World Class Chipping Technique with Lag

Chipping Technique Synopsis

Chipping is one of the most deceptively simple parts of golf, and yet it’s where many players struggle with consistency. In this lesson, Mike Cahill breaks down a reliable, repeatable chipping method built around one core concept: lag. By allowing the clubhead to trail behind your hands as you move into impact, you naturally create forward shaft lean, cleaner contact, and a more predictable ball flight. This soft‑wristed motion is similar to Phil Mickelson’s hinge‑and‑hold technique, but simplified so golfers of any skill level can apply it.

Mike begins by demonstrating lag with a one‑hand drill, helping players feel the clubhead “hang back” as the hand moves forward. Once that sensation becomes familiar, adding the second hand allows you to maintain the same softness in the wrists and forearms. With the ball positioned in the middle of your stance, this motion alone eliminates common mishits like skulling or chunking, giving you a solid baseline chip you can trust.

From there, Mike shows how small adjustments can change trajectory without altering the core motion. Moving the ball slightly back in your stance produces a lower, running chip, while opening the clubface and re‑gripping it in your normal position creates a higher, softer shot that lands gently and stops quickly. Both variations rely on the same lag‑driven impact position, making them easy to learn and repeat.

Finally, Mike tackles one of the toughest short‑game situations: the downhill lie. Instead of tilting your shoulders to match the slope—which often drives the ball too low—he teaches a smarter setup. By standing with your feet together, opening the face, and placing the ball exactly where the club naturally meets the ground during practice swings, you can produce a surprisingly high, soft‑landing chip even from a steep downhill position. It’s a simple adjustment that makes a notoriously difficult shot far more manageable.

Watch the video to see the entire technique.