Next time you play and miss a green, ask yourself if you need to hit a chip shot or a pitch. The two shots are very different, and require different technique. It is important to know the difference, and how to execute each. The key to a great short game, is often the choice in shot and club selection. Many times when a player misses a green with their approach shot, they immediately grab for their sand wedge, or lob wedge, to play their next shot. If the miss the green by a few feet, they grab their putter. May times you have options, and the highest percentage shot is the one a person should choose. There are no reasons, a person can’t learn to chip or pitch well. It requires no size or strength, and doesn’t matter whether you are a man, woman, or child. The key to chipping and pitching, is proper knowledge and technique.
Let’s take a look at the differences in the two shots:
Chipping
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Use your putting grip
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Play the ball back in your stance
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Swing the club away with out hinging your wrists
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Your stroke should be a blend of swinging the club back and through with the shoulders and arms, while keeping the lower body and head still.
Pitching
- Use a conventional grip
- Play the ball up in your stance
- Hinge your wrists as you swing the club away.
- Your stroke should be a blend of swinging the club back and through with the shoulders, arms and hands, while letting the lower body release
If you are having trouble with your chip and run shots, set up a lesson with one of our Professionals. That one lesson may save you a few shots a round.
