Master The Golf Chip And Run Technique With Our Expert Tips

Chip and run technique explained by Golf Monthly Top 50 Coach Gary Munro

(Image credit: Tom Miles)

last updated 15 February 2024

Mastering the chip and run technique could help you get up and down more often from around the green, adding another string to your short game bow.

In this video, from Golf Monthly Top 50 Coach Dan Grieve, and this article, by Golf Monthly Top 50 Coach Gary Munro, we explore everything you need to know to nail this score-saving shot...

What is the chip and run technique?

The chip and run is one of the easiest shots to master, yet many players struggle as they let their hands interfere with the action. This can lead to a catalogue of problems, from hitting the ground heavy to the unpredictable strike of a thin.

Taking the wrists out of play can solve this issue. A one-piece movement, with arms and body forming a triangle, lets you make the simple swing action needed to give you the chance to chip close and save par more often.

Simplify the set-up

Golf Monthly Top 50 Coach Gary Munro setup chip and run

Keep your feet close together with just one clubhead width between them. Flare your left foot out a touch with about 70% of your weight on your lead side and a slight body and shaft lean towards the target.

Ball position should be just back of centre. Gripping down near the shaft will help with control. Grip pressure should be light – about five out of ten.

One-lever movement

Golf Monthly Top 50 Coach Gary Munro chip and run shot

There’s no wrist hinge in this chipping action. Think of the arms and body as one lever working together. Use a short motion back then, to help start the downswing, feel that your left shoulder turns through.

Take your right hand off the club and press your left thumb into the crease between left arm and shoulder to feel this. Then, simply concentrate on turning the chest through to the target, with a shorter, controlled finish.

Consider carry-to-roll ratio

Golf Monthly Top 50 Coach Gary Munro chip and run practice

You can use this technique with any club but the more lofted the club, the more carry and the less roll-out. A rough carry to roll-out ratio would be: lob wedge – 75% carry, 25% roll; pitching wedge – 50% carry, 50% roll; 8-iron – 25% carry, 75% roll.

Ground conditions will influence these numbers, as will the slope and speed of the greens. Place some hoops on the green to help you experiment with different clubs to different landing points.

Gary's chip and run checklist

1) Take the wrists out of play

2) Simplify your set up, focusing on ball position and weight distribution

3) The arms and body should work together in a one-lever movement

4) Experiment with your club choice, but always consider the carry to roll-out ratio

Location: Woburn GC

Dan is one of the leading coaches in the UK, a Fellow of the PGA and a short-game virtuoso. He has had considerable success with a collection of tour pros, helping them to Order of Merit titles and major victories, and his Short Game School is the most attended in the UK. His students, past and present, include Charley Hull, Georgia Hall, Inci Mehmet and Iona Stephen.

Most common problem:

Swing – over the top , help by getting the basics correct at address and making them aware how to get the club online coming down.

Short game – creating spin and feel around the greens, help by educating on what the short game actually is (weak on purpose) and understand bounce and how they can apply it to different lies/situations.

Greatest success story:

Helping Georgia Hall from World No. 450 to No. 6 and winning a Major, two Order of Merits and Solheim Cup appearances.

Greatest teacher:

Alex Hay was a great influence during my first few years at Woburn. In sport more generally Sir Clive Woodward has taught me how to deliver at the highest level.

Most common fault:

Flipped right hand (hands behind the ball). Understand a correct coil/load going back and how to sequence better coming down so the chest opens up and gives the arms space to deliver a stronger impact. Lots of body action drills to enhance the feel, with and without the ball.