Handling Chipping Areas

Bump it, chip it or fly it: The key is picking wisely

By Jim McLean

Photos By Dom Furore

July 2009

Chipping areas, like this one behind the 10th green at Bethpage Black, have been added to several U.S. Open courses -- and other courses everywhere. The pros this year will face the same issue amateurs do in these spots: choosing the right shot.

One modern-day option is chipping with a hybrid, which was popularized by Todd Hamilton when he won the 2004 British Open using this shot. It might be the safest play, but it doesn't guarantee success. The idea is to stroke the ball almost like a putt, skidding it up the slope and onto the green. Beware: It takes practice.

Many players, especially European pros, prefer the old Scottish-style bump-and-run, where you play the ball back in your stance and bump a short iron into the slope. The ball bounces two or three times and rolls onto the green.

The lofted wedge is the first choice of many players, but it's the riskiest. You have to fly the ball to the green's edge and stop it fast. It's fun when you pull it off, but there's no room for error. Try them all, then choose wisely.

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Hybrid

Using a putting grip and smooth, arcing stroke, bounce the ball up the slope and let it roll on. Keep your head steady and accelerate for a solid hit.

8-iron

Choose a landing spot, and make a downward strike, trying to carry the ball about halfway there. Finish low to encourage a descending blow.

Lob wedge

Play the ball forward, and let your wrists hinge back and through. Keep your spine angle constant for solid contact. Land the ball where the hill flattens.

Ranked No. 4 on Golf Digest's list of America's 50 Greatest Teachers, McLean is based at Doral Golf Resort & Spa in Miami. Click here for more tips from McLean.