Shortgame Set Up
When it comes to chipping, most golfers focus on technique—wrist action, shaft lean, or the length of the swing. While those elements matter, the quality of your setup and ball position often determines the result before the club even moves. In the short game, small errors are magnified, and a poor setup can make even a sound motion ineffective.
A consistent setup creates predictability, If your stance, posture, or alignment changes from shot to shot, you introduce unnecessary variables. Great chippers simplify the task by returning to the same setup every time, allowing the body to react naturally.
Ball position is the cornerstone of solid contact. For most standard chips, the ball should be slightly back of centre, with your weight favouring the lead foot. This promotes a descending strike, ensuring the club contacts the ball before the ground. When the ball drifts too far forward, the low point of the swing often moves behind the ball, leading to thin or fat shots. Too far back, and the leading edge can dig, reducing consistency and feel.
Equally important is how ball position influences trajectory and rollout. A ball positioned back will generally launch lower with more roll, while a more centred position produces a slightly higher flight. Understanding this relationship allows you to control distance without changing your swing dramatically. Instead of manipulating the hands or wrists, you can adjust ball position subtly while maintaining the same motion.
Setup also affects face control and strike quality. A narrow stance, light grip pressure, and the handle slightly ahead of the ball help stabilise the club through impact. This structure encourages clean contact and prevents excessive hand action, which is a common cause of inconsistency under pressure.
Ultimately, good chipping is about making the game simple. By prioritising setup and ball position, you reduce the need for mid-swing corrections and build trust in your technique. Before you look for a new drill or swing thought, check the basics. In the short game, how you set up to the ball often matters more than you think.
