We Dug Up This Old Nick Faldo Chipping Tip — It Still Works

Nick Faldo may not be posting daily swing breakdowns but he’s left behind a few gems. This is one of them. It’s a simple way to learn distance control on short chip shots.

Best of all, you can bring it to the range and start practicing right now.

What it’s for

This tip helps you control distance on chip-and-run shots inside 20 yards. It eliminates guesswork by giving you a system to match your backswing and follow-through lengths with how far the ball should go.

Who it’s for

• Golfers who struggle with feel or consistency on short chips
• Players looking for a repeatable system
• Great for beginners and mid-handicappers
• Especially useful on tight lies or fast greens

Step-by-step: Nick Faldo’s distance control drill

Here is a step-by-step breakdown of Nick Faldo’s distance control drill for chipping:

Use your hands to gauge swing length

Faldo uses a visual reference: look down at your lead hand (left hand for righties) and imagine how far it travels in the backswing. If it moves back two inches from center, move it forward the same distance through the shot. This will give you a consistent reference.

• 2 inches back, 2 inches through = “2–2”
• 3–3, 4–4, and so on build longer chip distances

Set up like a putt

Set up with a narrow stance and the ball just off your right toe (right-handed player). Slightly elevate your hands to create a solid arc or radius and grip down almost on the shaft of the club.

Match the swing length to the distance

Use your swing size to dial in carry. Make notes about how far each of these backswings and follow-through lengths will carry the ball. Then, make adjustments based on uphill/downhill or green speed.

• 2–2 = ~3 feet
• 3–3 = ~6 feet
• 4–4 = ~9 feet
• 5–5 = ~10–11 yards

Rehearse and repeat

Make some practice swings with your target length and commit to that motion. Focus on consistent tempo, not decelerating, and matching that same finish distance on the other side of the ball.

Track your distances not just with one club but with several clubs. You’ll have to adjust for the lie, the ball you use, the speed of the greens, etc. If you’ve ever wondered how players develop distance control and how they can determine how far the ball will travel, this is a great place to start.

Final thoughts

This is a basic Nick Faldo chipping tip but if you haven’t put together a chipping matrix for your game and you are still guessing how far your shots are travelling, it may be time to consider using this drill and making your short game a little more regimented.