These basic shots can cover just about every situation you might encounter around the green. The Chip-Putt, the Bump-and-Run and the Hinge-and-Hold. To keep things simple, I break chipping down into 3 basic shots. If you are a 100s shooter and 20 shots are chips, then you'd better make sure you are pretty good at them. That means the other 20% or so are chips and pitches. Most research shows that the short game (shots 100 yards and in for most players) is roughly 65% of your total score with putting being around 43%. While I stated above that I believe chipping is the easiest shot to play, it can also cause your score to sky rocket if you are chili dipping or skulling shots around the green. It requires a bigger swing than the chip. It is generally (not always) hit from further out and is a higher shot that will spin and check more when it hits the green. Because of this it requires a shorter swing. It is a lower shot that will hit the green and release or roll to the pin. The Difference.Ī question I receive a lot in lessons."What exactly is the difference between a chip and a pitch?" A chip is generally a shorter shot, typically 20 yards and in to the pin. The unlikelihood of holing out a chip shot is what makes it even more exciting than making the longest of putts.
Tom Watson's chip in on the 17th hole of the 1982 U.S.
Whether it is stray tee shots or poor approach shots, the chip can be your best friend. Good chipping makes up for a lot of the other short comings in your game. Not only is it easy to hit if you have proper technique and practice, it can be a life saver. It's always been my favorite shot in golf. Also, there isn't the pressure to actually make the shot like when you are putting. You don't have to be particularly strong or athletic to make a small swing and get the ball to roll up close to the hole. Chipping."the easiest shot in golf." Really? I think so, I really do.