5 Chipping Myths That Are Making You Worse (And What to Do Instead)

If your short game is holding you back, it might not be a lack of effort; it might be bad advice or myths. Chipping is one of the easiest places for myths and outdated tips to sneak into your game. Let’s break down five common chipping myths that could be making you worse, and more importantly, what to do instead.

Myth 1: You Should Always Chip with Your Most Lofted Wedge

Chipping with your most lofted golf club is a mistake. Many golfers reach for their 60-degree wedge, regardless of the lie or distance, thinking that more loft means better control. 

The reality? High-lofted clubs introduce more room for error. Mishits become more punishing, and it’s harder to control distance.

Keep the ball lower when possible. Lower flight often leads to better roll-out and more predictable outcomes. A simple bump-and-run with an 8- or 9-iron can be far more reliable than trying to float a wedge to a tucked pin.

Myth 2: You Should Always Chip Instead of Putt

Chipping may seem like the right play, but if you have the chance to putt, take it! Any time you take the wedge out over the putter, you’re increasing the chance of error.

If you can putt it, putt it. Even from the fringe or light rough, the putter minimizes variables. 

If the lie is clean and you’re not carrying a major obstacle, choose the shot that gives you the best chance of getting the ball close, which we know is the putter. 

Myth 3: Use Your Wrists to Pop the Ball Up

Keep the wrists out of the chip shots whenever you can. Flicking your wrists at impact might feel like you’re adding soft touch, but it’s usually a recipe for thin or chunked shots. Wristy chips create inconsistent contact and unpredictable spin.

Keep the wrists quiet and let the motion come from your shoulders and body rotation. Think of the club as an extension of your arms. A more stable, connected motion produces clean, repeatable contact.

Myth 4: Hands Way Forward = Better Chip

You’ve probably been told to keep your hands in front of the ball. If it’s too far forward, you’ll deloft the club excessively. This reduces spin and makes it harder to stop the ball quickly, especially on fast greens.

Keep a slight forward lean, but not extreme. The shaft should lean just ahead of the ball enough to promote clean contact without turning your sand wedge into a 6-iron. Let the club’s loft do its job. You’ll see better flight and more consistent rollout.

Myth 5: It’s Not the Equipment, It’s You

Your technique matters, but sometimes your equipment is actually what is causing the issues in your golf game. If you’re chipping with a wedge that’s worn out or using a golf ball that barely spins, you’re making the game harder than it needs to be.

Start by using a clean wedge. Make sure your grooves are not completely worn out and give up a few yards off the tee if you need to when choosing a ball so that yours will spin as it should.
Budget wedges with smooth faces and low-spin balls can turn a decent chip into one that runs 15 feet past. You don’t need Tour gear, but you do need something that gives you a fighting chance. 

Final Thoughts

The short game is where good rounds are saved or lost. By debunking these five myths and making informed decisions about both technique and equipment, you’ll begin to see tighter proximity, better chips, and lower scores.