Want a low handicap in golf? If so, you’re going to need a polished short game!
If you’re looking to improve your golf game, understanding the difference between chipping and pitching is essential. Basically, chipping involves hitting the ball with a short swing, while pitching requires a longer swing. In practice, it’s a little more complex.
In this guide to chipping and pitching, we’ll tell you everything you need to know, so your short-game shots can be better than ever.
Let’s start with the basics.
What Is Chipping?
Chip shots are usually played with a low trajectory and stay close to the ground. They are used when the distance to the green is short, and the golfer doesn’t want to hit the ball too far. The main characteristic of a chip shot is that it rolls farther than it flies.
What Is Pitching?
A pitch shot is a short game shot – almost like a chip shot turned upside down. It is hit from a longer distance, with a higher trajectory, and allows the ball to travel farther and longer than a chip shot. The ball also has more bounce and less roll when it hits the ground. This type of shot is great for getting over obstacles and reaching the green beyond.
The Differences Between Chipping vs Pitching
Both chip and pitch shots are short game shots, but there are a few distinct differences to understand to get the most out of each shot.
Ball flight
One of the biggest differences between a chip and a pitch is the distance the ball travels. A chip shot isn’t well suited to short shots (not to be confused with short game shots), because it will roll more than it moves through the air. On the other hand, a pitch shot has a higher trajectory: the golf ball will fly through the air longer than it will roll.
Roll
As we’ve mentioned, a chip shot will roll on the ground further than when pitching.
The lower trajectory in a chip shot forces the golf ball to roll to its (desired – ideally) destination. Conversely, the higher trajectory in a pitching shot ensures the ball will bounce a little before stopping.
Clubs
When you hit chip shots, you can experiment to see which club best suits you in different situations. For instance, if you’re not having much success with a lob wedge, try a 9-iron instead.
With a pitch shot, however, your choices are more restricted.
A pitch shot is often required to clear a hazard, meaning that distance is often the primary concern. A gap wedge or lob wedge will work best in this instance.
Position of golfer’s body
To hit a chip shot, get your body in motion using its rotation to get the ball rolling toward the hole. To hit a pitch shot requires some forearm rotation to get the ball airborne.
Ball position
When it comes to ball position, it’s all about making the right adjustments.
For chip shots, the ball position should line with the back of your breastbone, while for pitch shots you can move it forward. Aim for the center of your breastbone to get the best contact on the downswing, and you’ll be rewarded with the perfect backspin and roll of the ball.
Moving the ball forward while in this stance will give a higher flight, with the opposite occurring if you move it back.
Distribution of weight
When it comes to perfecting chip shots, shift your weight to your lead foot for a smooth, downward swing that whacks the back of the ball. This lead foot will help the ball roll toward the target.
A pitch shot requires more than half of your weight on your back leg to minimize shaft lean and dig into the ground to get the ball airborne. This will make it soar further.
When to Pitch And When To Chip
It’s important to understand the key differences when it comes to chipping vs pitching – but it’s even more vital to understand when to use which shot. Generally speaking, there are three factors: the lie, the shot requirement, and the golfer’s skill level.
Lie
If you’ve got a great view of the ball from behind, a chip shot is the way to go. You’ll have more control if you can get the ball rolling toward the hole, like a putt. If the lie is a little tricky, you may have to pitch the ball to get it up and out, so it can land softly.
Shot requirement
If you’re close to the green and don’t need to take risks, chipping is your best bet. If you’re having trouble maneuvering around or need to stop the ball quickly, then a pitch shot is the way to go.
Skill level
Generally, mastering chipping first is a wise move, because the pitch shot is often deemed more challenging and causes more mistakes. Once you have the chip down and mastered, you can think about progressing to the pitch.
FAQs
Which is better: chipping or pitching?
Both chipping and pitching have their own unique merits. If you are close to the green with no obstacles in your way, it’s good to try chipping. On the other hand, if you are more than 30 yards away, the lie is unfavorable, or the back of the golf ball is not visible, then pitch shots would be the preferred way to go.
At what distance does a chip become a pitch?
As a general rule, pitching should be performed when the ball is more than 20 yards away from the hole. However, this may not always be the case; wind conditions, the line of the golf ball, and other factors can influence the decision to use a chip instead. It’s really important to consider all factors before selecting the right shot.
Is it easier to chip than pitch?
The answer to this ultimately depends on a golfer’s strengths (and weaknesses!). However, a lot of golfers find chipping to be much more straightforward than pitch shots. It’s one of those short game shots that doesn’t require the precision of a pitch shot.
What is a flop shot in golf?
This type of shot is a high, soft-landing shot generally used to clear an obstacle or a hazard. It is similar to pitching, in that a golfer will take a wider stance and put more weight on the lead foot.