Chipping with an 8 or 9 Iron

Technically, the chip shot is the easiest golf shot to learn, as most

golf tips tell you. It’s also one of the most critical.

When I say “chip shot”, I mean a shot that hits the green and rolls

to the flag. Its use varies but it saves strokes when executed properly.

It’s ideal when you’re on the collar of the green with no obstacles

between you and the flag. The key is selecting a spot on the green

and hitting it.

You can chip with either an 8 iron or a 9 iron. Take a slightly open

address position, with your weight forward. Position the ball closer to

your back foot, hands in front of the ball. Placing your hands this way

“hoods” the clubface, giving you the loft of a 7 iron. Also, grip down on

the club 4 or 5 inches for more control.

Keys to chipping:

• Set right address

• Grip down on club

• Aim for spot on green

• Hinge wrist at takeaway

• Hands lead in hitting zone

• Keep wrists firm through impact

• Follow through on shot

Hinge your wrists slightly during takeaway and strike down on the ball

crisply. Your hands should lead through the hitting zone. For solid

contact, return the hands and arms to where they were at address,

which helps produce ball-and-turf contact. Keep the wrists firm through

impact, and don’t turn the wrists over during follow-through. Stay

relaxed and loose throughout the shot.

One exercise to practice chipping is the random ball drill. Take several

balls with you and your chipping club(s). Spread the balls around the

green. Pick out as many different lies as you can. Create scenarios as

much like actual play as possible. Practice chipping with the iron of

choice. Master chipping with one club before moving on to other clubs.

So, next time you reach for the putter from the fringe, consider using

that 8 or 9 iron to improve accuracy.