The ONE Chipping Drill Every Golfer Should Master | Padraig Harrington
Three-time Major Champion Padraig Harrington demonstrates the essential 'standard chip' technique using an alignment stick drill to ensure ball-first contact. He provides a masterclass on club gapping, explaining the specific carry-to-roll ratios for clubs ranging from a 7-iron to a 64-degree wedge, while sharing strategic advice on selecting flat landing spots on the green.
Keep your weight and sternum forward (left side) throughout the entire chipping motion to ensure a clean, descending strike.
Use an alignment stick 3-4 inches behind the ball during practice to eliminate the 'scoop' or 'flick' common in poor chipping.
Aim to land the ball roughly two paces onto the green for maximum consistency, regardless of the club used.
Memorize club gapping fractions: 7-iron is 1/5 air and 4/5 roll; Pitching Wedge is roughly 1/2 air and 1/2 roll.
Strategically pick landing spots that are flat; land the ball over downslopes and short of upslopes to increase your room for error.