Difference Between Chipping And Pitching: When to Use Each

When new to the game of golf, you may have heard the terms “chipping” and “pitching” and wondered what the difference was between them.

Chipping

Chipping is a golf stroke used when the golf ball is just off the green and is a low executed by golfers to get the ball off and running towards the hole.

The chip shot is generally performed using a 9 iron or pitching wedge

Chipping Technique

1. Use a 9 iron or pitching wedge
2. Keep your weight on your front side
3. Get your feet close together
4. Use your shoulders to make the swing (feels like a putting stroke)
5. Accelerate through the ball and hold your arms away from the body

Pitching

Pitching is a golf shot used when golfers need to get the golf ball up in the air to avoid hills, bunkers, and other obstacles. so it can land softly onto the putting surface.

Usually, a pitch shot is taken from 30-50 yards away from the green using a pitching wedge or sand wedge.

Pitching Technique

1. Use a pitching wedge or sand wedge
2. Keep your feet about shoulder width apart
3. Keep your left arm straight during the backswing (right-hand straight for lefties)
4. Use a little lower body movement to accelerate and rotate the hips through the golf ball. This is needed to get the golf ball up into the air
5. Finish your pitch shot with your chest pointing at the target ensuring a proper followthrough.

Short Video

If you have the time, watch this quick video down below from Logan DeCarolis.

I like this video because it is short, simple and really shows the difference between chipping and pitching.

Thanks for reading. Feel free to comment down below on some of your favorite methods you use when chipping or pitching onto the green!