UP & DOWN - Let's get at it.
The short game isn’t glamorous—but it wins matches. If you're within 30 yards of the green, you should be thinking how do I save par, or get a birdie? This post explores essential chipping techniques that help golfers get up-and-down more often, reducing scores dramatically and building confidence from the fringe and fairway.
Why Up-and-Down Matters
- Stroke savers for amateur golfers
- Builds trust in your short game
- Enhances course management decisions
Chipping Techniques That Work
Bump-and-Run (A good way to go)
Use it when: You have plenty of green to work with and need control over distance.
Execution: Choose a 7- or 8-iron, play the ball slightly back, weight forward, and swing like a long putt.
Flop Shot (High Skill)
Use it when: You need to carry a bunker or stop the ball quickly near a tucked pin.
Execution: Open the clubface, lower your hands, widen your stance. Accelerate through with soft wrists.
Low Spinner (High Skill)
Use it when: Tight lies with a need to “check” the ball quickly.
Execution: Crisp contact, ball position slightly forward, club with high bounce (e.g., 60° wedge).
Setup Tips for Better Chips
- Keep hands ahead of the ball
- Limit wrist movement—use shoulders
- Eyes focused just ahead of the ball for clean turf interaction
- Don’t decelerate through impact
Practice Drills to Master Technique
- Towel Landing Drill: Place a towel 3 feet away and chip balls to land on it
- One-Hand Drill: Chip with just your trail hand to develop feel
- Random Lie Drill: Practice from rough, sand, fringe to simulate real conditions
Chipping/or pitching is definitely not the easiest thing to do on course (What is really?). However, next to putting it is essential to get this dialed in correctly. It can honestly save you a stroke a hole if you get this right. You want to aim for getting it within 4 feet of the hole if possible, but honestly anything within 10 feet should be the first goal to start with. REMEMBER, golf is a game of patience, and more patience.
Go get it. Feel like a ParPro.