Breaking 100: Simple Golf Chipping Setup for More Consistency
- Michael LaBella
- May 15
- 5 min read
Chipping is one of the most important skills for any golfer trying to break 100. It is also one of the fastest ways to reduce scores without changing the full swing. Many golfers struggle around the greens not because they lack ability, but because their setup is inconsistent and their motion is too complicated.
I am Michael LaBella, a performance golf coach at MLaB Golf located at Butler Country Club. For more than 15 years, I have worked with golfers to develop their skills and refine their overall game.
My focus has always been on simplifying the game so players can build reliable skills that hold up under pressure. The purpose is to simplify chipping into a repeatable system. When the setup is correct, the motion becomes easier, more predictable, and far more controlled.
My goal is to help you create a chipping action that feels similar to a putting stroke. With a lofted club, this will allows the ball to land softly and roll toward the target.
Understanding the Foundation of a Simple Chipping Setup
A good chip shot starts before the club moves. The setup controls contact, trajectory, and consistency. When golfers try to break 100, the goal is not creativity but repeatability.
Club Selection for Simple Chipping
The first step is choosing the right club. Simplicity here removes unnecessary mistakes.
Use a pitching wedge or a 50-degree wedge
Keep the loft lower so the ball rolls more after landing
Avoid high lofted clubs for basic chip shots
Focus on landing the ball early and letting it release
Lower loft is important because it reduces the need for perfect execution in the air. Instead, it turns the shot into a controlled roll, which is easier to manage under pressure.
Stance and Ball Position
A stable setup creates a stable strike. The stance should be narrow and controlled. Feet should be about two clubhead widths apart.
The ball should be positioned in the middle of the stance. This neutral position helps produce consistent contact without manipulation.
A narrow stance also reduces unnecessary movement. When the lower body stays quiet, the club becomes easier to control through impact.
Weight Distribution for Control
Weight placement is one of the most important fundamentals in chipping.
Place 55 to 60 percent of the weight on the lead side
Keep weight forward from setup to finish
Avoid shifting weight backward during the swing
Maintain pressure in the lead foot through impact
This forward position encourages a downward strike. It prevents scooping, which is one of the most common errors in amateur chipping. It also improves consistency in both contact and distance control.
Building the Correct Chipping Motion and Feel
Once the setup is correct, the swing becomes much simpler. The focus shifts from mechanics to feel, rhythm, and control. The motion should feel like a small putting stroke using a lofted club.
Grip and Posture
Grip and posture play a major role in simplifying the motion.
Grip down to the very end of the club for control
Stand slightly closer to the ball than a full swing setup
Maintain a slightly taller posture at address
Allow the toe of the club to sit slightly downward
Gripping down shortens the club and improves control. Standing closer reduces arm extension and unnecessary movement. A taller posture limits wrist breakdown and encourages a smoother stroke.
This setup creates a compact and repeatable position that is easy to trust under pressure.
Swing Motion and Tempo
The chipping motion should feel smooth, short, and controlled. There is no need for speed or power. The swing is primarily driven by the shoulders, and not the hands.
The wrists remain quiet throughout the motion. The backswing and follow-through should be balanced and similar in length.
Tempo is extremely important. A rushed motion leads to inconsistent contact. A steady rhythm produces cleaner strikes and better distance control. The goal is not to hit the ball hard. The goal is to guide it with control.
Weight and Body Stability
Stability is more important than movement in chipping. Once weight is set forward, it must stay there. Around 55 to 60 percent of the weight remains on the lead side throughout the entire motion.
There should be no shift backward during the swing. The lower body stays quiet while the shoulders control the motion. If the weight stays forward, contact becomes significantly more consistent.
Finishing Position and Shot Control
The finish position tells you everything about the quality of the chip. A good finish reflects balance, control, and correct structure.
The body should finish with the weight fully on the lead side. Hands should remain slightly ahead of the clubhead. The chest should face the target, and the body should feel stable.
A proper finish indicates that the club was delivered in a controlled downward motion rather than a scooping action. This is a key indicator of consistent short game technique.
Common Chipping Mistakes and Fixes
Most chipping issues come from a few repeatable mistakes. One of the biggest problems is excessive wrist action.
This leads to inconsistent contact and poor distance control. The fix is to keep the stroke controlled by the shoulders.
Another common issue is leaning back during impact. This causes thin or weak shots. The correction is maintaining forward weight throughout the entire motion.
Over-swinging is also a frequent mistake. Many golfers try to generate power instead of control. A shorter, more compact motion produces better results.
Poor club selection also adds unnecessary difficulty. Using a pitching wedge or 50-degree wedge keeps the system simple and repeatable.
Practice Approach for Faster Improvement
Improvement in chipping comes from repetition and structure, not complexity. The goal is to build a consistent motion through simple practice habits.
Start with short chips, focusing only on clean contact. Do not worry about distance at first. Once contact becomes consistent, gradually increase swing length while maintaining the same setup, weight position, and tempo.
A useful drill is to pick a landing spot on the green and repeatedly try to land the ball in that area. This builds distance control and improves feel without changing mechanics.
Another effective approach is to alternate between different distances while keeping the same setup. This teaches the body how swing length controls rollout without introducing confusion.
For players seeking structured improvement, I, Michael LaBella, work through MLaB Golf to guide golfers toward more consistent performance and better on-course decision-making.
How Does this System Help Golfers?
This chipping system works because it removes unnecessary decisions and focuses on a repeatable structure.
A narrow stance creates stability.
Forward weight ensures clean contact.
Simple club selection reduces confusion.
A putting-like motion improves control and consistency.
When these elements work together, chipping becomes predictable. Predictability leads to confidence, and confidence leads to lower scores. This is especially important for golfers trying to break 100, where short game errors are often the difference between success and struggle.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What club should I use for basic chipping when trying to break 100?
A pitching wedge or 50-degree wedge is ideal because it promotes low flight and natural rollout toward the target.
2. Where should the ball be positioned in my stance?
The ball should be in the middle of your stance for consistent and repeatable contact.
3. How much weight should be forward during chipping?
Around 55 to 60 percent of the weight should stay on the lead side throughout the motion.
4. Should I use my wrists when chipping?
No. The motion should be controlled mainly by the shoulders with minimal wrist action.
5. How do I control distance in chipping?
Distance control comes from swing length and tempo, not power. A short and steady motion produces the most consistency.
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