Common Chipping Mistakes and Simple Fixes

Mistake: trying to lift the ball

The club has loft already. When you scoop, the low point moves behind the ball and contact gets messy. Let the club brush the grass and trust the loft to launch the shot.

Mistake: stopping the body

If the chest stops, the hands often flip. Keep your shirt buttons turning gently toward the target so the club can move through impact without a jab.

Mistake: choosing too much loft

Many golfers reach for the lob wedge automatically. Sometimes the easier play is a pitching wedge landing a few paces on and rolling like a putt. Use loft when you need it, not because it feels fancy.

Fixes that work:

• Rehearse brushing the grass in the same spot.
• Chip with a 9-iron to learn roll and contact.
• Hold the finish for two seconds.
• Land five balls on a towel before caring where they finish.

Read the lie

Down in rough? Expect less spin and more uncertainty. Sitting clean on fairway? You can be more precise. Ball against the collar? A putting stroke with a hybrid may be safer than a wedge.

Quick recap

Most chipping mistakes come from scooping, freezing, or overusing loft. Brush the grass, keep turning, and pick the easiest shot available.