If you did not realize, there is a significant difference between chipping and pitching. These two dichotomous shots are important to have in your golf bag because it opens many options to the multitude of shots around the green. I do not have a preference because I have practiced both over the years, however I do subscribe to start the ball rolling as quickly as possible when hitting up and down shots. Regardless of your preference, each setup is unique and requires a different focus.
To discuss the differences between chipping and pitching, I found a video by Brad Faxon. It is simple to understand and outlines the differences between these two shots.
I like how the explanation does not focus on one shot type over the other. This is important because it is the lie of the ball, location of the pin on the green, course conditions and a plethora of other stressors that drives our decision on which shot to use. These two shots are the foundation of a good short game. They allow every golfer the opportunity to decide on what will be the best shot and club selection for any given situation.
I would note, both of these short game shots can be executed with any wedge in your bag. I carry four wedges and I am comfortable playing each shot with any of them. They all offer different options and I am grateful for that. Knowing how to properly chip or pitch a ball will lower your golf scores. As Faxon says, go practice and see what you can come up with in order to improve your short game.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 
The practice session was helpful for my away game Saturday and the skins game today. The only issues I had in my game was with my wedges. Twice from inside 70 yards I chunked badly and followed up with another chunk that made the green but left too long a putt to drop. And I bladed the tee shot on the second hole. (Cut right through a plastic chain with that one lol)
Got fooled on one green into a 3 putt but I putted really well on the rest. Though I didn’t drop as many as I wanted, I was leaving just tap in 2nd putts.
From the last two rounds I have figured out there are some lies I want more practice off of. Just chipping and pitching from good lies isn’t enough. I know that but need to remember it more often when I go out to practice. I don’t want confidence issues and that’s the only way I know to work on them.
And one last thing to note. Our oldest skins player is 73. He dunked a 130 yard tee shot into the wind today for his 5th ace. Hole 16. I got my 2nd ace there just as covid was starting but his was special. The noise of it hitting the pin as it disappeared was magnificent.
Anyway he finished the year right. And so did we, on the course. How’s that snow thing working out?
(Paid for by the Florida PGA membership drive committee)😂
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Kevin,
First, we actually do not have snow at this moment. This is the first time I can ever remember starting the new year with no snow. I cannot golf, but at least I am not shoveling the white stuff. Second, sounds like your buddy finished off 2023 very well. Congrats to him on his 5th ace. Lastly, practicing our short game from tough lies is a great idea. It makes sense because most chips from around the green are rarely perfect. Happy New Year!
Cheers Jim
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I have to admit I do prefer pitching to chipping but I’m trying to get more comfortable chipping in more circumstances. I played the nine hole course today with three balls and chipped (with a 9 iron) and pitched (with the sand wedge) trying to do as well with either. Lots of practice like that helps build my confidence around the greens.
And I hit all the tee shots off the deck to give me more approach shot type practice. I only need fairway woods one the 3 longer holes to reach. The rest it’s irons or my 5 or 6 hybrid. It’s my favorite practice routine.
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Kevin,
Preferring pitching the chipping is different for sure. Most players it is the opposite. It sounds like you had plenty of practice yesterday. Anytime you hit that many balls in a short time in a real game scenario, you are bound to improve.
Cheers Jim
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