Chip Shot - The Perfect Time To Make A Chip Shot

One of the regulations specified by the United States Golf Association (USGA) is called the "Greens In Regulation" (GIR) rule. This rule is one of many that are subject to updating annually in the official Rules of Golf published by the USGA. It states that a player must hit the ball onto the green within a specified number of shots. The number of shots for each hole is determined by the par rule of that particular hole.

On a par-3, for example, you have one shot to get the ball on the green. A par-4 hole requires that you reach the green in two shots. And par-5 holes mean that you have three shots to reach the green.

That is the idea anyway. So hitting the ball onto the green within these regulations is standard procedure for the professional golfer. And although the purpose of the Rules of Golf is to keep the game both enjoyable and challenging, regular players may find that the Greens In Regulation rule is an extremely challenging goal.

In fact, many of us find it challenging enough, just to make the green in the prescribed number of shots, and to do so on every hole seems an almost insurmountable goal. Invariably your ball ends up just off the green, a foot away, on the collar, or in the rough near the green. Just close enough to be downright annoying. Ah, but let us not forget the rules are there to make the game more enjoyable.

The Chip Shot Comes to Your Rescue

A chip shot is similar to the pitch shot, except that the ball does not go as far into the air. Your ball may travel just a few feet when a chip shot is made. The ball simply chips its way up and onto another area of the course within a short distance.

Your might be thinking that this shot doesn't seem like a major technique to use on the golf course, but having the skill to make just the chip shot you need is of key importance. Not only will it save you unwanted strokes, it can save you from missing or overshooting the green when playing by the rules.

Characteristics of a Chip Shot

The following characteristics best describe a chip shot:

1. There is only a little loft on the ball.

2. When hit with a chip shot, the ball pops right into the air, but with a very tight arc, moving it practically straight up.

3. The impact with the ball produces a "chipping sound".

4. In a chip shot, only the initial 20% of travel is in the air, with the remaining travel occurring on the ground.

Obviously, getting down the art of chipping takes some practice. Although it may seem more difficult at first, you will come to understand more intuitively when to use the chip shot to your advantage as you become more skilled.