Using the Bounce Shot in Chipping: The 3-Step Method
Do you scrape or tap your chips? *The Art of Simple Golf* suggests three steps: a higher grip to let the sole bounce, arms that hang naturally instead of forming a tense triangle, and a torso that moves through the ball toward the target.
To be continued
What the lesson shows
Step 1: play the bounce. The clubhead shouldn't dig into the ground; it should bounce off the sole, which increases your margin for error. To do this, stand a little closer to the ball (roughly at eye level), without taking too wide a stance or leaning too far forward, and you raise your hands: The clubhead rises to about one-third of the way between the flat position and the vertical, with a little space under the club. Step 2: Maintain the arm-shoulder triangle, but tension-free. Stiff forearms and a tight grip create a rocking motion, and the ball is hit with a “flip.”.
The key: Let your arms hang down—they have a slight natural curve—and simply bring your hands together. The tops of your arms should remain in contact with your upper torso, without tightening your elbows; keep a strong grip, but keep your wrists and forearms relaxed. The The torso is the engine, he sweeps the ground as he swings. Bonus: Try the 9-iron—somewhere between a chip and a bump-and-run shot—which is often more forgiving than a sand wedge. Step 3, especially in the rough: cross. Keep your navel and chest slightly closer to the target, without letting your hands and arms take the lead.
The Exercise, Step by Step
- Move closer to the ball so that it's roughly at eye level, with a narrow stance.
- Raise your hands to bring the shaft about one-third of the way toward the vertical, with a little space between the club and the ground.
- Let your arms hang down, then simply bring your hands together on the grip.
- Keep your upper arms pressed against your torso, with a strong grip but relaxed wrists.
- Rotate your torso to scrub the floor with the sole of your shoe.
- Aim through the ball: your navel and chest should be pointing slightly toward the target.
Key Takeaways
Mistakes to Avoid
- Stand far from the ball with a wide stance, as if you were taking a mini-swing.
- Place the club flat on the ground and let it sink into the ground.
- Form a tense triangle: forearms straight, elbows tucked in.
- Let your hands and arms take the lead over your torso.
- Stopping at the ball out of fear, especially in the rough.
Driving Range Mode
Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.
- Arms hanging down, hands close together, before each set
- Chips by lifting the handle to feel the sole bounce
- A 9-iron shot that's a cross between a chip and a bump-and-run
- Chipping from the uphill rough: aim toward the target
Your Questions
How high should you raise the handle at address?
Neither flat nor vertical: about one-third of the way from the vertical position toward the flat position, with a little air under the club. This reduces friction and allows the sole to bounce.
Should you maintain a triangle between your arms and shoulders when using the chip?
Yes, but without tension. The video shows that most golfers tense their forearms and grip, which throws off their swing. Let your arms hang loosely and just bring your hands together.
Which club should you use around the green with this method?
It doesn't always have to be the sand wedge or the lob wedge. The 9-iron, using the same technique, makes the ball bounce and then roll, and often allows for more margin for error.
What should you do when the ball is in the rough?
There's nothing to it in the first two steps, but make sure to follow through: your navel and chest should end up facing the target, rather than jabbing or “flicking” the ball.
Learn More
Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Alex Fortey). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons, without hosting them.