Assess the Situation: Before choosing a club, look at the grass between you and the green. If it is too thick to putt through, you must use a lofted club like a 56-degree sand wedge to carry the ball over the trouble.

The Setup: Grip down on the club for better control. Position the ball slightly back in your stance and keep the clubface square. Aim to land the ball approximately halfway between yourself and the hole as a general rule of thumb.

Short Backswing, Positive Through: The most common mistake on short chips is taking a backswing that is too long, which causes you to slow down or “quit” on the shot. Keep your backswing short so that you can confidently accelerate through the ball.

Keep the Body Turning: Even on a “mini” version of a chip, your lower body must turn through toward the target. If your lower body stops, your hands will likely collapse or “flick,” leading to a skulled shot that flies over the green.

Questions and Answers

Q: Why can’t I just putt through the thick grass?
A: Thick grass is unpredictable. You would have to hit the putt so hard to get through the friction that the ball could easily get caught up or, if it misses the thick patches, sail way past the hole.

Q: Should I use a 60-degree wedge for this shot?
A: A 60-degree wedge provides great loft, but be careful of the lie. If the ground is bare or the lie is tight, a 56-degree sand wedge is often a safer and more reliable choice.

Q: How do I stop “flicking” my wrists at the ball?
A: Focus on your lower body. As long as your hips and torso continue to rotate through the finish, your hands will stay stable and won’t be forced to collapse.