Chipping with a putting stroke, often referred to as the “putt-chip” or “bump and run,” is a golf technique that involves using a putting motion to hit the ball instead of a traditional chipping or pitching swing. This method can offer several benefits in certain situations: 
- Precision and Control: Chipping with a putting stroke allows for greater precision and control over your shots. It minimizes the risk of mishits and provides more consistent results, especially when you need to carry the ball only a short distance and let it roll towards the hole.
- Lower Trajectory: The putting stroke produces a lower trajectory compared to a regular chip or pitch shot. This can be advantageous when you want to keep the ball closer to the ground to avoid obstacles or to ensure it rolls smoothly on the green.
- Predictable Roll: Since the putt-chip relies on the roll of the ball, it's easier to predict the distance the ball will travel on the green. This can be particularly helpful on fast, sloping, or undulating greens where controlling the speed is crucial.
- Consistency: Many golfers find it easier to maintain a consistent putting stroke compared to a full chipping or pitching swing. This can lead to more consistent results, making it a reliable option for short shots around the green.
- Versatility: Chipping with a putting stroke can be used in various situations, including bump-and-run shots, chip-and-runs, and even short approach shots. It's a versatile technique that can be employed when the situation calls for it.
- Reduced Risk of Chunking or Blading: Traditional chip shots can be susceptible to mishits, such as chunking (hitting the ground behind the ball) or blading (hitting the ball too thin). With a putting stroke, these mishits are less common, leading to more consistent outcomes.
- Lower Risk of Overshooting the Target: When you use a full chip or pitch swing, there's a greater chance of overshooting your target. The putt-chip, with its lower trajectory and controlled roll, minimizes this risk.
- Confidence Booster: Many golfers find that using a putting stroke for chipping can boost their confidence because it simplifies the motion and feels more natural, especially for those who struggle with traditional chipping techniques.
It's important to note that while chipping with a putting stroke offers numerous advantages, it may not be the best choice for every situation. Factors such as the distance to the hole, the lie of the ball, and the condition of the green should all be considered when deciding which chipping technique to use. It's beneficial for golfers to practice both putting-style chipping and traditional chipping to develop a well-rounded short game.
Update:
There are many benefits to chipping with a putting stroke. Here are a few of the most important ones:
- Consistency: A putting stroke is a smooth, pendulum-like motion that is easy to repeat. This makes it a more consistent way to chip than a traditional chipping stroke, which can be more prone to errors.
- Control: A putting stroke allows you to control the distance of your chip shots more precisely. This is because you can vary the length of your stroke to control the amount of power you apply to the ball.
- Accuracy: A putting stroke is more accurate than a traditional chipping stroke because it is less likely to produce a mis-hit. This is because the putting stroke is a shorter, more compact motion that is less likely to be affected by outside forces.
- Confidence: If you are already a good putter, then using a putting stroke for your chips will give you more confidence over the ball. This is because you will be familiar with the feeling of the stroke and you will know that you can control it.
- Lower scores: Ultimately, the goal of any golfer is to lower their scores. By using a putting stroke for your chips, you can potentially save strokes by getting the ball closer to the hole more consistently.
If you are looking to improve your chipping, I would recommend giving the putting stroke a try. It is a simple and effective way to chip the ball more consistently and accurately.
Here are some additional tips for chipping with a putting stroke:
- Use a lofted club, such as a pitching wedge or sand wedge.
- Position the ball slightly back in your stance, with your weight more on your front foot.
- Make a smooth, pendulum-like stroke, keeping your head down and your eyes on the ball.
- Practice chipping from different distances and lie angles to get a feel for the stroke.
With a little practice, you will be chipping like a pro in no time!
Here's a Q&A format discussing the benefits of chipping with a putting stroke in golf:
Q: What is chipping with a putting stroke in golf? A: Chipping with a putting stroke is a golf technique where you use a putting motion to hit the ball for short shots around the green, instead of a traditional chipping or pitching swing.
Q: What are the benefits of chipping with a putting stroke? A: There are several benefits to using this technique:
- Precision and Control: Chipping with a putting stroke offers greater precision and control, reducing the risk of mishits.
- Lower Trajectory: It produces a lower ball trajectory, which can be advantageous in certain situations.
- Predictable Roll: You can predict the roll of the ball more easily, especially on fast or sloping greens.
- Consistency: Maintaining a consistent putting stroke can lead to more reliable results.
- Versatility: It can be used in various scenarios, including bump-and-run shots and short approach shots.
- Reduced Mishits: The risk of chunking or blading the ball is lower with this technique.
- Lower Risk of Overshooting: There's less chance of overshooting the target due to the controlled roll.
- Confidence Booster: It can boost confidence and feel more natural for some golfers.
Q: When should I consider using a putting stroke for chipping? A: You should consider using a putting stroke for chipping when you have a short distance to the hole, want to keep the ball low, or need to roll the ball smoothly on the green. It's also useful when you need more precision and control.
Q: Are there situations where traditional chipping or pitching swings are more appropriate? A: Yes, traditional chipping or pitching swings are better suited for longer chip shots or situations where you need to carry the ball over obstacles like bunkers or rough. The choice between techniques depends on the specific circumstances.
Q: Can practicing chipping with a putting stroke help improve my overall short game? A: Yes, practicing this technique can improve your short game skills and provide an additional tool in your golfing arsenal. It's essential to have a well-rounded short game, so practicing both putting-style chipping and traditional chipping is beneficial.
Q: Are there any downsides to using a putting stroke for chipping? A: While chipping with a putting stroke has its benefits, it may not be ideal for all situations. It might not provide enough loft for certain shots, and in cases where you need more height or spin, a traditional chip or pitch might be preferable. Therefore, it's essential to assess the circumstances and choose the right technique accordingly.
Q: How can I become proficient at chipping with a putting stroke? A: To become proficient, practice is key. Spend time on the practice green working on your technique, distance control, and feel for how the ball rolls on the green. Experiment with different clubs to see which one suits your putting-style chipping the best. Additionally, consider taking lessons from a golf professional to fine-tune your skills.
Remember that golf is a game of adaptability, and having multiple techniques at your disposal can be a valuable asset in improving your overall performance on the course.
