Golf is a game of precision, and mastering the short game is crucial for lowering your scores. Two fundamental short-game shots are the chip and the pitch. While they might seem similar to the untrained eye, chipping and pitching serve different purposes and require distinct techniques. Understanding these differences and learning how to execute each shot can significantly enhance your performance on the course.
Chipping: The Low, Controlled Shot
Purpose: Chipping is used when the ball is close to the green, usually within 25 yards, and the goal is to get the ball onto the green and rolling towards the hole. It’s ideal for situations where there is little need to carry the ball over obstacles, and you want a low, controlled shot that minimizes the risk of overshooting.
Technique:
Stance and Setup:
- Narrow your stance, with feet close together and weight favoring the front foot (approximately 60-70%). Maintain this throughout the swing and impact.
- Position the ball in the middle or slightly back in your stance, to encourage a descending strike. Be mindful that your ball position isn’t too far back in your stance, which is a common mistake for this shot.
- Keep your hands ahead of the ball, promoting a downward angle of attack.
Grip:
- Use a normal grip, but hold the club slightly down the shaft for better control.
Swing:
- Focus on a short, controlled backswing and follow-through.
- Maintain firm wrists throughout the swing to avoid excessive hand action.
- The movement should resemble a putting stroke, with a consistent tempo.
Club Selection:
- Typically, a pitching wedge, sand wedge, or lob wedge is used, depending on the desired roll and distance.
Execution:
- Choose a landing spot on the green and let it roll towards the hole. The key is to judge the roll accurately, considering the speed and slope of the green.
Pitching: The Higher, Softer Shot
Purpose: Pitching is employed when you need to carry the ball over an obstacle (such as bunkers, rough, or water) and land it softly on the green. It is useful for distances between 25 or more yards from the green, where more loft and spin are required to stop the ball quickly.
Technique:
Stance and Setup:
- Adopt a slightly wider stance than for a chip, with feet about shoulder-width apart.
- Distribute your weight slightly favoring the front foot (around 60%).
- Position the ball in the middle of your stance for a balanced strike.
Grip:
- Use a normal grip, but grip down slightly for more control.
Swing:
- Employ a longer, smoother backswing compared to a chip.
- Allow your wrists to hinge naturally on the backswing, creating more loft and spin.
- Follow through fully, maintaining a smooth tempo and balanced finish.
Club Selection:
- Use higher lofted clubs, such as a sand wedge or lob wedge, to achieve the necessary height and spin.
Execution:
- Focus on striking the ball cleanly with a descending blow, allowing the loft of the club to do the work. The goal is to have the ball land softly on the green with minimal roll.
Key Differences and Tips
Trajectory:
- Chipping results in a lower trajectory with more roll.
- Pitching creates a higher trajectory with less roll.
Distance Control:
- Chipping requires precise judgment of roll and green speed.
- Pitching demands accuracy in both the carry distance and the landing spot.
Hand Action:
- Chipping relies on minimal wrist action for consistency.
- Pitching involves more wrist hinge to generate loft and spin.
Practice:
- To master both shots, practice from various distances and lies as well as using different clubs. Focus on developing a feel for the different techniques and how they affect the ball’s flight and rollout.
In conclusion, chipping and pitching are essential skills for any golfer looking to improve their short game. By understanding the distinct purposes and techniques of each shot, you can make more informed decisions on the course and enhance your overall performance. Practice diligently, and soon you’ll find yourself confidently executing both chips and pitches with precision and finesse.