A chip shot is made when the ball is very close to the green – usually within a few years – but not actively on it. The primary goal is to get the ball on the green and as close to the hole as possible, but an easy put. Chip shots differ from pitch shots in that they are much closer to the green and therefore need much less flight and distance. However, like pitching, chipping tends to be one of the more difficult shots for many amateur players simply because they are usually very unique and quite difficult to practice on a regular basis. As a result there is an endless list of golf chipping tips available, though the shots themselves remain difficult.

Unlike the pitch shot, where you really need to gain distance by flying the ball but do not want it to roll very much; chipping is the exact opposite. The golden rule of chipping is to achieve just enough air to get the ball on the green and past any obstacles, while allowing the ball to roll as much as possible. As a result, people have devised an interesting flight/roll ratio calculation that can help you achieve better chipping. First, it is important to note that effective chipping requires the proper use of different clubs and these different clubs have a direct bearing on how well your chip shot is likely to go.

First, it should be noted that these formulas are based on both a professional, well squared hit and the results are based on a level green and using a normal pace. Therefore it has to be understood that you have to calculate which club is best for your given situation regardless of these core results. Further, in order to take full advantage of this system, you will have to have a full set of golf clubs and good experience at using them properly.

Under the circumstances described above, a pitching wedge (the 10 iron) will fly half the distance and will roll half the distance, for a flight/roll ratio of 1:1. The 8 iron will result in the ball flying one third of the distance and rolling two thirds of the distance, 1:2. The 6 iron will fly one quarter of the distance and will roll three quarters of it, 1:3. In order to address an uphill or slow shot, you should generally down to the next club: therefore if you judge you need 1:1 ratio to make your shot, but it is steeply uphill, you would use the 8 iron instead of the 10 iron. The inverse is also true if you are swinging down hill and fast: so if you feel you need the 1:1 ratio in this scenario you would move up to the lob wedge.

This basic idea is common among golf chipping tips and is frequently known as the “6-8-10” method or technique. As such it is easy to find out more about how this system works and it has a proven track record of significantly helping people with their chip shots. However, as noted above, this system – like most others – only works if you already have a well developed swing and can hit the ball correctly.