The short game is often considered the key to unlocking lower scores in golf, with a significant percentage of strokes frequently being dropped within 100 yards of the hole. Mastering shots like the one-hop stop chip can dramatically improve a golfer’s ability to navigate challenging greenside lies. As demonstrated by Rory McIlroy in the accompanying video, this specialized shot is a valuable addition to any golfer’s arsenal, particularly when needing to carry the ball over an obstacle and achieve a soft landing.
While the one-hop stop chip may be viewed as a higher-risk shot due to its reliance on precision and spin, its effectiveness in specific situations makes it indispensable. This technique is specifically designed to create a trajectory that carries the ball through the air for most of its journey, landing with a single hop before stopping quickly. Understanding the mechanics behind this shot, as outlined by one of golf’s premier talents, is crucial for its successful execution.
Understanding the One-Hop Stop Chip
The one-hop stop chip is a finesse shot characterized by its distinct flight and landing pattern. Essentially, the ball is launched with sufficient spin to allow it to stop rapidly after making contact with the green. This contrasts with a traditional chip-and-run, where the ball rolls for a considerable distance, or a high flop shot, which typically stops almost immediately upon landing with minimal forward momentum.
This shot is particularly favored when a golfer needs to carry the ball over an elevated fringe, a bunker, or a slight slope on the green itself. The objective is to impart a substantial amount of backspin, which is generated through a specific clubface orientation and impact dynamic. When executed correctly, the ball is observed to ‘check’ or ‘bite’ into the green, minimizing its roll-out.
The Art of Imparting Spin on a Golf Ball
Spin is a fundamental aspect of golf ball flight and control. For the one-hop stop chip, backspin is the desired effect. Backspin is achieved when the clubface is delivered to the ball with a slightly descending blow, and the ball is compressed against the clubface. A key factor in generating spin is the friction between the clubface grooves and the golf ball’s cover. The more efficient this friction, coupled with the proper impact dynamics, the more spin is imparted.
The concept of “staying on the face a little longer,” as mentioned by McIlroy, refers to the perception of the ball’s interaction with the clubface during impact. This sensation is often associated with a clean strike where the ball is optimally compressed, allowing the club’s grooves to grip the ball effectively. This optimal compression and grip are what translate into the significant backspin required for a one-hop stop. Imagine pressing a rubber ball against a textured surface and then sliding it quickly; the friction generated is similar to what happens at impact to create spin.
Setting Up for Success: The One-Hop Stop Chip Setup
A meticulous setup is foundational for any golf shot, and the one-hop stop chip is no exception. Rory McIlroy emphasizes several key elements that are essential for encouraging the necessary spin and trajectory. These elements ensure that the club is presented to the ball in an optimal manner.
1. Stance and Body Alignment
Firstly, the stance is positioned relatively square to the target. This means that the golfer’s feet, hips, and shoulders are generally aligned along the target line. While some chip shots might involve an open stance for a cut or fade, a square setup is preferred for this particular shot to facilitate a more direct path through impact. A neutral body position helps in returning the club squarely to the ball.
2. Clubface Manipulation
Next, a slight opening of the clubface is advised. This action increases the effective loft of the club, which in turn encourages the ball to fly higher and land softer. The open clubface also exposes more of the club’s grooves to the ball, which is vital for imparting maximum spin. This subtle adjustment is not about creating a drastic slice but rather about optimizing the club’s interaction with the ball at impact.
An analogy might be made with how a baker scoops flour; if the scoop is held straight, less flour is gathered, but if it is slightly tilted back, more flour can be held. Similarly, tilting the clubface back (opening it) allows the ball to “sit” on the face longer and absorb more spin.
3. Weight Distribution
Crucially, the weight distribution at address is specified as approximately 55% on the left foot and 45% on the right foot (for a right-handed golfer). This slight bias towards the front foot helps in maintaining a stable base and promotes a slightly descending blow. A golfer’s weight being too far back might encourage a scooping motion, which reduces spin, while too much forward weight could hinder the proper release of the club.
This balance is not extreme; it is simply a subtle shift that prepares the body for the necessary motion. It’s like standing ready to push something; a slight lean into the direction of the push helps generate power and control.
4. Shaft Position
Finally, the shaft at address is held in a “pretty vertical” position. This means there is minimal shaft lean towards the target. A more vertical shaft position helps in creating the desired impact conditions, where the club is delivered with its intended loft. When the shaft is too far forward (leaning towards the target), it delofts the club, making it harder to get the ball up quickly and impart the necessary spin. Conversely, if the shaft is leaning too far back, it could lead to a thin shot.
Executing the Shot: The One-Hop Stop Chip Swing
Beyond the setup, the actual swing mechanics are critical for successfully executing the one-hop stop chip. The focus is on a controlled motion that delivers the club correctly through impact. Rory McIlroy’s instruction highlights the importance of returning the club to its original address position.
1. The Backswing and Downswing Transition
The backswing for this shot is typically shorter and controlled, emphasizing rhythm over power. The club is taken back smoothly, maintaining the integrity of the wrist hinge and clubface angle established at address. The transition from backswing to downswing is fluid, avoiding any abrupt movements that could disrupt the club’s path.
During the downswing, the body’s rotation and arm swing work in concert to bring the club down towards the ball. The key is to avoid excessive wrist action or an overly aggressive attack angle, which can lead to inconsistency. It is a controlled motion, similar to a pendulum swing, designed for precision rather than brute force.
2. Impact Dynamics
The moment of impact is where the magic happens for the one-hop stop chip. The primary goal is to return the shaft to the same “vertical” position it had at address. This ensures that the club’s loft is maintained, and the ball is struck cleanly. The wrists are encouraged to unhinge naturally, releasing the clubhead “under the ball.”
Releasing the club under the ball implies a shallow, sweeping motion that makes optimal contact with the golf ball just before or at the bottom of the swing arc. This interaction allows the clubface to compress the ball effectively against the turf, generating the high spin rate required. The sensation is often described as feeling the ball “climb” up the clubface slightly.
3. The Follow-Through
Following impact, the club continues its motion towards the target in a controlled follow-through. The hands and clubhead typically finish low, pointing towards the target, signifying a committed and balanced swing. A short, compact follow-through is generally preferred, reflecting the overall emphasis on precision rather than power for this particular chip shot. The body naturally turns towards the target, ensuring a complete and stable finish.
When to Employ (and Avoid) the One-Hop Stop Chip
The one-hop stop chip is a specialized tool in the short game toolbox, and like any specialized tool, it is not suitable for every situation. Understanding its ideal application and its limitations is key to using it effectively.
Ideal Scenarios
- **Over Obstacles:** When a golfer needs to carry the ball over a small rise, a tricky patch of fringe, or the edge of a bunker where a fuller swing would be too risky.
- **Tight Pin Positions:** If the pin is tucked close to the edge of the green, or there is minimal green to work with after landing, the quick stop of this shot is invaluable.
- **Firm Greens:** On greens that are particularly firm or fast, a regular chip-and-run might bound too far. The spin imparted by the one-hop stop chip helps to mitigate excessive roll.
- **Downhill Lies:** While challenging, the spin generated can help control a ball rolling down a slope after landing.
Situations to Avoid
- **Deep Rough:** Trying to execute this shot from thick, deep rough is often difficult, as the grass can get between the clubface and the ball, reducing spin.
- **Uphill Lies:** On severe uphill lies, getting the clubface to release under the ball cleanly can be cumbersome, and a more conventional chip might be safer.
- **Into the Grain:** If the grass around the green is growing against the intended shot direction (into the grain), it can be harder to achieve clean contact and spin.
- **Long Greenside Shots:** For shots requiring more carry or where a lot of green is available, a chip-and-run or a pitch shot might be a lower-risk and more appropriate choice.
Common Pitfalls and How to Correct Them
Even with Rory McIlroy’s clear guidance, golfers may encounter challenges when trying to master the one-hop stop chip. Awareness of these common mistakes can help in diagnosing and correcting issues.
- **Lack of Spin:** If the ball is not checking as expected, it is often due to poor contact or insufficient clubface exposure. This might be caused by a shaft that is leaning too far forward at impact, reducing the effective loft, or failing to open the clubface enough at setup. Ensuring the vertical shaft position at impact is crucial.
- **Fat Shots:** Hitting behind the ball (‘fatting’ it) often results from an overly steep attack angle or failing to shift weight adequately onto the front foot. The 55/45 weight distribution helps promote the slightly descending blow needed.
- **Thin Shots:** A thin shot, where the top of the ball is struck, can occur if the golfer tries to ‘lift’ the ball into the air or if the shaft is leaning too far back at impact. Remembering to release the club under the ball helps prevent this.
- **Inconsistent Trajectory:** Varying ball flight often points to inconsistencies in clubface angle at impact or an unstable body. Practicing with a consistent setup and focusing on a smooth, controlled swing can help.
Overcoming these challenges requires patience and focused practice. Drills that emphasize clean contact, proper clubface control, and consistent weight transfer will significantly improve proficiency with the one-hop stop chip.
Practice Drills for the One-Hop Stop Chip
To truly ingrain the mechanics of the one-hop stop chip, dedicated practice is essential. These drills can help build confidence and consistency.
1. Ball Position Drill
Place a small object (like a coin) slightly behind your golf ball. The goal is to hit the ball without disturbing the object. This helps reinforce the idea of striking down on the ball first and creating a clean impact. It ensures that the club is not bottoming out too early.
2. Towel Drill
Place a small towel a few inches behind the ball. The objective is to swing without hitting the towel. This drill emphasizes a shallow angle of attack and prevents the club from digging into the ground prematurely, which is critical for good contact in the one-hop stop chip.
3. Gate Drill
Set up two alignment sticks or clubs parallel to your target line, creating a narrow “gate” through which your clubhead must pass. This helps train a consistent club path and prevents an outside-in or inside-out swing path, which can negatively impact spin and direction.
4. One-Handed Chipping
Practice hitting chips with only your lead hand (left hand for right-handed golfers). This drill helps develop a feel for the clubhead release and encourages proper wrist action. It can highlight any tendency to “steer” the club rather than allowing it to release naturally.
By integrating these drills into a practice routine, golfers can systematically improve their technique and gain mastery over the one-hop stop chip. The continuous refinement of this specific golf shot will undoubtedly contribute to a more versatile and effective short game, leading to more enjoyable rounds and lower scores.
