Chipping is a crucial skill in golf, especially for beginners, as it can significantly impact your overall score. Chipping drills help you improve your short game and gain confidence around the greens. In this guide, we’ll explore some effective chipping drills tailored for beginners.
1. Target Practice
Objective: Develop accuracy and consistency in chipping.
Instructions:
- Set up a target, such as a hula hoop, bucket, or a specific spot on the green.
- Place balls in various positions around the green, at different distances and angles to the target.
- Start chipping towards the target, focusing on landing the ball as close to it as possible.
- Gradually increase the difficulty by moving to different distances and angles.
- Track your progress and aim to consistently chip the ball close to your target.
2. The Clock Drill
Objective: Improve distance control with different clubs.
Instructions:
- Imagine the hole is in the center of a clock face, and the ball is at 6 o’clock.
- Choose three different clubs, like a pitching wedge, 9-iron, and 8-iron.
- Chip balls to different imaginary “hours” on the clock (e.g., 7 o’clock, 8 o’clock, etc.).
- Focus on making smooth, controlled swings with each club.
- Adjust your backswing length to control the distance, with shorter swings for shorter distances.
- Practice until you can consistently land the ball near the target hour.
3. One-Handed Chipping
Objective: Improve your chipping control and touch.
Instructions:
- Start by chipping one-handed, using only your lead hand (left hand for right-handed golfers, and vice versa).
- Focus on maintaining a firm, yet not overly tight grip.
- This drill helps you develop a delicate touch and control over the clubhead.
- After practicing with one hand for a while, switch to your dominant hand.
- Gradually reintegrate both hands, and you’ll find your chipping control has improved significantly.
4. Bunker Chipping
Objective: Gain confidence in chipping from sand traps.
Instructions:
- Find a bunker at your practice facility and place balls in various positions within it.
- Practice chipping out of the bunker onto the green.
- Focus on hitting the sand a couple of inches behind the ball, allowing the sand to lift the ball out and onto the green.
- Experiment with different clubs to see which one works best for you.
- Continue to practice until you can consistently get out of the bunker and onto the green.
5. Up and Down Drill
Objective: Simulate real on-course situations.
Instructions:
- Place your ball in a rough lie around the green.
- Chip the ball onto the green.
- Then, practice sinking the putt in one stroke.
- This drill helps you develop the crucial skills needed to get “up and down” from tough positions, ultimately saving strokes on the course.
6. Chipping to Different Targets
Objective: Develop the ability to adjust to various scenarios on the course.
Instructions:
- Set up multiple targets around the practice green, such as flags, cones, or tees.
- Use different clubs and varying distances from each target.
- Work on chipping to each target with precision, adjusting your stance, club selection, and swing speed accordingly.
- This drill helps you become more adaptable and versatile in different chipping situations.
7. Chipping from Different Lies
Objective: Learn how to handle different lies around the green.
Instructions:
- Practice chipping from different lies, including rough, fairway, and tight lies.
- Pay attention to how the ball reacts differently from each type of lie.
- Adjust your technique, ball position, and club selection accordingly.
- This drill helps you build confidence and competence when facing varying lie conditions on the course.
8. Chipping Competitions
Objective: Add an element of pressure and competition to your practice.
Instructions:
- Invite fellow golfers or friends to a chipping competition.
- Create a game with specific rules, such as points for landing the ball closest to the target.
- Play multiple rounds and keep score to add a competitive edge to your practice sessions.
- Competitions can help simulate the pressure you might feel on the golf course and improve your chipping under stress.
9. Video Analysis
Objective: Gain insight into your chipping technique.
Instructions:
- Record your chipping sessions on video using a smartphone or camera.
- Review the footage to analyze your chipping technique, including grip, stance, and swing.
- Compare your form to professional golfers or instructional videos.
- Identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments.
10. Consistent Practice Routine
Objective: Establish a regular chipping practice routine.
Instructions:
- Dedicate a specific time during your practice sessions to chipping.
- Consistency is key, so aim to practice chipping drills regularly, even if it’s just 15-30 minutes per session.
- Maintain a log or journal to track your progress and identify areas that need further attention.
- Set achievable goals to keep yourself motivated and focused on improvement.
Basic Chipping Drills
| Drill Name | Description | Equipment Needed | Target Area | Tips and Tricks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Body Rotation | Rotate hips and shoulders | Wedge | Small target | Keep hands passive |
| 2. Clock Method | Imagine a clock face for distance | Wedge | Vary distances | Practice rhythm |
| 3. One-Handed | Chipping with one hand | Wedge | Improve control | Strengthen wrist |
| 4. Bounce Control | Focus on using the club’s bounce | Wedge | Avoid thin shots | Light grip pressure |
| 5. Coin Drill | Chip coins onto a towel target | Wedge | Accuracy | Gradually increase distance |
Chipping Drills with Obstacles
| Drill Name | Description | Equipment Needed | Obstacle Used | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Around the Tree | Chip around a tree or similar obstacle | Wedge | Tree or cone | Intermediate |
| 2. Bunker Challenge | Practice chipping from a greenside bunker | Sand wedge | Bunker | Advanced |
| 3. Over the Hurdle | Chip over a small hurdle | Wedge | Hurdle | Intermediate |
| 4. Uphill Challenge | Chipping uphill to a target | Wedge | Uphill slope | Intermediate |
| 5. Downhill Test | Chipping downhill with control | Wedge | Downhill slope | Intermediate |
Chipping Drills for Distance Control
| Drill Name | Description | Equipment Needed | Target Distance | Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Ladder Drill | Set up a ladder for various distances | Wedge | Varying | Increase accuracy |
| 2. Hula Hoop Drill | Chip into a hula hoop at different ranges | Wedge | Varying | Improve precision |
| 3. 3-Club Challenge | Use 3 different clubs for varied shots | Wedge, 7-iron, 9-iron | Different | Work on versatility |
| 4. Staircase Drill | Use steps or stairs for elevation changes | Wedge | Varying | Learn trajectory |
| 5. Pitch & Run | Practice pitching at different lengths | Wedge | Varying | Develop touch |
Chipping Drills with Target Games
| Drill Name | Description | Equipment Needed | Game Variation | Competitive Element |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Target Tic-Tac-Toe | Play a game of Tic-Tac-Toe | Wedge | Score to win the game | Friendly competition |
| 2. Chipping Poker | Create a poker-style game | Wedge, Poker chips | Collect chips for wins | Competitive scoring |
| 3. Chipping Bingo | Use a Bingo card as a target | Wedge | Match targets for Bingo | Win by matching rows |
| 4. Bulls-Eye Chipping | Aim for the center bullseye | Wedge | Score based on rings | Accuracy competition |
| 5. Chipping H.O.R.S.E. | Mimic the basketball game | Wedge, Letters | Spell “HORSE” to win | Challenge opponents |
Chipping Drills for Trouble Shots
| Drill Name | Description | Equipment Needed | Challenge Scenario | Problem Solving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Deep Rough | Practice chipping from deep rough lies | Wedge | High grass or rough | Develop recovery skills |
| 2. Tight Lies | Work on chipping from tight fairway lies | Wedge | Short grass or hardpan | Improve contact |
| 3. Sloping Lies | Chipping on uphill or downhill lies | Wedge | Uneven lies or slopes | Learn to adjust stance |
| 4. Bunker Escape | Master chipping out of greenside bunkers | Sand wedge | Bunker sand or practice sand | Develop bunker skills |
| 5. Over Hazards | Practice chipping over water or hazards | Wedge | Simulated hazards | Build confidence |
In conclusion, mastering chipping is essential for improving your golf game, and these chipping drills for beginners can help you enhance your skills. Remember that consistent practice, coupled with a willingness to adapt to various situations, will lead to better chipping performance on the golf course. Regularly incorporating these drills into your practice routine will pay dividends in your overall golfing experience.
