VIDEO GOLF INSTRUCTION: Dave Pelz on Eliminating Fat Chips Forever

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In this video, short-game guru Dave Pelz explains and demonstrates a simple method for chipping that improves consistency and eliminates the dreaded fat chip shot.

Pelz calls it the “fool-proof way to chip. It really does make it easier.”

First he describes some common chipping problems. Many golfers get handsy. They put the ball forward in their stance or in the middle of their stance. It they get anxious, they hit the chip fat. After struggling with fat chips, they can start skulling chips to avoid chunking the ball.

“There’s an easier way,” Pelz says. “The truth is, all you need to do is make the right-sized swing and hit it solid. That’s the only thing this shot requires. Make the right length of swing so it has the right power. And don’t hit it fat or thin. Just hit it solid, or anywhere near solid.”

How to Hit Solid Chip Shots

Ball Back in Stance

“I want you to put the ball across [from]your right ankle,” Pelz says. “I’m only moving the ball an inch and a half, two inches. So it’s back in my stance, but it looks way back.”

Toes Forward

“Then I flare my toes forward,” Pelz continues, “because I want to be able to see the hole better. And I want to get the hips out of the way so that all I do is drop the club on it.”

De-lofted Short Iron

“I use an 8-iron,” Pelz says. “When I de-loft it, it becomes a 5-iron because I want it to hit and roll. I don’t want any backspin on it. I don’t want to worry if it’s going to bite or not.

“Now, we have an 8-iron de-lofted to a 5-iron. I can’t hit it fat with the ball there. It eliminates fat. And even if I hit it thin, it’s going to be a pretty good shot because I’ve got such a straight blade. It almost doesn’t matter where I hit it on the blade.”

Pelz intentionally hits a thin chip. The ball rolls to within a foot or two of the hole.

“I can make those putts,” he says.

Pelz’s Chipping Recap

Practice this a few times:

  • Put the ball back in your stance

  • Flare your toes forward so that your hips open a little bit

  • Then just move back and through

“Put a little swinging motion on it. And then learn how far the ball goes. Because it’s going to be low and running. There’s going to be no backspin to deal with. There’s no fat shots to deal with. All you have to do is learn the right-length swing for the right-length shot.”

Dave Pelz has coached major champions such as Patrick Reed, Phil Mickelson, Payne Stewart, Lee Janzen and Tom Kite. He is the author of Dave Pelz’s Short Game Bible, a national bestseller.

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Neil Sagebiel

Neil Sagebiel is a golf writer and author of two golf books published by St. Martin's Press, THE LONGEST SHOT and DRAW IN THE DUNES. He lives in Floyd, Virginia.
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