Fitting For The Chip Shot

In terms of scoring improvements, there is much support for the short game around the greens. We have discussed before the preferred technique of getting the ball on the green as soon as possible and rolling to the hole. Some players will find that chipping with a lower lofted club such as a 7 0r 8 Iron in more of a putting stroke works best. Others will find using a higer lofted club such as a Sand Wedge or Gap Wedge and accelerating (applying energy on the through swing) allows better control.

Whichever club selection works for you, there are two key fitting techniques that make a big difference. First is "Bounce" or the sole angle. The more bounce the less your club digs into the turf. The less bounce the more dig. When chipping you don't want too much of either depending on the turf. Soft turf, more bounce...hard turf less bounce. Same with the leading edge of the club. Not too sharp for soft turf...not too blunt for hard turf. Check these factors against your normal course turf conditions.