Tip From the Archives

Pulled or Pushed Chip

Problem

You consistently pull or push your chip shots.

Cure

Make sure the clubface is square to the target line at setup and check the ball position in your stance.

Therapy

When you have a tendency to pull your chip shots, try moving the ball further back in your stance and see if it improves. If you usually push your chips then you should move the ball a little more forward in your stance to help ensure you square the clubhead better at impact.

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6 votes

 
M Nair | 4 years ago, at the start of April

I have seen low handicappers chip and the ball bounces once or twice and comes to an abrupt halt 2ft from the hole. most of my chips with a sand wedge run 6/10 ft beyond the hole. Any advice? From your therapy advice, I understand if the ball is placed back the tendency to push and vice versa, correct ?

Mark T. | 4 years ago, at the start of April

You know you are supposed to play the ball back in your stance for a chip because you want your hands ahead of the ball. I think this tip was based only IF you PULL or PUSH that you need to make those adjustments due to swing path or turning of the club to help make cleaner contact. Just one of those things you can try to correct the problem, if you have the problem. M Nair, are you hitting the ball more like a putt or are you hitting down on it hard? Another thing you should consider is the length of your backswing. If you take too long of a backswing then you decelerate as you approach the ball and see a runner. Remember, hit down to get the ball up.

Golf Medic | 4 years ago, at the start of April

You do want the ball back in your stance and you either want your hands ahead of the ball or even with it. If you are pulling or pushing your chips, you might need to make a slight adjustment with the ball position in your stance to make better contact. We adjusted the article to be a little more neutral for those of you are confused. It is possible for people to have the ball placed too far back in their stance while chipping and then their clubface might not be square to the target at impact. The same can be said about the ball being too far forward. Because a chip is such a short shot, moving the ball ahead or back just a little can make a big difference. The only way to know if this is the problem for you, without a pro's help, is to try it and see if it helps.

C. Loren | 4 years ago, at the start of April

Just use a chipper club and avoid all the confusion. Besides, the chipper is now legal to use anyway. Who cares if others think it's a "wimpy" way of chipping. For average golfers (especially recreational golfers) who may not have lots of time to practice, the chipper eliminates much of the guessing and frustration and can also help speed up the pace of the game. It consistently gives you an accurate shot - every time! Afterall, it's about the end result that counts not trying to figure out which iron to use, hand and ball position, etc. in the middle of a round of golf. It's about enjoying this great game. For you skeptics (and purists too) dont' knock it 'till you try it!



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