Learning how to chip from the rough can be a big stroke saver around the greens. These shots aren’t technically difficult, but you need a few key pieces of information to master the technique. In this video golf tip, Mel shares the secrets of chipping from the rough, touching on club selection, stance, swing and grip.

Club Selection

This shot needs plenty of lofts, so use a lob wedge or a sand wedge.

Stance

Just like a standard pitch shot, put the weight slightly on the front foot.

Set-up

Be careful with these shots that are sitting down deep in the rough. If you press the club behind the ball, it might move, and you would incur a penalty. Instead, hover the club above the ground, similar to that of a bunker shot.

If the target is close, open the face, get even more loft, and swing a little harder. If you have to make the ball stop, in this instance, you are not going to get much backspin, so you need height to stop the ball. The more clubhead speed you have, the higher the ball will go.

Stance

By having an open stance, you automatically create an out-to-in clubhead path, which will help control some of the inevitable roll of the ball.

Finally

And finally, don’t quit on the shot. Keep the club moving through the rough and finish with all your weight on your lead foot. Spend some time practicing this shot to get the feel of how hard you have to hit so that the next time you have this shot on the golf course, you know exactly what to do. Another great shot to add to your arsenal of short game shots!