Chipping vs. Pitching: What's the Difference and When Should You Use Each Shot?

If you ever stood around the green wondering "Should I chip this... or pitch it?" - you're not alone. The short game can feel intimidating, but once you understand the difference between these two shots (and when to use each), you'll start saving strokes immediately.

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What Is a Chip Shot?

Think of a chip shot as a low runner. It has a lower trajectory, hits the green sooner, and rolls out like a putt.

Best time to chip:

• You've got plenty of green to work with
• No hazards between you and the hole
• You want consistency and control

Pro tip from GOLFTEC Coach Mikah: Treat your chip like a putting stroke. Use less wrist hinge, lean the shaft slightly toward the target, an keep your motion simple. In fact, swapping your lob wedge for a 9-iron is often the smarter move - especially if you tend to hit behind the ball.

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What Is a Pitch Shot?

A pitch shot is your lofted saver. It goes higher, lands softer, and stops quickly.

Best time to pitch:

• You've got a bunker, rough, or other obstacle between you and the green
• The pin is tucked close with little room to roll out
• You need the ball to sit down fast

Pro tip from GOLFTEC Coach Mikah: Grab your lob wedge, open the clubface slightly, and keep your hands more neutral (instead of pressing them forward). This lets the bounce of the clubb work for you - making it easier to glide through the grass and pop the ball up.

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Which Shot Should You Choose?

A simple way to decide:

• Lots of green -> chip it low and let it roll
• Need height -> pitch it high and let it stop

And here's the real secret: the chip is usually the higher-percentage shot. Les movement, fewer variables, and more consistency.

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Practice Tip You Can Try Today

• For chips: Pick a landing spot just onto the green, then let the ball roll the rest of the way
• For pitches: Focus on brushing the ground under the ball while keeping the clubface open

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Watch the Full Lesson

Want to see the drills, setups, and live examples? Check out the full YouTube video where Mikah walks through everything step-by-step

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Ready to Sharpen Your Short Game?

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Book your Swing Evaluation today!