Chipping Vs Pitching In Golf: Understanding The Difference
Chipping vs. pitching is two different techniques used to hit the ball closer to the hole in golf. Chipping is a short, low-trajectory shot that rolls more than it flies, while pitching is a higher-trajectory shot that lands softly on the green.
In this article, we’ll explore the difference between chipping vs pitching in golf.
What Is Chipping In Golf?
A golfer uses a chipping shot to get the ball airborne quickly and travel a short distance.
Chipping needs high-lofted club, like wedge or nine iron, and is for when ball is close to green and needs to be close to the hole.
Moreover, the chipping technique emphasizes control and precision to achieve this, you need to use a short backswing and maintain a firm grip to prevent hitting the ball too hard. Additionally, creating backspin will help the ball stop quickly on the green.
Pitching In Golf: How To Hit High And Far With Accuracy
Pitching is a golf shot used to hit the ball high in the air and travel a longer distance than a chip shot.
The golfer needs to use a club with a lower loft, such as a pitching wedge or a seven iron, to execute this high-impact shot.
Pitching is for when the ball’s far from the green and you need to cover more ground to get to the hole.
Furthermore, the technique of pitching is all about power and finesse. The golfer needs to use a longer backswing and a smooth tempo to generate more clubhead speed.
When executing this shot, the golfer strikes the ball with a more level angle, creating less backspin and enabling it to roll out more when it lands on the green.
Chipping Vs. Pitching: A Comparison
Now that we’ve defined chipping vs pitching, let’s compare them side by side:
| Category | Chipping | Pitching |
| Club used | High-lofted club (wedge or 9 iron) | Lower-lofted club (pitching wedge or 7 iron) |
| Ball trajectory | Low and rolling | High and descending |
| Distance | Short distance from the green | Longer distance from the green |
| Ball contact | Struck with a downward angle | Struck with a more level angle |
| Backswing | Short | Long |
| Clubhead speed | Slow | Fast |
| Roll out | Minimal | Significant |
Technique Of Chipping Vs Pitching In Golf
Golf is a game of precision and skill. Furthermore, mastering the techniques of chipping and pitching is essential to improving your game.
Additionally, to hit the ball closer to the hole, golfers use two techniques that require different clubs, swings, and ball trajectories.
1. Chipping Technique
Chipping is a short shot used to get the ball airborne quickly and travel a short distance. It is a low-impact shot that requires the golfer to use a club with a high-lofted face, such as a wedge or a nine iron.
Here are some key points to keep in mind when chipping:
Proper Set-Up
On the other hand Place your feet close together and position the ball in the center of your stance.
Short Backswing
However, keep your backswing short and controlled. This helps to ensure that you hit the ball cleanly and with the correct amount of force.
Firm Grip
Use a firm grip on the club to maintain control and prevent the clubface from turning during the swing.
Downward Angle
Strike the ball with a downward angle, which creates backspin and causes the ball to stop quickly when it lands on the green.
2. Pitching Technique
Pitching is a longer shot used to hit the ball high in the air and travel a longer distance than a chip shot. The golfer needs to use a club with a lower loft, such as a pitching wedge or a seven iron, to hit a high-impact shot.
Here are some key points to keep in mind when pitching:
Proper Set-Up
Place your feet shoulder-width apart and position the ball slightly forward in your stance.
Longer Backswing
By using a longer backswing, you can generate more clubhead speed and power, which ultimately results in hitting the ball with the right amount of force to cover the required distance.
Additionally, a longer backswing allows you to fully turn your body and create more torque, which can add even more distance to your shots. Therefore, it’s important to practice and develop a smooth and consistent backswing to maximize your potential on the golf course.
Smooth Tempo
Use a smooth, controlled tempo throughout the swing to maintain balance and control.
Level Angle
Strike the ball with a more level angle, which creates less backspin and allows the ball to roll out more when it lands on the green.
When To Chipping Vs Pitching In Golf: Choosing The Right Shot For Every Situation
In golf, knowing when to chip vs pitch can make all the difference in your game.
On the other hand, golfers use these two shots for different distances from the green as they have different trajectories.
The situations when chipping vs pitching is appropriate and give you some tips on how to make the best shot selection.
1. Chipping Situations
Chipping is used when you are close to the green and need to hit the ball a short distance with a low trajectory.
Here are some common situations when chipping is the right choice:
Near The Green
When you are within a few yards of the green, chipping is the best option. However, this shot will help you get the ball closer to the hole without overshooting it.
Tight Lie
When the ball is sitting on a tight lie, such as a hard, compacted area, chipping can help you avoid hitting the ball too hard and rolling it past the hole.
Obstacles
When there are obstacles, such as bunkers or rough, between you and the green, chipping can help you get over them and onto the green.
2. Pitching Situations
Pitching is used when you need to hit the ball a longer distance with a higher trajectory.
Here are some common situations when pitching is the right choice:
Longer distance
When you are farther away from the green and need to cover more distance, pitching is the best option. However, this shot will help you get the ball closer to the hole with a higher trajectory.
Soft Lie
Secondly, When the ball is sitting on a soft lie, such as a thick patch of grass or a bunker, pitching can help you get the ball in the air and avoid getting stuck.
Elevated Green
Pitching can help you get the ball up in the air and onto the green without rolling back down when you elevate the green.
Conclusion
In summary, chipping and pitching are two different techniques used in golf to get the ball closer to the hole.
In addition golfers use chipping with a high-lofted club for short distances, and they use pitching with a lower-lofted club for longer distances.
Both techniques require skill and practice, and mastering them can greatly improve a golfer’s game.
So, the next time you’re on the golf course, remember the difference between chipping and pitching, and choose the technique that best suits the situation. Happy golfing!
FAQs
Chipping, pitching, and flop are three different types of golf shots used to get the ball onto the green or close to the hole. Chipping is a low, short shot that travels mostly along the ground, pitching is a higher shot that travels through the air with more spin, and flop is a very high, short shot that lands softly on the green with very little roll.
The main difference between a chipping wedge and a pitching wedge is the loft angle. A chipping wedge has a lower loft angle (typically 44-49 degrees) and is used for short shots that require minimal height and maximum roll. A pitching wedge, on the other hand, has a higher loft angle (typically 46-50 degrees) and is used for longer shots with more height and spin.
The rule of 12 in chipping is a method to estimate how far to carry the ball with a specific club to land it near the hole. To use the rule, add 12 to the distance from the ball to the edge of the green, then select the club that carries that distance when hit with a normal chipping motion.
Yes, you can use pitching wedge for chipping if you want the ball to carry a short distance and roll out towards the hole, but consider other clubs if you need a lower trajectory or more roll.
