Selecting the Ideal Club for Chipping Around the Green
As Lane "The Lever," I emphasize that chipping around the green demands the same rhythmic feel and precise timing that powers the full lever swing. The key is selecting a club that allows a sweeping, effortless release, promoting control through loft and bounce rather than forced mechanics. Wedges dominate this scenario due to their high loft, designed specifically for short approach shots or chips, enabling a smooth, descending blow with minimal backswing for consistent contact.
Primary Recommendation: Wedges
A wedge is the go-to club for most chips around the green. Its high loft launches the ball softly with spin, ideal for stopping it quickly on the putting surface. Here's a breakdown of the best options:
- Pitching Wedge (PW, 44-48° loft): Use for longer chips (10-30 yards) where you need a lower trajectory and more roll. Perfect for firm lies or when carrying over moderate fringe.
- Gap/Approach Wedge (GW/AW, 50-54° loft): Versatile for medium chips (5-20 yards). Balances carry and roll, suiting varied green speeds.
- Sand Wedge (SW, 54-58° loft): Essential for fluffy lies, light rough, or tight lies needing bounce to glide through turf. Example: Select a sand wedge for a bunker shot or standard chip from fairway grass.
- Lob Wedge (LW, 58-64° loft): For high, soft shots over hazards or when maximum stopping power is required on firm greens. High bounce prevents digging.
Choose based on distance, lie, and green conditions—higher loft for softer carry, lower for roll-out. Modern models like Titleist Vokey SM10 or Cleveland RTX 6 offer customizable grinds for lever swing players seeking that sweeping release.
When to Use an Iron for Chipping
While wedges rule, a iron—with its flat angled face for shorter shots or approaches—works for specific "running" chips. Opt for a 7-iron, 8-iron, or 9-iron on tight lies, long chips (20+ yards), or fast greens where roll is your friend. Example: A 7-iron for an approach-style chip across a sloping green. This promotes a putting-like stroke with lever swing tempo, but avoid if bounce is needed to prevent fat shots.
Lever Swing Technique for Chipping Success
Apply lever principles: Maintain a long, sweeping arm motion with wrist release timed to the low point. Drills to build feel:
- Tempo Drill: Clock your backswing to one long count, forward to "release"—smooth, no rush.
- Bounce Glide: Practice with wedge bounce skimming grass, feeling the effortless pop.
- Distance Wedges: Hit 10 chips each with PW, SW, LW to one-yard increments, honing rhythm.
Focus on shoulder turn over hip slide for purity; poor timing pulls or pushes, common lever misses.
Key Takeaway
For chipping around the green, prioritize a wedge matched to lie and distance—sand or lob for most scenarios—to unlock effortless control through rhythmic timing and feel. Master this with patient practice, and your short game flows like the full lever swing, turning pars into birdies with artistic precision.