The Rule of 12 Golf – Simplifying Your Short Game

The Rule of 12 golf method, popularised by Paul Runyan, is a straightforward technique to improve your short game, especially your chip shots around the golf green. Instead of always reaching for a high-lofted golf club like a gap wedge or sand wedge, this rule encourages golfers to select from a few clubs with varying lofts, typically opting for the lowest lofted club possible to achieve consistent ball striking and more roll.

How the Rule of 12 Golf Technique Works

Identify Your Landing Spot:

• Choose a specific landing zone on the green where you want your golf ball to land.

Measure Distances:

• Carry Distance: Pace out the distance from your ball to the landing spot.
• Rollout Distance: Pace out the distance from your landing spot to the golf hole.

Apply the Maths:

1. Divide the rollout distance by the carry distance to find the rollout-to-carry ratio.
2. Subtract this ratio from the number 12.
3. The resulting number indicates the appropriate golf club for your shot.

Example:

• If the carry distance is 3 paces and the rollout is 9 paces:
  • 9 ÷ 3 = 3
  • 12 - 3 = 9 → Use a 9-iron.

Practical Application

• Short Chip Shot: A 3-pace carry to a 9-pace rollout (ratio 1:3) would require a 9-iron.
• Medium Pitch Shot: A halfway chip, 6-pace carry with a 6-pace rollout (ratio 1:1), might use a sand wedge (11 iron).
• Long Chip: For a 5-pace carry and a 15-pace rollout (ratio 1:3), again, a 9-iron works effectively.

Adjustments Based on Green Speed

The Rule of 12 assumes a moderate green speed (around 9.5 stimp on the practice green). Adjust your club selection based on actual green speed conditions:

• Fast Greens: Consider using the Rule of 13 or 14.
• Slower Greens: Use the Rule of 10 or 11.

Example Adjustment:

• On slower greens (around stimp 8), use the Rule of 10:
  • 5-pace carry, 15-pace rollout → 15 ÷ 5 = 3; 10 - 3 = 7 → select a 7-iron.

Additional Factors

• Uphill or Downhill Chips: Adjust further by using lower or higher numbered rules. For a downhill chip, increase the rule number (e.g., Rule of 13 or 14); for uphill, decrease it (Rule of 9 or 8).
• Ball Position and Lie: Position the ball slightly towards your front foot for better ball striking. Consider the grass and lie conditions to predict how the ball reacts.
• Green Breaks: After landing, the ball rolling behaves like a putt, requiring consideration of breaks and slopes.

Conclusion: Benefits of the Rule of 12

• Reduces dependence on high-lofted clubs prone to inconsistent strikes.
• Encourages the use of lower-lofted clubs, increasing the margin for error.
• Enhances confidence in ball striking as the ball consistently gets rolling toward the hole.
• Improves your short game by simplifying club selection decisions on the golf course.

Regular practice of the Rule of 12 golf chipping technique can lead to significant improvements in your short game, reducing scores and building greater confidence during each round.

If you suck at chipping altogether, consider getting at chipper club. Trust me they work! 

Videos

Here are two videos I've made on chipping which explain the Rule of 12 and my favorite, Toe Down chipping.