How far can you hit a chip shot?

Answered by Robert Dupre

The distance you can hit a chip shot can vary depending on various factors such as the loft of your club, the technique you use, and the conditions of the course. However, the rule of 12 is a helpful guideline that can give you a rough estimate of how far your chip shots will carry.

The rule of 12 states that the total distance you want the ball to carry on a chip shot should be 12 yards. This means that if you want the ball to carry 6 yards in the air and roll the remaining 6 yards, you would select a club with enough loft to achieve this desired result.

Let’s break down the rule of 12 further to understand its application. If you want the ball to carry 12 yards in the air and roll 0 yards, you would select a club with the least amount of loft, such as a 7-iron or 8-iron. These clubs have lower lofts, which means the ball will have a lower trajectory and less spin, resulting in minimal roll upon landing.

Conversely, if you want the ball to carry 0 yards and roll the full 12 yards, you would choose a club with more loft, such as a sand wedge or lob wedge. These clubs have higher lofts, causing the ball to have a higher trajectory and more spin, resulting in greater roll upon landing.

Now, let’s consider a scenario where you want the ball to carry 6 yards and roll 6 yards. In this case, you would select a club with a loft that falls between the lower-lofted iron and higher-lofted wedge. A pitching wedge or gap wedge could be suitable options in this case.

It’s important to note that the rule of 12 is just a guideline and may not always be applicable in every situation. Factors such as the firmness of the greens, wind conditions, and the slope of the terrain can all affect the amount of roll you get on a chip shot. Therefore, it’s crucial to practice and experiment with different clubs and techniques to find what works best for you in different situations.

In my personal experience, I have found the rule of 12 to be a helpful starting point when deciding on which club to use for chip shots. By keeping the desired carry distance in mind, I can select a club that provides the optimal balance between carry and roll. However, I have also learned that it’s important to adapt to the specific conditions of each shot and make adjustments accordingly. Sometimes, I may need to increase or decrease the loft on my chosen club based on factors like the firmness of the greens or the presence of obstacles near the landing area.

To sum up, the distance you can hit a chip shot can vary depending on the loft of your club, technique, and course conditions. The rule of 12 provides a helpful guideline for determining the desired carry and roll distances, but it is important to adapt to the specific conditions of each shot. Practice and experimentation are key to finding what works best for you in different situations.