Wedges
Beginner

Landing Spot Chip Drill

Teaches control over where the ball lands on chip shots. By focusing on a specific landing spot (rather than the hole), beginners learn to predict roll-out and improve consistency on chip-and-run shots.

Equipment Needed

Wedge or short iron
Tees or a small towel as targets
Golf balls

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

On the practice green, choose a hole and then pick a spot on the green where you'd like the ball to land for a chip (usually a couple of yards onto the green). Mark that spot with a tee or a small towel.

2

From just off the green (rough or fringe), practice chipping with a mid or short iron (e.g., pitching wedge or 9-iron) trying to land the ball exactly on the marked spot. Use a simple chip-and-run technique (minimal wrist hinge, like a putting motion).

3

Observe how the ball reacts after landing on the spot – how far does it roll out to the hole? Adjust your landing spot or club selection as needed so that the ball, after landing on the spot, will roll out near the hole.

4

Repeat this drill from different locations around the green, always identifying a precise landing point and trying to land the ball there. Over time, you'll gain a better feel for how different landing spots and trajectories affect rollout.

Professional Endorsement

Phil Mickelson emphasizes picking a specific landing spot when chipping. This drill mirrors what Phil and other short-game experts do: focus on where to land the ball to get it close to the hole.