How do I chip better?

What causes it

Chipping uses short strokes around the green, and the common problems are fat and thin contact, deceleration and the yips. They stem from poor weight placement, flipping wrists and a lack of commitment. The yips are a separate problem. Tense hands and a fear of a bad result make some golfers jab at the ball, and no amount of technique helps until the stroke feels calm again. Simplifying the motion and choosing a lower-lofted club often takes pressure off.

How golfers fix it

Phil Mickelson's Chipping 101 from Foresight Golf is the top pick, recommended by 23 golfers, 12 of whom say it helped. His longer lesson, The Art of Chipping, has 13. Kevin Kisner's lesson on body connection has 9, and Rick Shiels' chipping lesson has 7 with 4 saying it fixed their chipping. Common advice:

• Lean the weight onto the lead foot.
• Keep the hands ahead of the clubhead.
• Turn your chest through the shot.

Common mistakes

Trying to scoop the ball up is the main error. Another is changing your technique for each lie. Choose a simple method and use less loft when possible. Also resist practicing from perfect lies only. Most chips in a round are not ideal, so spend part of your session on rough, slopes and tight turf.

Written with AI from the lessons and recommendations above. Not a substitute for a coach.