Chipping vs. Pitching: Understanding the Difference and When to Use Each

Introduction - Why Knowing the Difference Lowers Your Scores

Many golfers confuse chipping and pitching, leading to poor shot selection and wasted strokes around the green. Understanding the purpose of each shot and when to use it is essential for improving your short game and lowering your scores.

Proper shot selection helps you play smarter, avoid unnecessary risks, and give yourself more makeable putts. Mastering both chipping and pitching gives you the tools to handle any situation on the course.

What is a Chip Shot? Definition and Purpose

A chip shot is a low-running shot designed to spend minimal time in the air and maximize roll toward the hole:

• Trajectory: Low flight, quick ground contact
• Purpose: Use when you have plenty of green between your landing spot and the hole
• Ideal Situations: Tight lies, short grass, minimal obstacles

The chip shot is your safest option when the conditions allow it.

What is a Pitch Shot? Definition and Purpose

A pitch shot is a higher lofted shot that carries more distance through the air and rolls less once it lands:

• Trajectory: High flight, soft landing with less rollout
• Purpose: Use to carry rough, bunkers, or when needing a softer landing
• Ideal Situations: Short-sided shots, uneven lies, or greens with heavy slope

The pitch shot adds versatility and control when a chip won’t work.

Key Differences Between Chipping and Pitching

Understanding the technical and strategic differences helps you choose wisely:

• Trajectory: Chip = low flight / Pitch = high flight
• Roll-Out: Chip = more roll / Pitch = less roll
• Club Selection: Chip = lower lofted clubs (7-9 iron or wedge) / Pitch = higher lofted wedges (sand or lob wedge)
• Swing Length: Chip = shorter swing / Pitch = longer, more fluid swing

Knowing these differences improves shot selection and execution.

Situations to Choose a Chip Shot

Chipping is the smart play when:

• You have plenty of green to work with
• The ball is sitting cleanly on short grass or fairway
• You need to keep the ball low under tree branches
• The green is flat or slightly uphill

Choosing a chip reduces risk and simplifies your short game.

Situations to Choose a Pitch Shot

Pitching is necessary when:

• You need to carry a bunker, rough, or hazard
• The pin is tucked close to the edge of the green
• The green slopes heavily and demands a soft landing
• Your ball lies in deep rough or a tough spot

Mastering pitch shots adds options when the safe chip isn’t possible.

Equipment Considerations - Best Clubs for Chipping and Pitching

Choosing the right club is essential for executing the correct shot:

• Chipping Clubs: Lower lofted options like 7-iron, 8-iron, or 9-iron provide more roll-out.
• Wedges for Chipping: Pitching wedges or gap wedges can offer a balance of control and rollout.
• Pitching Clubs: Use sand wedges (54°-56°) or lob wedges (58°-60°) for higher flight and soft landings.

Matching your club to the shot helps improve consistency and control.

Common Mistakes Golfers Make in Shot Selection

Avoid these errors that cost strokes around the green:

• Choosing Pitch When a Chip is Safer: Adds unnecessary risk and complexity.
• Ignoring Lie and Green Conditions: Not adjusting your shot choice based on the situation.
• Relying on One Shot: Failing to develop both skills leads to limited options.

Smart shot selection comes from practice and understanding each shot’s purpose.

Drills to Improve Chipping and Pitching Decision Making

Practice drills help sharpen decision-making and execution:

• Landing Spot Drill: Identify a landing zone and practice both chip and pitch shots to hit the target.
• Up-and-Down Challenge: Randomly select different lies and decide if a chip or pitch is the best play—track your up-and-down success rate.
• Lie Reading Practice: Practice from different grass heights and slopes to build confidence in choosing the right shot.

Regular practice with decision-making drills builds instinct and trust in your short game choices.

How Mastering Both Shots Lowers Your Handicap

Golfers who know when and how to chip or pitch dramatically improve their scoring ability:

• More Up-and-Downs: Smart shot selection creates more makeable putts and saves pars.
• Better Scoring Consistency: Avoid big numbers by choosing safer shots when appropriate.
• Improved Confidence: Knowing you have the skills and judgment to handle any lie or green condition.

Mastery of both techniques helps you stay aggressive when it’s smart and play conservatively when needed.

Product Recommendations from The Par 3 Shop

Sharpen your chipping and pitching skills with these highly effective training aids:

• Golf Chipping Practice Net
• Golf Putting Practice Mirror
• Golf Putt Ball Marker and Green Reader

These products help you improve accuracy, alignment, and decision-making for both chipping and pitching.

Conclusion - Play Smarter, Score Better with the Right Shot Choice

Understanding when to chip and when to pitch is one of the fastest ways to lower your scores. Each shot has its place, and the smartest golfers know how to read the situation and select the right option.

Commit to practicing both shots, focus on decision-making, and watch your up-and-down percentage—and your confidence—rise on the course.