Golf Tips » November 2001: The Wood Chip off the Green

When your ball lies just off the green with no obstacle between you and the hole, use a fairway wood.  A 5 or 7 wood is an excellent choice as they have enough loft to lift the ball out of grassy lies.  The long shaft allows a compact swing kept low to the ground.

To chip with a wood, use your putting grip or your regular grip, assume a slightly open stance and set your hands slightly ahead of the ball as in Picture #1.

Keep your weight anchored on your front foot so you don’t sway as you make the shot. Choke down slightly on the grip, and using your putting stroke, keep the wrists firm at address and through the swing.  Let the clubhead swing through the hitting zone as an extension of your arms so the clubhead goes straight through to the target and stays low to the ground as in picture #2 and #3:

You’ll be amazed how much easier it is to chip from around the green with woods!