When faced with a challenge on the golf course, the more options you have the better.
Learn to execute different types of chip shots and you will always have a solution. It won’t matter what Donald Ross, Pete Dye, or Gil Hanse throw at you.
Diversity in your short game is critical to saving strokes on the course. Don’t try to force a square peg into a round hole.
Practice and develop different types of chip shots and you will be able to get up and down from anywhere.
More close chips. More one-putts. Break 80 for the first time and watch your golf handicap drop.
We have defined 8 different types of chip shots below. How many do you routinely use?
Let’s get started!
How To Play 8 Different Types Of Chip Shots
#1: Different Types Of Chip Shots: The Bump-n-Run
Definition:
The bump-n-run is a chip shot that gets on the ground quickly. The goal is to get it rolling as quickly as possible.
Club Selection:
You want less loft when hitting a bump-n-run. You can play around with different clubs, but start off using a 7-iron.
How To Hit A Bump-n-Run:
- Read the green as if you were hitting a putt. The ball will be rolling, so the break is important.
- Place the ball back in your stance and push your hands forward.
- Make a putting stroke. The ball should only be in the air for a short distance. You are just trying to “bump” the ball.
When Should You Use a Bump-N-Run?
This is the perfect chip when you are close to the green, but far from the hole.
The ball will come out very low and roll a long distance. You can’t hit a bump-n-run if there is a hazard in front of you (high grass, bunker, etc.).
When you practice this shot pay attention to your speed control. That is the hardest part to master when executing a bump-n-run chip shot.
#2: Different Types Of Chip Shots: Trap Spinner
Definition:
The trap spinner chip shot is the most common shot played by low handicaps and scratch golfers.
The ball comes off the club, takes a bounce or two, and then spins (checks up).
Club Selection:
The Trap Spinner can be played with any of your wedges. We recommend you practice with your most lofted wedge (lob wedge or sand wedge).
How To Hit A Trap Spinner:
- Place the ball back in your stance and press your hands forward. You want to de-loft the club.
- Keep your wrists firm and make an aggressive and downward pass at the ball.
- Hold your finish – you want to use your club to “trap” the ball against the ground.
- Crisp contact is important if you want your ball to spin.
When Should You use The Trap Spinner?
This is the standard chip for most advanced golfers. This is the type of chip shot they will use the most.
In other words, if the conditions don’t force you to hit a different shot this is your “go-to” play. Practice this shot more than the others.
Related article: 5 Tips To Use AimPoint Putting To Drop More Putts!
#3: Different Types Of Chip Shots: Flop Shot
Definition:
Golf Hall of Famer Phil Mickelson made the Flop shot famous. This chip shot goes very high and lands softly on the green (like a butterfly with sore feet).
Club Selection:
Height is the goal when trying to hit a flop shot. With that in mind, you always want to use your most lofted wedge (lob, sand).
How To Hit A Flop Shot:
- Open your stance and open the clubface wide open.
- Place the ball near the front of your stance.
- Take an aggressive swing and try to slice under the ball. You need speed in the impact zone to execute a flop shot.
When Should You Use A Flop Shot?
The flop shot can be helpful on the golf course, but you only want to try it when you have to. It is a high-risk, high-reward type of chip.
If you don’t execute properly, you can blade the ball well over the green or duff it short of the putting surface.
Use the flop shot when you are short-sided. When your only option is to hit the ball high and get it to stop quickly.
#4: Different Types Of Chip Shots: Texas Wedge
Definition:
The “Texas Wedge” chip shot doesn’t require a wedge! This is the term used by golfers when they decide to use their putter from off the green.
Club Selection:
Putter!
How To Hit A Texas Wedge Chip:
- Read the green as if you were on the surface.
- Speed control is critical when playing a “Texas wedge” chip.
- Assess the turf your ball will be rolling through before it reaches the green to determine how much it will slow your ball down.
- Make a normal putting stroke (you will have to hit it harder than normal)
When Should You Use A Texas Wedge Chip?
Quick answer. Anytime you are uncomfortable with the other different types of chip shots on our list.
Using your “Texas wedge” is a safe shot. Arnold Palmer said, “Your worst putt will usually be as good as your best chip”.
Of course, you can’t do it if there is a sand trap in your way, but if you are feeling nervous about a chip the Texas Wedge is a good option.
#5: Different Types Of Chip Shots: Belly Your Wedge
Definition:
This is an advanced golf shot. You will see it used on the PGA Tour. You purposely hit the ball with the belly or blade of your wedge.
This puts an over spin on your ball and it will roll through a small amount of high grass (rough).
Club Selection:
You can use any of your wedges, but we recommend lob wedge or sand wedge.
How To Belly Your Wedge:
- Open the face of your club – wide open.
- Setup in a putting stance.
- Make a putting stroke and hit the middle of the golf ball with the blade of your wedge.
When Should You Belly Your Wedge?
This is a unique chip shot and it is used in one specific situation. Your ball ends up just off the green, but up against the collar.
If a golf course has high rough, the difference between the fringe and rough can be significant.
If you find yourself in this situation, bellying your wedge will work better than different types of chip shots.
#6: Different Types of Chip Shots: Sand Trap Spinner
Definition:
This is your typical greenside bunker shot. The ball comes out high and after a couple of bounces spins to a stop. This is also known as a “blast” shot.
Club Selection:
Sand wedge or Lob wedge.
How To Hit A Sand Trap Spinner:
- Open your stance and open the clubface. You should be aimed left of your target.
- Make an aggressive swing, cutting under the ball. Try to hit approximately 1-inch behind the ball.
- Don’t stop the club in the sand – accelerate through it.
When Should You Use The Sand Trap Spinner?
This will be your normal chip shot from greenside bunkers. The majority of the time, this will be how you escape from the sand trap.
#7: Different Types Of Chip Shots: Bunker Chunk-N-Run
Definition:
The bunker chunk-n-run can be a very useful shot. By hitting behind the ball, it removes the spin, and the ball will roll farther.
Club Selection:
You can use any of your wedges, but we recommend your sand wedge or lob wedge.
How To Hit The Bunker Chunk-N-Run:
- Open your stance and open your clubface.
- Aim left of your target.
- Swing hard but hit the sand 2-3 inches behind the ball.
- When done correctly, the ball will land on the green without much spin.
When Should You Use the Bunker Chunk-N-Run?
This is the perfect chip shot for longer bunker shots. You don’t want to try and fly the ball all the way to the hole.
It is a safer shot than the sand trap spinner. We all know the pain of blading a bunker shot over the green.
#8: Different Types Of Chip Shots: 3-wood Bump
Definition:
An alternative way to play a bump-n-run. You use a 3-wood, 5-wood, or hybrid to get the ball rolling on the ground.
Club Selection:
3-wood, 4-wood, or hybrid. Practice each to determine which one you prefer.
How To Hit The 3-Wood Bump:
- Read the chip like a putt.
- Grip down on the club to the edge of the shaft.
- Make your putting stroke to get the ball bouncing and rolling.
When Should You Use The 3-Wood Bump?
The 3-wood bump is a great alternative to the bump-n-run or the Texas wedge. It will get the ball rolling with over spin.
Give it a try when you are near the green but far from the hole. Your 3-wood clubface is hotter than your irons or putter, so be careful not to hit it too hard.
