Chipping vs. Pitching

There is a significant difference between these two shots, but when we ask our students what they think the difference is we always get a variety of answers.

Chipping can be defined as a short, running shot played from a position where your ball has landed around the edge of the green, while pitching is a higher, softer landing shot when your ball is played farther away from the green. Pitching is also less than a full swing shot.

To achieve the best results from chipping, consider using a 7 or 8 iron. These clubs have less loft and will produce more roll once the ball lands on the green. You can use your pitching, gap, sand or lob wedge when you are pitching the ball onto the green as these clubs provide the most loft and the ball will roll less once it hits the green.

Both chip and pitch shots are very important in your game and require you to think before you make your club selection. These shots can actually account for 18-20% of your total score.

When you see tour players around the edge of the green and in short, fairway grass, you may see them bump the ball just on the green with an 8 iron and let the ball roll to the pin. If those same players are in the rough or higher grass around the edge of the green, you may see them take a lofted wedge and play that shot like a bunker with more of a full, very wristy swing.

At the “Q School of Golf”, we teach you a very simple approach to these shots around the green. Putt when you can, chip when you can’t putt, and pitch when you cannot putt or chip.

If you are just off the edge of the green and there is great, short grass between you and the green, go ahead and putt the ball onto the green. When you need to lift the ball onto the green, but the flag is farther away from you, chip the ball with your 8 iron which will carry the ball 1/3 of the way to the hole and allow it roll 2/3 of the way to the hole

If you are farther away from the green and cannot chip it 1/3 onto the green, you should fly the ball onto the green with your more lofted wedges. As you choose a club that has more loft, your ball will fly ½ or more of the way in the air onto the green and roll the rest of the way.

So when you select your clubs and walk to your golf ball near the green, take your 8 iron, wedge and putter with you. Be prepared as you never know what lies ahead of you.