The Morgan Golf Academy

Sounds like a lawsuit doesn’t it? What are the differences and when do you chip or pitch?

There are pros and cons of each style of shot so knowing the difference can help lower your scores.

Chipping is defined as a short shot that rolls more than it flies. This means that the ball will come off the ground and get back on the ground quickly. After the flight of the ball it will roll towards the target; most of the time this will be the hole. The target on a chip shot does not have to be the hole. Some rescue shots that need to fly low under tree limbs can then roll out towards your target in the fairway or other target you pick to work your plan.

Pitching is defined as a ball that flies farther than it rolls. This means that the ball will fly closer to the target, land softer and roll less. This has some advantages when an obstacle or hazard lies between your ball and the target. Again the target will normally be the hole but not always. Setting up a good shot over a tree or other tall obstruction so that you can minimize any additional strokes to your score.

To execute a pitch shot one needs a lofted club, normally one of the wedges you may carry. Using a relaxed grip on the club, take a short back swing and follow through farther than the back swing. This will give an accelerating impact and the ball will travel up the clubface imparting backspin and lofting the ball towards your target. If the lie is poor and a lot of grass is between the ball and the club then the ball will have less spin and roll more.

Chipping normally uses a less lofted club such as an 8 iron. Using a relaxed grip again take a longer follow through than back swing and accelerate through the ball. See a pattern yet? Pick a spot to have the ball impact the ground that is roughly one third of the way to the hole. Then hit the shot landing the ball on your spot. The ball should take one hop and then release, rolling about two thirds or the rest of the way to the hole.

Generally speaking the average golfer will get the ball closer using the chipping method. I advise most players to get the ball on the ground as fast as possible. That is easier said than done on the course so pitching might be the only choice. Having both shots in the bag is always a benefit. Practice both and you will see that the go to shot is the chip shot.

Chipping will put more money in your pocket but pitching is the prettier of the two shots.