
Put your weight on your forward foot, the foot closest to the target. From this position, your hands are automatically in front of the clubface, helping you to hit down on the ball.



The fourth rule:
Stand with your feet fairly close together. Think about it. You are not hitting the ball a long way, so why take a wide stance.



The fifth rule:
Let your arms swing back and through in a pendulum motion, using your shoulders. If you want to save strokes and become a consistent chipper, your hands must remain firm and ahead of the clubface throughout the shot.

This article is courtesy of Golfer Girl magazine, a publication for female golfers by female golfers.  The magazine is composed and edited by the Hooten sisters Libby (15), Courtney (13) and Chloe Belle (10).  You may contact Golfer Girl at Claude@golfergirlmagazine.com. 

You can also visit Golfer Girl magazine at http://www.golfergirlmagazine.com/ .