Many people come up to me and ask “Paul, what club do you use for a chip?” To answer this question, we must think about the way the ball reacts for a chip shot.

I want everyone to think of a chip as a putt. When we chip, our goal should be to get the ball rolling as soon as possible just as if we were putting the ball. A chip should only be used when you are relatively close to the green and there is no hazard to carry over. I see too many people use the same club for every chip. This is incorrect. I feel the chipping stroke should be the same every time and that the player should change clubs for different distances of the chip. For instance, I use a sand wedge to chip the ball about 10-15 feet, a pitching wedge 15-20 feet, an 8 iron for 20-30 feet, a 6 iron for 30-40 feet and a 4 iron 40+ feet. By keeping the same stroke and changing clubs for distance, I can repeat my chipping stroke consistently and it takes the guessing game out of it. I never have to ask myself, "How hard do I need to hit this?" I hit each chip the same and just change clubs. Next time you are on the chipping green practicing, take a few clubs with you and try this technique. It works for me and it takes the guess work out of the chip. If you have any questions, please consult your local PGA Golf Professional or to fix your chipping woes…Hit Every Green!!