Set Up Essentials

The “Standard Chip”, aka the chip and run.

When it comes to shots around the green, set up is crucial!

You have a good chance of executing if you get the set up right.

If you get the set up wrong, all bets are off, and anything can happen.

1. Width of stance.

Feet close together: One club head in between toes.

Think small swing, small stance. This will help with delivering solid contact. As we increase the length of swing, the stance will increase in width.

2. Ball Position.

Back in stance: In line with trail big toe.

This is the ball position for the standard “chip-and-run.” You will move the ball position as you begin to hit different trajectories. We will discuss this in the section Trajectory 1-2-3.

3. Weight Distribution: 55-60% on your lead foot.

Lean your body towards the target to put more weight on your lead foot.

4. Club Face: Square.

There are times when you will adjust the club face at address, which we discuss in the section Trajectory 1-2-3. On the standard “chip-and-run,” keep the club face square.

5. Shaft Lean: Forward

The butt of the club points towards or slightly in front of your zipper. So, ball position will influence the orientation of the shaft.

6. Shirt buttons in front of golf ball.

The combination of your entire body leaning slightly left and you ball being back in your stance means your shirts buttons will be slightly in front of the ball.

Checkpoints 1-6

  • Width of Stance

    Feet close together: One club head in between toes.

  • Ball Position

    Back in stance: In line with trail big toe.

  • Weight Distribution

    60-70% on your lead foot.

  • Club Face

    Club face square on this standard “chip-and-run.”

  • Shaft Angle

    Shaft leans slightly forwards.

  • Chest Forwards

    Shirt buttons slightly in front of the ball.

7. Distance from ball.

Set up approximately one shoe length away from the ball.

This is closer to the ball than you would address a full swing wedge shot. Also, you will be standing taller than you would on your full swing.

8. Grip position on handle.

Hold down towards the bottom of the grip.

This will allow you to stand close and tall.

9. Shaft more upright.

This is really a function of getting the other 8 checkpoints right.

Checkpoints 7-9

  • Distance from Ball

    Set up approximately one shoe length away from the ball.

  • Grip Position on Handle

    Hold down towards the bottom of the grip. This will allow you to stand close and tall.

  • Shaft Position

    More upright.

All Chipping Essentials Sections

  • Set Up Essentials

    Set up issues create swing issues and that applies to chipping as well. Let’s get started on the right foot.

    BACK TO TOP

  • Lead Hand Placement

    A subtle but important grip adjustment from your regular “full swing” grip.

    UP NEXT

  • Common Set Up Errors

    Some of the most common set up issues that will ruin your chipping before you even swing the club!

    GO TO NOW

  • Swing The "Y"

    With the set up essentials nailed, it’s time to swing the club!

    GO TO NOW

  • Common Swings Errors

    Some of the common errors you’ll want to avoid!

    GO TO NOW

  • The "Chip-Stick" Drill

    Quit “flipping burgers” and start chipping with this simple drill!

    GO TO NOW

  • Trajectory 1-2-3

    Let’s level up and add some tools to your toolbox!

    GO TO NOW

  • Chipping LLC

    Learn the process. Apply the process. Happy days!

    GO TO NOW

  • The "Putt-Chip"

    My not-so-secret, secret weapon! You are welcome!

    GO TO NOW

  • The "Hybrid Putt-Chip"

    My not-so-secret, secret weapon! You are welcome!

    GO TO NOW

  • The Truth About Lies

    Make the right adjustments at the right time.

    GO TO NOW
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Lead Hand Placement