Masters 2026: How to hit the saucy chip shot you'll see everywhere at Augusta National
· Yahoo Sports
Look closely at the 2026 Masters and you'll notice pros call on a common shot around the greens. When I try to describe it, I keep thinking of the word "fizzy." The ball launches low but with lots of spin. It fizzes off the face. When it comes back to earth the spin tries to grab the turf but can't quite do it. The ball skids but checks on its first few bounces, which slows it down. But with that excessive backspin gone, now it begins rolling forward almost like a putt.
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Scottie Scheffler seems to be the master of this shot. You can see him hit it here.
And also right here.
Rory McIlroy called this pitch shot into the third hole one of his best of the final round. Even though the first bounce lands into the upslope, it moves the same way.
I'd also put Tiger Woods' iconic chip on the 16th hole from the 2005 Masters into this bucket. Notice how the first bounce checks and the ball slows down, at which point the slope takes over.
That's why players gravitate towards this shot so often at Augusta National. The lower launch gives you some measure of predictability when it comes to your landing spot (AKA, it's easier to land the ball where you want) while the spin helps control the ball once it lands (AKA, it gets the ball on the ground). The roll at the end of its journey helps players use the undulations on Augusta National's greens to their advantage.
As for how you hit it yourself? We've got an explanation right here, but as far as basics:
- Stand closer
- Get the handle higher
- Move your body towards the target on the backswing
- Hit down on the ball
And if you find yourself practicing on a Trackman, Golf Digest Best in State teacher Liam Mucklow put together this handy chart to consult. The key metrics you need to match with the chart are your Angle of Attack, Low Point Depth and Low Point Height.
"It's a low-launch spinner," Mucklow explains. "From 30 yards, you're gonna launch it at 30 degrees, and you're gonna have 5,500 spin. And that first hop, you're gonna see some action."
Just like the kind you'll see players hit at the Masters.
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