Mastering the Hybrid Chip: A Step-by-Step Guide to Improve Your Short Game
By: Maddi MacClurg
Published on: May 17, 2025
Golf enthusiasts know that honing your short game can make a significant difference in lowering your scores. Whether you’re dealing with wet conditions like those at the recent PGA Championship, or conversing with tricky Bermuda lies around the greens, mastering the hybrid chip is one of the most valuable skills you can develop. According to Parker McLachlin, a GOLF Top 100 Teacher to Watch, the hybrid chip shot is simple once you nail a few essential setup keys. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every critical detail for executing this versatile short game shot effectively.
1. Get Close and Raise the Handle
The first step to executing an effective hybrid chip is to get as close to the ball as possible. According to McLachlin, “I want to make sure that I get really close to it, almost uncomfortably close.” This proximity allows you to maintain a better connection with the ball, making it easier to execute a controlled shot. Raising the handle of your club during setup is equally crucial. This adjustment not only facilitates a comfortable stance but also encourages a swing more akin to putting, which is essential for this technique.
2. Grip Down for Better Control
An important aspect of mastering the hybrid chip is learning to grip down. McLachlin advises choking up on the club almost to the steel, lending you enhanced control over the clubhead. A proper grip is fundamental as it stabilizes your wrist and minimizes unnecessary movement throughout your shot. By adopting a putting grip on your hybrid club, you’ll feel more connected to the stroke and better positioned to execute a clean, crisp contact with the ball.
3. Narrow Your Stance
A narrow stance is a hallmark of effective hybrid chipping. Bring your feet closer together to the point where they almost touch. This adjustment significantly reduces lower-body movement, allowing you to replicate a smooth putting motion rather than engaging in a full swing. A refined stance not only contributes to stability but also improves your ability to maintain balance throughout the stroke, resulting in a consistent strike.
4. Set Your Hands Forward with the Ball Back
Correct ball position and hand alignment are pivotal for successful hybrid chipping. Lean the club shaft forward, placing the ball slightly back in your stance—just off your trail toe. This setup encourages a descending strike, promoting ball-first contact. The goal is to prevent strikes that catch the ground or overeager lifting of the ball. This positioning results in a low-trajectory shot that rolls effectively, producing that much-coveted control that most golfers aspire to achieve.
5. Make a Smooth Putting Stroke
One of the most common mistakes amateurs make when attempting a hybrid chip is trying to add extra power or a "hit" to the shot. McLachlin emphasizes that “there’s no hit involved in this stroke at all.” Instead, focus on creating a long and smooth putting stroke. Let the club do the work while minimizing wrist action. This results in a controlled shot that mimics the behavior of a putt—coming out low and rolling effectively on the green. With consistent practice, this technique can transform your short game and help you navigate difficult lies like a pro.
6. Practice Makes Perfect
Like any skill, the hybrid chip requires practice to master. Set aside dedicated time during your practice sessions to focus solely on this shot. Use drills that encourage the correct stance, grip, and stroke. Engage in routines that simulate various lies, ensuring you can handle different conditions—from wet grass to hardpan—improving your versatility on the course. By dedicating time to practice these steps, you’ll cultivate confidence in your short game and see tangible results.
7. Visualization Techniques
Before executing your hybrid chip, spend a moment visualizing the desired trajectory and outcome of your shot. Imagining the ball’s roll and its landing spot can enhance your focus. This mental preparation allows you to relax and execute your stroke with greater intention. Many successful golfers employ visualization techniques as part of their routine to enhance their overall game, and it’s just as valuable for executing short shots like the hybrid chip.
8. Analyze Your Performance
Post-practice, or even if you have a chance during a round, take the time to analyze your performances with the hybrid chip. Note down what worked and what didn’t, observing whether your stroke, setup, and alignment were effective. Data logging can be an insightful practice, as it allows you to identify trends and areas needing improvement. The more knowledge you gather about your short game, the more refined your skills will become.
9. Additional Resources for Improvement
For those seeking to delve deeper into the nuances of short game techniques, resources like ShortGameChef.com offer a treasure trove of tips, drills, and expert insights curated by McLachlin himself. These resources can provide golfers of all levels with a broader understanding of short game strategies, allowing them to adopt personalized approaches that resonate with their unique playing styles.
10. Embrace the Learning Process
Every golfer’s journey is punctuated with successes and setbacks, and embracing the learning process is fundamental to improvement. As you tackle the hybrid chip, you may encounter challenges. Acknowledge these moments, and don’t hesitate to revisit the foundational principles of setup and execution that we’ve discussed. With time, persistence, and dedication, you’ll find that the hybrid chip becomes a reliable tool in your golfing arsenal, enhancing your overall game.
In conclusion, mastering the hybrid chip is not just about learning the mechanics; it’s a holistic approach to enhancing your short game. With the right stance, grip, and mindset, you can tackle almost any situation you face around the greens. Make the hybrid chip a staple in your golf game, and watch as your confidence and scores improve.
