Here’s a breakdown of the main types of golf chip shots, used to control trajectory, spin, and roll near the green:
1. Basic Chip Shot
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Purpose: A low shot with minimal airtime and maximum roll.
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When to Use: Just off the green with plenty of green to work with.
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Club: Usually a 7–9 iron or pitching wedge.
2. Bump and Run
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Purpose: A low, running shot that travels just over the fringe and rolls out like a putt.
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When to Use: On firm turf with a clean path to the hole.
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Club: Typically a 7 or 8 iron.
3. Lob Chip
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Purpose: A high, soft-landing shot with minimal roll.
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When to Use: To carry a hazard or land softly on a tight pin.
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Club: Lob wedge or sand wedge (58°–64°).
4. Flop Shot
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Purpose: An exaggerated high chip with almost no roll.
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When to Use: When you have to get the ball up quickly over an obstacle near the green.
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Club: Lob wedge, with an open clubface and steep swing.
5. Toe-Down Chip
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Purpose: Limits wrist action for more control, often used in tricky lies.
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When to Use: Out of thicker rough or tight lies.
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Club: Any wedge or short iron; grip the club like a putter.
6. Putting Chip (Hybrid or Putter Chip)
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Purpose: A low-speed, rolling shot using a putting stroke.
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When to Use: Very close to the green with minimal grass between you and the hole.
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Club: Hybrid, fairway wood, or putter.
7. One-Hop and Stop
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Purpose: Lands once and checks up quickly.
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When to Use: On firm greens when you need the ball to stop fast.
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Club: High-lofted wedge with spin.