Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced golfer, mastering your short game is one of the fastest ways to lower your score. Among the many short game shots in golf, pitch shots and chip shots are two of the most essential. While they may appear similar to the untrained eye, these shots serve very different purposes and require unique techniques, ball positions, and club selections.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about pitch vs chip shots, including how and when to hit them, how to set up properly, and what makes them so different. By understanding the distinct roles these shots play in your short game, you’ll gain more confidence on the course—and start shaving strokes off your scorecard in no time.
Before diving into technique, let’s start by defining what these shots actually are.
A pitch shot is a high, lofted shot typically hit from 20 to 50 yards out. It’s designed to get the ball up in the air quickly and stop with minimal roll once it lands on the green. These shots often require a wrist hinge and a more aggressive swing motion.
In contrast, a chip shot is a low, controlled shot typically played from close to the green—usually within 10 yards. The ball flies a short distance in the air and then rolls the rest of the way to the hole, much like a putt. Chip shots involve less wrist action and a simpler, more compact swing.
Both shots are critical tools in your short game arsenal, but knowing which one to use—and how to use it—can make a huge difference.
A pitch shot is often used when you’re too close for a full swing but too far for a chip or putt. It’s meant to cover more distance in the air and land softly, often using clubs like a sand wedge or pitching wedge.
To execute a successful pitch shot, begin with a narrow stance and an open clubface. Your weight should be slightly forward, and your hands should remain ahead of the ball throughout the swing. Use a half swing or three-quarter swing, hinging your wrists during the backswing and allowing the club to accelerate through impact. The goal is to generate enough loft for the ball to fly high and stop quickly on the green.
Clubs with more loft, such as wedges from your iron golf set or set of golf wedges, are ideal for pitch shots. Make sure to practice with a variety of clubs to learn how different lofts affect distance and roll.
Use a pitch shot when you need the ball to fly over an obstacle, such as a bunker or rough, and stop relatively quickly. It’s perfect for situations where there’s not much green to work with, and you need height to control the ball’s landing spot.
Pitch shots are commonly played from 20 to 50 yards out, though some players will use them at shorter distances if a high, soft landing is needed.
The setup helps encourage clean contact and proper loft to get the ball up and onto the green quickly.
A chip shot is best used when you're just off the green and need the ball to roll most of the way to the hole. It’s a simple, effective shot that helps bridge the gap between a putt and a pitch.
To hit a chip, use a more compact swing without much wrist hinge. Set your feet close together and position the ball back in your stance. Your hands should lead the clubface, and your weight should favor your front foot.
The motion is similar to a putting stroke, using the shoulders to rock the club back and through. You won’t need a full swing—just a short, controlled stroke to pop the ball into the air and let it roll to the hole. You can chip with various clubs, from a sand wedge to a 7-iron, depending on how much air time and roll you need.
Use a chip shot when you’re close to the green—typically within 10 yards—and there’s plenty of green between you and the hole. This is ideal when you don’t need to fly the ball far but want to avoid putting through rough or fringe.
Chip shots are great for getting close to the pin with minimal effort. They’re especially effective on golf courses with fast greens where precision is key.
Practicing your setup is key for clean, consistent contact and proper roll on the green.
| Feature | Pitch Shot | Chip Shot |
|---|---|---|
| Flight | High and soft | Low and rolling |
| Distance | 20–50 yards | 1–10 yards |
| Wrist hinge | Yes | Minimal |
| Swing | Longer, more aggressive | Short, controlled |
| Ball position | Slightly forward | Back in stance |
| Use case | Over obstacles or limited green | Close to green with room to roll |
| Typical clubs | Sand wedge, pitching wedge | Wedge, 9-iron, 8-iron, 7-iron |
If you need more airtime and less roll, go for the pitch shot. If you’re close to the green with room to roll, the chip shot is your best bet.
Don’t forget to factor in course conditions like slope, grass type, and wind. These elements can influence how both pitch and chip shots behave, so adapt accordingly.
Understanding the key differences between pitch shots and chip shots is one of the most valuable skills a golfer can develop. Both are vital components of the short game, and learning when and how to use them can dramatically improve your performance.
The pitch shot is your go-to for longer short game situations, offering height and control when you need to clear obstacles or stop the ball quickly. The chip shot, meanwhile, is ideal for close-range accuracy and consistency, especially when you have a clear path to the hole.
By practicing both types of shots and learning the correct setup, club selection, and ball position, you’ll be equipped to handle a wide range of scenarios on the course. Whether you’re shopping for wedges at your favorite golf club store or updating your golf bag black with the perfect fairway woods or iron golf sets, the right tools paired with the right technique will take your game to the next level.
So the next time you're faced with a tricky short shot, ask yourself: Pitch or chip? The right shot could make all the difference.
