How to Chip in Tall Grass

with Michael Lamanna

Transcript: How to Chip in Tall Grass

Hello! My name is Michael Lamanna, Director of Instruction with Troon Golf at the world famous Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale Arizona.

Today I'm going to help you with one of the most troublesome shots in golf, a chip from tall grass. Even tour players would rather be in a bunker than face this shot. But once you understand the basics of the chip from tall grass, you can be effective.

As always, our goal when facing short shots from off the green is to get the ball up and in with one or two strokes. So let's get started.

Best Golf Clubs for Chipping in Tall Grass

Out of tall grass, lower lofted irons-like a 7-iron or 8-iron-will not work. You must use a sand wedge or lob wedge for this shot.

The Tall Grass Chipping Shot

For the right hand golfer, here are the basics for the shot:

1. Use a narrow stance with your feet and hips slightly open to the target line.
2. Your weight will be positioned 70% on your front foot.
3. Grip the club near the bottom of the handle.
4. Position your hands in the middle of your left thigh.
5. Your arms and the club will form a Y.
6. On the back swing, turn your shoulders and hinge the wrists. The club head will rise up steeply.
7. On the down swing you will rotate your hips toward the target and let your arms and club fall.
8. At impact, trap the ball between the club face and the ground.

Your ball position and finish will determine the trajectory and roll when chipping from tall grass.

Chipping With Low Ball Roll

To hit the ball low with roll:

1. Select a sand wedge.
2. Play the ball off your right big toe.
3. At address and at impact make sure your hands are in front of the ball and that the shaft leans toward the target.
4. Finish with the club head low. Your arms and the club shaft will toward the grass a few feet past your body.

Chipping the Ball Higher

To hit the ball higher, with less roll:

1. Select a lob wedge.
2. Move the ball to the center of your stance. The club shaft will lean only slightly toward the target.
3. Finish with your arms and the club shaft extended toward the spot on the green you want the ball to land and with the club face looking up and toward the target.

All short game strokes require good fundamentals and practice. The time you spend working on chipping will pay big dividends when you add up your score.

Thanks for watching. To learn more, visit us at About.com.

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