Golfers will do everything to score lower scores.
Whether it’s buying a new $500 driver, getting custom fit for clubs, or even hiring a sports psychologist. But there’s one aspect of the game that troubles a lot of everyday golfers and there might be an unexpected answer.
So which part of the game are you referring to?
Chipping technique … So many golfers struggle with the chipping yips and it kills their confidence around the greens. The sad truth is that it can happen to anyone – even Tiger Woods in the 2020 season who has some of the best hands in golf.
What’s the possible fix?
Cross-hand chipping
It can fix leading edge problems and increase shaft lean so you can hit the club more consistently. Keep reading to find out more about this unique gripping method and how it may help your short game.
Cross-Hand Chipping
Cross-hand putting is something most golfers know, but few know how to use it for chipping. I didnt learn about it even though I played golf for many decades.
But it wasn’t some no-name golfer using this method… It was the eventual winner of the US Open, Matt Fitzpatrick. He used this unconventional technique to win his first major championship.
Matthew is far from the average player when it comes down to golf. He’s famously said that he tracks every single shot he hits in practice in a golf journal. This is insane commitment and he wouldn’t switch to this style unless he knew it would give him better results.
Now, cross hand chipping is becoming more popular, even if you don’t have the yips. Let’s get into how this technique works and see if it’s right for your game.
Chip Cross Handed Vs. Regular Grip
I recommend you evaluate your current style of chipping before making this change.
Is it something you are good at or something that you struggle with all the time? If it’s a strength, I’d advise against changing your chipping style as it might cause more harm than good.
But if it’s a weakness in your game, make sure you’re also addressing the issue in practice. Here are some useful articles to help you master basic chips shots:
- Run and bump!
- Chipping vs. pitching
However, if you’ve done all the drills with a regular grip and are ready to invest in a chipper you’re so desperate for answers, then it might be time to switch your grip.
Benefits of Chipping Cross Handed
Consistency is the first benefit of this style of chipping. Fitzpatrick explained during a PGA Tour interview, “I just found it more consistent. The ball is more consistent with its movement. It’s the same every time.
You know what’s coming. When I was chipping normally, it’s not like I had the yips. I was experiencing a lot of inconsistency with the strike and the release. I started doing it a couple of years ago in the rough, because I felt the technique really got the (club)head out.”
It might be worth a try if you are looking for more consistency and have never liked your traditional grip for chip shots. It can also help with stroke issues if you are too aggressive.
As stated in this YouTube videoCross-hand chipping allows your trail side to not get stuck. This makes your leading side more dominant and, hopefully, results in a more consistent shot at the golf ball.
How to Cross Hand Chip
Matthew also mentioned in the PGA Tour interview that he only uses it within 30 yards. He uses his traditional grip when hitting out of bunkers.
Here’s how to execute the shot.
- First, grab the correct club for the shot. The more green you have the better, as it will release more towards the cup.
- Next, put your left hand on the club first (assuming you’re a right-hander) so it’s lower on the grip. Next, place your right-hand underneath the left.
- You can then practice swinging the new grip style.
- Adjust your weight so it’s more on your lead leg and swing like normal.
- The ball should react the exact same way to a well-struck chip shot with a traditional grip.
Before you take it to the course, practice chipping cross-handed. You dont want to frighten your playing partners, or make it to the last round of a major event. Instead, practice this left hand low shot a lot.
This motion will feel very different from normal and may take some time to become comfortable. Plus, you’ll want to practice it for longer chips of 20–30 yards too.
Also, it’s a good idea to create rules of “when” to use this shot. Matt mentioned that he still uses the conventional grip in bunker and for high flop shots. You might consider using this grip for bump-and-run shots only.
FAQs about Chipping Cross Handed
Do you have any questions about chipping to save shots on the green? Continue reading to find out more.
Which hand controls chipping
Common golf instruction has taught us that the left hand is the dominant one for chip shots. For most players, however, the dominant hand is the left-hand. This gives a lot more power to the nondominant hand.
Sean Foley is a top golf instructor and suggested another method instead. Golf Digest. “Try hitting chips with your right hand only. When you address the target, tilt your right hand slightly toward the shaft so that your right wrist is in a cupped posture. Then, take the club back.
Your body should pivot toward the target when you swing down. If you keep the body pivot and arm swing moving together, your right wrist should stay cupped through impact.”
To get more control of chipping, use both left and right.
Is cross-handed putting better?
Cross-handed putting is a great way to putt. Its second only to traditional putting grips on the PGA Tour. This grip is great for many players, and it will allow them to grip the putter better.
Cross handed putting grips eliminate almost all of the right-hand movements. Cross handed is a great option if you are having trouble making putts or if your right hand is too active. It’s also a great way to make a ton of putts from short range.
However, there are also some drawbacks to this grip style. Click here to find out more about cross-hand putting.
What is the rule 12 in golf chipping
The rule of 12 is a method to understand the relationship between loft, and how much the ball will release onto the greens. Here’s how it works…12 yards (36 feet) is the most you want the ball to carry on a chip. Lower lofted clubs don’t go as high in the air and release much more than higher lofted clubs.
Let’s say you take an 8-iron – if you hit it 4 yards, it will release another 8 yards (4+8 = 12). A pitching wedge can travel 6 yards and release 6 (6+6=12).
This might be too much math/pacing chips shots on the course for some golfers. However, many players prefer it. Feel this type of shot. It might work wonders for wired people like Bryson deChambeau (aka Scientist).
Who uses the cross-handed chipping method?
While Matthew Fitzpatrick’s is definitely the biggest name in the game to use it, he’s not alone. Vijay Singh, Chris Couch, and others have used it over the years. In fact, Chris Couch used this style from the bunkers too (we don’t suggest this grip style from the sand).
Additionally, don’t forget that some players use this grip style for all shots. Josh Broadaway from Korn Ferry is an example of this grip style. He uses it all the way to the green with his full swing.
What is the best method of chipping?
If you’re off the green it’s always best to first think about putting from the fringe. The old “Texas wedge” is the easiest and most reliable shot for the everyday golfer (and experienced players too).
Putting from the fringe doesn’t require a ton of changes and rarely do you miss as big as you would with chipping. But sometimes there’s too much fringe or something in your way and you need to chip.
Our rule of thumb: Always putt if its possible, then chip, then finally pitch. Its easier to save shots around green if you can get your golf ball rolling like a putt.
Final Thoughts about Chipping Techniques
Cross handed chipping isn’t for everyone and not recommended if you’re already solid from around the greens. But if you’ve practiced chipping, done your short game drills and still aren’t getting the type of results you want, it’s not a bad idea. It can improve your chipping and may save you some shots or strokes.
The good news is that you can practice this at the short game area and pretty quickly learn if it’s right for you. There’s no need to swap out your grips or anything either. Plus, if you use a cross handed putting grip, it’s likely going to be a much easier transition too.
Don’t forget, it worked for the 2022 US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick’s game who is extremely meticulous with his approach. He almost won the PGA Championship, despite one of the most notable quirks in golf.
This left-hand low-chipping technique could be just what you need to break out from a slump.
