Should You Chip With a 7 Iron or a Wedge?

[@24reprise]

Thank you from New Zealand. I watched this video this morning and shot my best ever round this afternoon, 84 with two birdies. I am 71 and have a 21 handicap which I very much want to reduce. This is my 3rd season back at golf after a 45 year break. I will watch more of your videos. Cheers Ivan

[@deldridg]

Well done Ivan - this made me smile! You'll be shooting your age in no time. Regardless - keep it up and a big shout from across the ditch! Cheers from Sydney - Dave

[@wrx248]

This guy is a great instructor. To the point and hits the ball without talking forever about the details and physics of ball flight. I was all ears all the way. Way to go.

[@dameonbrown4840]

Hey, Single digit handicapper and when I first saw your video I was like “He’s crazy, I will never use a 7 for chipping.. I practice short game for an hour or two daily and I always use my 58 and 54.. I practiced yesterday with the 7 for giggles and I was impressed with the consistency... I will be using the 7 for longer chips 15 yards + for now on... Thanks for the tip...

[@evanevans670]

H koi koi koi koi koi I koi koi koi i with many I

[@carlcampbell6827]

Dameon Brown - Back in the 90s i got a video by LPGA professional Jan Stephenson. She had an excellent segment on chipping where she showed how to use a 5 iron at the fringe and then how to work back with 6 through 9 iron depending on how far off the green you are.

[@jeffloewi5632]

First video of yours I've seen and I love it so far. I love the simple reasoning, the no nonsense editing, your clear understanding of what we feel standing over a chip.

[@davidmcpa]

Matt keeps it very simple. Great instructions.

[@wallstreetoneil]

The better golfer you want to become, the more you should practice hitting every club from every location because you will learn from it. It reminds me of two stories from the Tour. First is how Tiger takes FULL swings hitting his 7 iron 100 yards and then slowly adds 10 yards to his distances - go try it and see how hard it is and then practice until you can do it. The 2nd is Bubba often takes 1 club, at his home course, and plays Par from the tips - he's Parred with every club in his bag (doesn't use his putter - doesn't want to break it). So yes, use that 7 iron

[@nicholasschroeder3678]

That's artistry.

[@michaelburrisjr6354]

Thank you so much. I killed it with my 7 this weekend!!

[@James0802ut]

I tried it today and did a direct comparison between my wedge , which is my go to club for the application. I chipped around 200 balls and the 7 came in as the clear winner even though I've never used it like this before. Thanks for all the videos, they really have helped me a lot!

[@dlooney4540]

I used my 7 iron today for the first time around the green very successfully. Thanks so much for the tip. Would have never thought to use that club for my short game! Excellent advice.

[@davechavezjr5399]

Excellent video Matt! For me, the 8 iron works best in most situations! I have found that chipping with a typical wedge is difficult to achieve consistency and avoiding the chunky shots. Cannot understand why anyone would not like this video. 🙂

[@PJGGolfer]

I like the 8iron as well around the greens for my bump and runs.

[@wesleytyler9599]

That simple 👌 Just got my confirmation . Whatever works best 🎯🏌‍♂️

[@richardpace2484]

I generally use the 8 and PW in a similar matter as you have explained here in this video. For me, the 8 Iron is my club that gives me the most confidence in almost any situation.

[@joeharris3196]

I used a 7 for years. I changed over to a 8 last fall and actually lowered my scoring average.

[@tomault3063]

I learned golf in the 90's and 7 was standard on chip and run. Took quite a few years off and greens seem generally faster now, at least in swOhio. So, I switched to the 8, and often have to go 9. 8 is my best club, as well.

[@nards656]

8 all the way.

[@robertshields6214]

I use my 8 around the green with lots of success.

[@JamesThomas-wi2ro]

Same here, Mr. Shields.

[@doug2993]

Yes me too, I use it for all kinds of bump and run shots, all the way out to 50-60 yards. The 7 iron rolls too far for me. Pick a club and get good with it. There is some degree of luck, but usually I am at least putting after that 8 iron bump.

[@blowith]

Lovvvve my 8 iron around the green and from 50 in!

[@doug2993]

@@blowith yep!

[@carlcampbell6827]

Robert Shields - Yea you got that right. How many golfer have the skill to chip with SW or PW on rough golf courses with holes that have a lot of tight lies and dirt. As I posted here above. Back in the 90s i got a video by LPGA professional Jan Stephenson. She had an excellent segment on chipping where she showed how to use a 5 iron at the fringe and then how to work back with 6 through 9 iron depending on how far off the green you are.

[@jhooton75]

Great video! I used to use my 7 iron anywhere around the green. But then for some reason I started using either my 52 or 56 degree wedge. I’ve been struggling really bad, either hitting it three feet or straight across the green. You’ve convinced me to go back to the 7 iron.

[@1645308]

I have always used an 8 and a putting style shot when I'm that close to the green and it works great...for me

[@mrcr125er]

Great video. I'm about a 6 handicap and still use my 7 iron very frequently here in Chattanooga TN. This time of year the ground is so wet that a wedge is very easy to chunk. I've been trying to help one of my buddies that is just beginning to golf to use this method more.

[@jamesreynolds6750]

As a beginner, I learned a great amount on how to use the 7-iron and pitching wedge.

[@jimgovostes6261]

Matt: best system I ever learned is the Bill Black method. Every club is a putter. Use putting stance and grip. Very mechanical, especially, when you lose your feel from having not played for a while. So, figure which is the 50-50 club, 50% carry and 50% roll. For me that is the Pitching Wedge. Next, a 33%-67% club (8 iron for me). And finally a 25%-75% club (6 iron for me). The other clubs become those in-between. So setup closer to the ball and putting stroke - the same stroke for every club. In time, one can really develop a great touch. I do it all the time especially when I am not sure of green speed. Obviously, uphill and down hill requires some changes in club selection. While I can do what you do, I prefer Bill Black's method.

[@danamcqueen6982]

Very much like Paul Runyan's "Rule of 12" short game approach. Works like a champ.

[@Handletaken4]

Spin is not your friend on a chip unless you golf for a living. My buddy insists on using urethane balls and sand wedges. Half his shots check up, half roll 15' past. I play a Wilson 2-pc and use a 7i and my ball rolls close

[@neiltaylor1765]

Get it rolling as soon as possible, I'll hit anything up to 3 wood depending on situation

[@drpaddi]

I'm a new golfer and you just relived my mind about all those "extra" clubs called wedges.🤪 I'll just keep using my 7 Iron. Thank you Mr. SGG. 👏🏻

[@henryschumann442]

Great video Matt. It’s good to see Mr Short Game actually talking about the short game. 🙂 I would look forward to tips for 40yds and in from heavy rough.

[@ttran5083]

I’ve decided that confidence is 90% of the short game….so I am going to pitch with the 7 from now on! Thanks for the lesson.

[@robbiegolding1831]

Totally trying this! I lose 8-10 strokes a round near the green skullling/fatting my wedges

[@fartsunltd6981]

Look up the rule of 12 on YT. There is a specific ratio of air to roll for your irons based on loft. Especially easy to master if you have a smooth consistent putting stroke.

[@khamkenchanh2735]

Love your video Matt cos i like using 7, 8, 9, and PW to do my bump n run. Late last year, i even got the special chipper after watching your review 😃. Then Covid hit my family hard. We lost her mom in November and then my wife 3 weeks ago. So we lost 2 loved ones within the 2 and half months. I guess now i can practice my short game after all the snow melts away and hopefully soon. As always, thank you for sharing great tips and lessons, Matt.🙏👍👍👏👏👏

[@frankking1466]

Nice tutorial! Always just used 7 for outta the woods, play it off back foot and punch it out! I’m gonna try the 7 iron/wedge within next few weeks with my short game, around the fringe! Thanks man

[@briankirchmer1460]

Great one my man. Lots to consider here and I appreciate you

[@kellysaylors5845]

I used to love my wedge, but one day it just up and packed it’s bags, started using my 7 iron and have short game confidence again!!

[@dlooney4540]

I absolutely love this video. I am one of those guys who more often than not use my wedge in this scenario with disastrous results!

[@PJGGolfer]

I am a fan of using might 8iron, but this is a great tip depending on the shot around the greens. Cheers!

[@Thomas-hf3dn]

Great video never thought about chipping with a iron new to golf and chunk a lot chipping. Thanks for the tip can’t wait to use

[@Coachandrewjames]

He sounds so flippen smart when he talks. It all makes so much sense! Thank you!

[@PaulFurber]

Very good tip Matt. I grip down when I chip using longer clubs for more control and accuracy and also use that 'leave the right elbow there forever' tip that you came up with on your video on how to do a low spinning checker.

[@larryyoung9106]

in dormant grass situations I have been chipping with a hybrid...bump and run. When I coach people I have them use 7 iron around the green to learn to brush the grass and not chunk or take a divot when chipping...also use a 8 iron out of the bunker until they get some confidence, makes hitting a sandwedge much easier when they move to it...good video, show more on how to deal with dormant bermuda conditions.

[@frankzayas3103]

Heading off to play today, I'm sure I'll run into opportunities to try this. BTW, now that you are here in GA, I'm sure you've noticed the ultra crappy conditions we have to deal with this time of year. I'd love to see you do a video or two about how to deal with the mushy, muddy areas around the greens, the almost non existent grass, etc in the short game. I'm happy we get to play year round here, but at times, it's barely real golf.

[@richlabounty4601]

Same thing here in Alabama. I use 8 iron most of the year for chipping.

[@AwlDeigh]

Grew up in mid 1960s playing golf on par 3 muni course located in very small southern town Played everything with a 7 iron and a putter. Came back to game about 6 months. 8 iron and PW have served me well so far. Bought used 60* wedge very unpredictable for me. Excellent video. Thanks

[@gordonsteen5560]

Hey Matt thats the first shot i was taught when istarted golf, how to use a 7 iron around the green. Old school, yes but as you say minimal chance of chunking it. Has stood to me over 60 years now

[@Optimus._97]

Love the Bump and run now. I had gotten a little one track minded for a while only hitting my 54 or 60 when i became proficient at chipping. Now that i have gotten rid of the ego and allowed the bump and run back in im dropping more chips.

[@elderhiker7787]

Today, on the 18th hole, I had about 60 feet to the pin in the back of the green. I used the 7 iron to punch one up to 3 feet from the hole and a par on this long par 4 hole. Your advice is spot on. Thanks a million.

[@stevenl.halesr.6894]

I've always used the 8 iron to chip and roll. Club center, hands ever so slightly forward.

[@davead6578]

Just got back from Nevada where I got a bunch of golf in. Conditions of the fairway and around the green necessitated the use of mid-short irons (7,8,9) around the green. These irons were gold in these dried-out conditions. Wedges bought you very little, and I’m a good wedge player. Definitely worth practicing shots with these irons where the ground is either too dry or (even) too wet for wedges.

[@tomroche2937]

This video addressed something that has frustrated me for a while. Whether to use a wedge or another club. Thanks!

[@stevehainestrumpet]

Nice video. I have always had difficulty with how hard to hit a 7 iron verses a wedge around the green and determining how far the ball will roll out for one over the other. You may want to talk about aiming for a landing spot with either club. The 7 irons you hit in this video did not seem to go very high in the air. It definitely takes practice to get the feel of how hard to hit the ball for these shots.

[@hitdog042]

1/3 flight 2/3 roll works pretty well for me. Adjust based on the slope you’re hitting into.

[@roeydaz]

Where I play in summer it’s a hard pan course. Using a wedge is difficult off hard pan. The 7 or flatter iron works great! Cant use it around all greens or if a bunker is in the way, but I always use the 7 iron whenever I can. The wedge shot is a tough one off hard pan.

[@ABu09873]

Excellent video! I personally chose my chipping club based on "how soon" I can get my ball on the green & rolling. Similar as you described in your scenarios. Excellent explanation! From your 1st position that I saw on the video, the 7i was good (for me). Same with your position at 5:27. If I have to cover or go over something (deep grass, a bunker, irrigation hardware etc) then I increase loft. At 7:13 the lie comes into my decision making a bit more for me. Thank you for the video!!

[@raystephensonjr]

Dude this video was a game changer for my 56, i been doing a 8 bump and run but i love bumping w my 56 now. Ur tips are 🔥

[@rodneyfox4498]

Your instruction on whether to use wedge or 7 iron while chipping was fantastic and most helpful. I will be selecting the 7 iron a lot more in future. Thanks much for these interesting instructions. Kind Regards, Rod Fox.

[@yeo97531]

Thank you from Redmond, WA. I have a couple of dear friends. Even though they score well over 100, they pretty much use sand wedges around the green. I tried to explain to them the advantages of using 7, 8, or 9 irons but to no avail. You explain/demonstrate so well here. Maybe this will make them drop the wedges.

[@bdh3949]

Good lesson, thank you. I'm an 8 and sand wedge guy, they're the last two clubs in my bag before the putter. The sand wedge can be manipulated to many degrees as needed and the 8 can perform tasks that a 7 could around the green with the added bonus of having a little more loft. Up and in or up and down is my mantra, I'm too old to worry about anything else. lol

[@VideoKB]

Ken Bryant Thank you for your 7ion chipping tip. I have had most success using my 6 rescue club. I find it more forgiving and always try to hit the shot 1/3 in the air and 2/3 roll along the ground. Seems to save a lot of shots in a round.

[@gregkelley7182]

Love this tip!! I added a 7 ironwood (hybrid 7 iron) to my bag just for these shots. Has such a wide sole it's nearly impossible to chunk. Saves me a few shots every round over what I used to shoot using my wedge for these chips.

[@Steven-xd5kn]

My Dad was a very good golfer in his day. Loved his 7 iron for chipping and tried to teach me to use it. Of course like many sons I didn't listen lol. Generally use a gap or a pitching wedge. They are super game improvement irons with thick soles that I don't chunk as much.

[@AUXdrone]

Holed a chip today for the first time, on a practice green but i’m still pleased. Dude, you provide some amazing content.

[@Willie-t5409]

Been an irons around the greens player since early last year after talking with a local lady golfer who is the club champ. Her words - “I use my 8i around the green for everything”. While I don’t do the irons, typ the 8i, all the time, I do prefer it over the wedge. If it does require a wedge, it’s either the 50 or the 54. Great lesson for sure!

[@Frolfer123]

I think this is one of your more important lessons. Thanks!

[@johnherman3261]

Okay Matt, I have a tendency to come up short on my wedges and I’m pretty close to the green in most cases. I just purchased a six hybrid for this particular shot and I’ve been practicing and I think I’m going to like it. By the way I didn’t spend a lot for the club just to see if this was going to work for me. Stay save!

[@danielcohen3159]

Great video, Matt! I've found that chipping and running with 8i or 9i, or often putter, has improved both my green-reading and my overall putting. Maybe because I'm more focused on the speed and line when the ball is rolling more.

[@mickclark4861]

Great lesson here.. my 100 yard safety shot is my 7 iron bump and run.. rarely fails me! And it’s a great shot around the greens. No stress no strain ⛳️👍

[@charlesgrear5726]

This is a great video. Switching to a 7-iron shaved a lot of strokes off my game. It is a lot more consistent than a wedge and you do not have to worry about thinning or shorting the hit.

[@2Eaglez]

Great video! Since many of us have traditional lofts versus the new stronger lofted clubs, could you give us a loft for the “7” iron shot. As an example, I have two sets of clubs, on one set the 7 iron is a 31 degree on the other set the 7 iron is 36 degrees (6 iron on this set is 32 degrees).

[@BroDJTheWednesdayWord]

Bruh...7 iron all the eay. Learned this from an old caddie at Riviera in 80's...love that 7 💚

[@bensmith540]

The why is awesome and usually missed in a lot of tutorial videos. Thanks.

[@amp3879]

Great video! Love the 7 and 9 around greens, I choose control with roll vs high and hope.

[@mahanmusicproductions9142]

I tend to use a wedge on greens that slope away and 7 or 8i for greens sloping toward my lie. Bump and runs whenever I can!! Great video

[@darrenstevenson8119]

i almost exclusively use my 50 unless i need height or i need it to stop quick - not a fan of using a 7 iron tbh id rather use a PW as its more predictable off the face. What i mean by that is i find the ball comes off the 7 abit too hot for consistent control where as if i use my PW 50 54 or 58 i know how it comes off the face but i also know which ones i get stop/run with depending how im playing the shot.. 7 is a great go to for most golfers in fairness (play off 4)

[@jasonissel217]

right now all I have is 20-year-old hand-me-down clubs, and I have one PW and that is it, I am trying to sell something and buy new clubs, but because of that I have been forced to use my irons because my wedge sucks, and I agree with you, the irons do work, most the time.

[@mattcristino9804]

Good Topic Matt. I have been using my 8 iron to chip and run onto the green with some success. I've been using my 7 iron for recovery shots out of the rough. It's a work in progress for me and your tips have come at a good time. Cheers

[@rhyswhitehead2167]

Love the video. The 7 iron consistency looked great, I'll be giving this some practice.

[@richardpieper5251]

I use a ratio system of length of shot in the air vs roll out on the green. If it's a 1-1 ration (length of shot where I want to land ball vs roll out to the hole) then I use my SW (56). If it's a 1-2 ratio then I use my GW (52), 1-3 ratio then my PW (48) and so forth. I try to keep it simple as I use the same swing for each shot. If you go back and look at your video this method actually plays out in the first chip you hit with each club, the first chip with the 54 degree was about a 1-1 ratio and the 7 iron was about a 1-5 or 6 ratio. Great videos.

[@earlblevins1284]

Great stuff. I've been killing myself with the 60. After listening to your advice, I will be saying last rites over the 60.

[@buffalosoldier19d42]

I use my pitching wedge when ever around the green. Unless I have to get the ball up and stopped quickly. I tell others to use one club around the green so that they can build knowledge on how to hit different short distances with one club. Many (me included) have trouble hitting a 20 yard shot with different clubs. I even use this when I'm on the apron and have a long putt. I've become much more consistent with the pitching wedge on shorter chip shots.

[@stevenmurata4392]

This was one of your best videos. I use 7i unless I need to carry a bunker (up to 70 yds). Thanks for tip of opening face even on the 7i.

[@nathanedmunds9802]

Keep it low for the dough. Hit it high make you cry.-Gary Player

[@chevy4x466]

I have been converted into a chipper whenever possible.

[@keithpanco]

One of my buddies always insists on using his sand wedge around the green. He is about 50% effective. I tell him to try his 7or 8, and he always tells me he can close the sand wedge if he wants to run it up. I have never seen him run it up, but he sure comes up short a lot.

[@MrJhenderson]

Thanks for the validation on the 7i shot. I've always found it easier but didn't know if it was the "proper" way

[@MikeSoutham]

Nice video mate. Going to definetely give this a crack in my next practice session.

[@hipcheck9000]

Bump n run is my friend! I like the 8 iron instead of the 7. Thanks for the great stuff!

[@chevy4x466]

I use my 8. I go quite a bit out at times. With the 8, u know it will online and the contact will b pure

[@jordansmith8990]

I do the same sometimes. The 8 is money.

[@nards656]

Yes!

[@patrickspino5941]

Listen to this guy because he is spot on regarding the use of the 7 iron. I've no confidence whatsoever in my wedges at this distance and that is why I love my 7 iron; even for shorter or longer distances...it works for me! Been using the 7 for about 8 years and have sunk a few from quite a distance out. TY, Matt!

[@careydunn8227]

As a newbie to this game I get so much out of your videos. played 9 today and the short (30 yrds) game added strokes to my card! Will give this practice. Thanks

[@fretless05]

Great video to think about. I've recently stopped immediately grabbing my 60 and have been pitching with my PW or 9i. The reason I don't go with a lower loft is that with the ball further back and lower bounce on the club, I fear the chunk. The bounce on the PW, or other wedges, allows for easier ground interaction.

[@stantheman5163]

The 7 has always been my go to chipper unless I have an obstacle that must be launched over. Confidence in being consistent with that club counts for a lot. Like the putter, I know the weight of strike required for a certain distance.

[@anthonydalto1545]

Great video. I’ve learned with my questionable wedge play, to go with my 8 iron whenever I can. I’ve been getting much better results. Seem to get far better control keeping it low and rolling as opposed to flopping a wedge shot. I would say for a higher handicapper the lower loft iron is easier to play?

[@nilsjohannessen956]

I'm never locked in on one specific iron. It could be anywhere from a 7 to PW. All depends on the lie, contour and distance involved. Love the bump and run.

[@deldridg]

Great advice. I've been very prone to pulling out the 60 with reasonable confidence and results. In the last few rounds however, I've taken PW instead and occasionally 8i for the shorter chips where I can land the ball on the green and it's been wonderful. We have a great Par 3 near our place and every now and then I shoot 7i only instead of LW, GW and SW. Great fun practicing! Thank you and cheers from Sydney - Dave

[@500VulcanRider]

Love that tip about using the 7 iron but I am even chicken with that sometime, my go to chip from most areas like you showed is a hybrid

[@waynejackson8534]

Great advice. I open up my PW if I have to go over a bunker; else I use an A wedge or 9 iron. Works like magic.

[@dyn4mic87]

Matt great tips, got onto using my irons for pitching and chipping depending on the scenario this year. At 5mins, what's the worst thing that can happen with a wedge greenside, you missed the almighty top and it flies through the green (with a 7iron roll) and into the bunker or worse out of bounds

[@curtishildebrandt8653]

that's fantastic on chipping with 7 iron never,never thought of chipping 30,40, feet out off green will definitely do this chipping the very next time I play thank you sooo much your videos are all great and can only help me be a better golfer, cutis hildebrandt

[@brianmcpeake2509]

I did this last season with my 8i and it made a big difference. I only use wedge when I have to carry a bunker or am just off the green and only have like less than 10' to the pin.

[@carp7697]

So weird that you put this video out. In the past few months I have all but stopped using wedges from inside 50~. I love wedges and I used to practice with them all the time but I am so much more consistent now. I'll open up a 54 and use plenty of bounce if I need to get over something but otherwise, as often as not I'll use an iron, putter, or even a hybrid to get on. Thx for thinking outside the box!

[@rickgarza265]

Playing for long and always used a wedge, but after watching this I’ll have to put that 7 iron and “give it a go” thanks

[@darrelkopsa7143]

Thanks for someone finally agreeing with me! Now, can you tell me how to get this video over to my golf buddy's house for him to watch?? I'm way worse with computers than golf clubs, and that's saying a lot!!

[@niklaskraft]

Thanks for a great video! I use 7i alot and now I will use it even more. I just imagine it's my putter outside green. Same stroke and same pace and it goes just as long as my putter, but flies a 1/4 to a 1/3 of the distance. It's not the sexiest, but my friends have alot of fun when I often place it close to pin. I think it's cool!

[@GP-yc2it]

Awesome video! I'm a lob-wedge-everywhere chipper, but am inspired to add some shots to my game. Cheers!

[@coloz4565]

Hahaha, Been out for a practice round today and played two shots every time I was near to the green, just like your vdo. Yessiree Bob, 7 iron nailed it every time over the wedge. I even did a 60 metre pitch and run over the wedge. How come it’s taken me so many years to understand this simple “trick”. Keep it coming. Love your approach to playing the game. Cheers!

[@denonhogue8623]

I feel comfortable with my 9 iron or gap wedge with chip shot like those. Doesn’t always look as pretty as those 60 degree flop shots but it works for me. Thanks for sharing

[@K9388-n3z]

I love the white columns. Haven’t made AN yet...

[@michaelhasaka3551]

Love your videos. Great tip using the 7. My fav iron --- so, why would'nt it be my fav club around the green.

[@jerrycoile338]

Great video! My problem is being scared to try to bounce the sole of the club either under the ball or slightly behind the ball. I’m always slowing my club down because I’m afraid I will hit it thin and the ball will run way off the green to the other side of the green or farther. I’ve also chunked the ball as little as a few inches which is extremely frustrating. I have a mental block about making shots that are just a few feet off the green. I can’t get it in my head that the club will bounce off the turf! Grrrrrrhhhhhhhh!

[@occasionsphoto]

i grew up using the 7 iron method, but as more wedge choices became available, i went to them. will go back to practicing the 7 iron and see what i think.

[@ribusgan]

My bump and run club from that distance is my pitching iron (erstwhile PW, but these days, they are not wedges anymore).

[@bonsaibrian]

My granddad taught me the "7 iron slapper" many years ago. Love and use it a lot. It just gets closer