What’s the difference between a chip and a pitch shot?

Understanding Chip Shots vs. Pitch Shots in Golf

In golf, particularly around the greens, distinguishing between a chip shot and a pitch shot is essential for effective short game strategy. Both are used to get the ball onto the green and close to the hole, but they differ significantly in trajectory, distance, club selection, and execution. Mastering these shots improves your up-and-down percentage and scoring ability.

What is a Chip Shot?

A chip shot, often called a "chip and run," is a low-trajectory shot designed for control and roll. The ball spends more time on the ground than in the air after landing, making it ideal for situations with plenty of green to work with.

• Key Characteristics:
  • Low loft and trajectory
  • Minimal air time; emphasizes forward roll
  • Typically played with a pitching wedge, 9-iron, or even less lofted club
• Common Use: When the ball is off the green but has a lot of putting surface between it and the hole. For example, she saved par with a beautiful chip and run that ended inches from the hole.
• Technique Tips:
  1. Position the ball back in your stance, weight forward on the lead foot.
  2. Use a putting-like stroke with minimal wrist hinge.
  3. Focus on hitting the ball first, then the turf for clean contact and low point control.

What is a Pitch Shot?

A pitch shot is a higher-trajectory shot played with a high-lofted club to carry the ball farther through the air before it lands softly on the green. It produces more carry and less roll compared to a chip.

• Key Characteristics:
  • Higher loft (typically 50-60 degrees) for steeper descent
  • More air time; lands with some spin to check up
  • Played with wedges like the sand wedge or lob wedge
• Common Use: Over obstacles like bunkers or rough, or when there's little green to work with. For instance, he hit a pitch over the bunker.
• Technique Tips:
  1. Ball positioned center or slightly forward in stance.
  2. Incorporate some wrist hinge for loft and speed.
  3. Open the clubface slightly for added height if needed.

Key Differences Between Chip and Pitch Shots

The primary distinctions boil down to trajectory, roll vs. carry, and shot distance. Here's a side-by-side comparison:

Aspect	Chip Shot	Pitch Shot
Trajectory	Low, running	High, lofted
Ball Flight Ratio	More roll than carry (e.g., 1:3 carry-to-roll)	More carry than roll (e.g., 3:1 carry-to-roll)
Club Loft	Lower (PW, 9-iron)	Higher (SW, LW)
Swing Style	Putting stroke, hands ahead	Chipping swing with hinge
Best For	Large green areas	Carry over hazards, tight pins

When to Choose Chip vs. Pitch

• Use a Chip: Flat lies with ample green space; prioritize roll for predictability. Avoid if there's a bunker or mound in the landing zone.
• Use a Pitch: Short-sided pins, elevation changes, or obstacles requiring carry. The high loft helps control the pitch mark left on the green.
• Practice Drill: Set up 10-20 yards off the green. Alternate chips (aim for 70% roll) and pitches (aim for 70% carry). Track how many get up-and-down to build "getting up and down" proficiency.

Avoid common mishits: A thin shot (striking too high on the ball) robs distance on chips, while a fat shot or chunk (hitting turf first) plagues both but is deadlier on pitches due to lost carry.

Key Takeaway

The chip shot relies on roll for distance control on receptive greens, while the pitch shot uses loft and carry to navigate challenges. Selecting the right shot based on lie, green contours, and obstacles is a hallmark of elite short games. Practice both to lower scores—pros like Phil Mickelson excel by blending them seamlessly with advanced variations like flop shots.