How to Hit High Chip Shots: Elevate Your Short Game

How to Hit High Chip Shots: Elevate Your Short Game

Learning how to hit high chip shots is crucial for navigating tricky situations on the golf course, such as when you need to clear an obstacle or stop the ball quickly on the green. In this guide, we’ll explore how to hit high chip shots using adjustments in setup and swing mechanics, so you can confidently loft the ball higher when needed.

The Importance of Face Angle in Setup

The easiest way to make the ball go higher is by adjusting the clubface angle at setup.

A. Opening the Clubface

To elevate your chip shots, start by opening up the clubface. However, it’s essential to open the face before gripping the club. This prevents you from unintentionally manipulating the club during the swing.

• Tip: Grip the club after opening the face to maintain the desired loft and prevent adjusting it during your swing.

B. Managing Direction

One issue that arises when you open the clubface is that it naturally points to the right (for right-handed golfers). This misalignment can cause the ball to travel off course unless addressed.

• Solution 1: Adjust your stance by aiming your body left of the target. This compensates for the open clubface by directing the shot more accurately toward the target.
• Solution 2: For more precision, widen your stance and make additional setup adjustments, which we will cover next.

Setup Adjustments for Higher Chip Shots

In addition to opening the clubface, small changes to your stance and hand position can help increase the height of your chip shots.

A. Widen Your Stance and Lower Your Hands

Widening your stance, especially by moving your back foot outward, allows you to place the ball slightly forward in your stance. By doing this, you naturally lower your hands, which helps direct the clubface upward.

• Tip: Lowering your hands counteracts the clubface pointing right, ensuring the clubface remains aimed straight ahead despite being open.

B. Ball Position

Placing the ball further up in your stance (towards your front foot) gives the shot a steeper launch, helping the ball fly higher.

Swing Mechanics for Higher Chip Shots

While setup is crucial, certain swing mechanics can also significantly affect the height of your chip shots.

A. Open the Clubface During the Backswing

One way to add height is by further opening the clubface during the backswing. The more you open the face, the higher the ball will fly.

• Caution: Be mindful of maintaining good contact. Opening the clubface too much can alter the bounce angle, making contact more challenging and increasing the risk of poor strikes.

B. Use Wrist Mechanics for a Higher Follow-Through

Another method for generating higher chip shots is by manipulating your lead wrist (the left wrist for right-handed players) in the follow-through.

• Flat Wrist: A flat wrist with hands far from the body creates forward shaft lean, which results in lower shots.
• Extended Wrist: Adding extension to the lead wrist (bending it back) allows the shaft to be more vertical, which increases loft and sends the ball higher.
• Tip: Focus on finishing your follow-through with your hands near your lead pocket to achieve a high ball flight.

Practice Makes Perfect

Like any golf skill, hitting high chip shots takes practice to master. Consistently practicing the setup and swing adjustments mentioned above will help you build confidence in using this technique during actual rounds.

By incorporating these setup and swing techniques into your chipping routine, you’ll be able to elevate your chip shots with ease. Whether it’s using an open clubface, adjusting your hand positioning, or changing your wrist mechanics, mastering high chip shots can help you navigate tricky situations on the course with precision. Happy chipping!