Stopping the ball near the hole on short chip shots isn’t about spinning the ball back or using fancy technique. It’s about controlling trajectory, contact, and rollout so the ball behaves predictably once it lands.
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Most golfers struggle on short chips because they add too much loft and try to “help” the ball into the air. That creates inconsistent contact and unpredictable distance. The goal on short chips is simple. Get the ball rolling as soon as possible.
The first key is club selection. On short chips, you usually need less loft than you think. A pitching wedge or 9-iron often works better than a high-lofted wedge, especially when there is some green to work with. Less loft means less airtime and more predictable roll.
Setup plays a major role. Position the ball slightly back of center in your stance. Lean your hands toward the target and favor your lead foot with your weight. This setup reduces dynamic loft and promotes clean, ball-first contact.
Your stance should be narrow and stable, with minimal lower-body movement. Keep your body quiet and let your shoulders control the motion. Short chips are not wristy shots. A simple shoulder-driven motion produces the most consistent results.
To stop the ball near the hole, you must also control the landing spot. Instead of aiming at the flag, pick a spot on the green where you want the ball to land. The closer that landing spot is to you, the less rollout you’ll have. Choosing the correct landing spot is far more important than trying to manipulate spin.
Distance control comes from swing length, not speed. Keep the same smooth tempo and adjust how far the club swings back and through. Trying to decelerate or guide the club leads to inconsistent contact and poor results.
Practice this by chipping multiple balls to the same landing spot using the same club. Pay attention to how far the ball rolls after it lands. Over time, you’ll develop a clear understanding of how much rollout to expect.
When you simplify club selection, setup, and landing spot control, stopping the ball near the hole on short chips becomes reliable. Reliable short chipping leads to more tap-in putts and lower scores.
Kevin Collier is an avid golfer and contributing author at AIGolfTips.com, where he shares his passion for the game through expert tips, techniques, and gear reviews. With years of experience on the course, Kevin offers valuable insights for golfers of all skill levels, helping them improve their game and maximize their potential. Whether discussing swing mechanics or the latest in golf technology, Kevin's engaging approach aims to inspire and educate fellow golf enthusiasts to elevate their performance and enjoy every moment on the green.
