Improving your golf chipping skills is essential for lowering your scores and becoming a more well-rounded golfer. Here are some of the best golf chipping drills to help you hone your short game:

1. **The Basic Chip Shot Drill:**
– Set up a target (like a hole or a specific spot on the green).
– Start with a wedge or a sand wedge.
– Use a narrow stance, ball in the center, and weight slightly favoring the left side (for right-handed golfers).
– Make a small backswing and a controlled, accelerating downswing.
– Focus on the impact and follow-through, keeping your wrists firm.
– Repeat, trying to get the ball as close to the target as possible.

2. **Three-Zone Chipping Drill:**
– Divide the green into three zones (front, middle, and back).
– Place several balls around the fringe or rough, simulating different lies.
– Try to chip each ball into its designated zone.
– This drill helps you control distance and accuracy.

3. **Ladder Drill:**
– Set up several balls at increasing distances from the target, forming a ladder pattern.
– Start with the closest ball and chip it to the target.
– Move to the next ball and continue until you reach the farthest one.
– This drill helps you practice various distances and improve your feel.

4. **Clock Face Drill:**
– Imagine the hole is at the center of a clock face.
– Place balls at different positions around the “clock” (e.g., 3 o’clock, 6 o’clock, 9 o’clock).
– Chip each ball while focusing on the corresponding clock position.
– This helps with direction and distance control.

5. **Hula Hoop Drill:**
– Lay a hula hoop on the green, with a hole in the center.
– Try to chip the ball so that it lands and stops within the hula hoop.
– This drill sharpens your precision and landing accuracy.

6. **Chipping Over an Obstacle:**
– Place an obstacle (e.g., a towel or a golf club) a few feet in front of you and the target.
– Chip the ball over the obstacle and onto the target.
– This drill helps you develop the ability to control trajectory.

7. **Left-Hand Only (or Right-Hand Only) Drill:**
– Practice chipping with only your non-dominant hand (left for right-handed golfers).
– This drill enhances your touch and feel.

8. **Up-and-Down Challenge:**
– Select different spots around the green.
– Try to chip each ball close to the hole and then make the putt.
– Record your total number of strokes and try to beat your score in subsequent rounds.

9. **Pressure Putt-Off Drill:**
– Set up a game with a friend or by yourself where you need to chip close to the hole to avoid losing.
– Adding a competitive element can help simulate pressure situations you might encounter on the course.

Remember to practice regularly and focus on your technique and control. Chipping is a crucial aspect of golf, and consistent practice with these drills can significantly improve your short game.

Contact Dan Chicorel at Bettergolfinstruction.com to schedule a lesson.