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When you’re near the green, you’re looking to play a shot that you feel comfortable that you will pull off. Many golfers will grab their putter for nearly any shot around the green. Some have even used a putter out of greenside bunkers. It’s ok, you know who you are. Kidding aside, this shot choice is based on confidence levels. The golfer most likely chooses the putter due to a lack of confidence in the other available options.

Confidence is a huge factor in hitting successful shots. For those who are glued to the putter around the green, or for those who are just looking for a new shot to add to your greenside tool box, a chip shot that resembles a putting stroke is a great method for getting the ball close to the hole. Better yet, it’s relatively easy to execute, so it can breed newfound confidence in your short game.

There are a few key set-up characteristics for hitting a successful chip with your putting stroke, but there is one that stands out above the rest: Set the club’s heel off the ground at address. By doing so, you are carrying over many of the familiar set-up characteristics from your putting stroke. This includes placing your eyes over the ball and placing your hands under your shoulders. This “putt-like set-up” will result in less spin upon landing on the green, so the ball will roll out consistently like a putt.

Club choice is important when chipping: use a more lofted club for shorter shots and less lofted club for a longer shot. Below are the steps to hitting great chip shots.

Setting Up to Chip
*Grip down on the club so the shaft is nearly vertical.
*Play the ball in the back of your stance off your rear foot.
*Make sure the HEEL of the club is UP off the ground.
*Place about 60 percent of your weight over your left foot.

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