chip or pitch

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!

A strong short game in golf saves strokes!

How many times have I heard this statement! And how many times have we ignored this critical advice! My 2015 season was riddled with unsuccessful efforts to increase my distance off the tee. Actually, I was so obsessed to hit it like the “big boys” that I forgot the fundamental rule of successful golf.

The short game rules!

I have trusted this simple tenant and followed it for years. To lower my score and consistently shoot in the 70s, I always worked on my short game. But, for some reason this year I lost focus. I am not sure why I decided to move away from what works, but no matter what I tried, the results to hit longer off the tee did not meet my expectations on any level.

Last night, an epiphany occurred. It was not some earth shattering understanding of golf or some hitch I noticed in my swing. It all started when I asked a simple question on Twitter:

#golf question – If you had to pick between awesome drives or a deadly short game, what would you choose?

— The Grateful Golfer (@TheGratefulGolf) November 7, 2015

Although my sample group was small – the results cannot be ignored. 100% of the respondents, without hesitation, said they preferred a deadly short game over awesome drives!

Well of course they do! Most amateurs marvel at the booming 300+ yard drives of the Pros or the 250 yard 4 irons, but one critical factor we overlook is that most Pros have a deadly short game!

Anyone who has played, studied, or observed golf understands that the most strokes are saved within 25 yards of the green. The ability to consistently chip or pitch the ball for a “tap in” putt is priceless! A deadly short game is more valuable than hitting the ball long off the tee because if it takes 4 strokes to sink the ball from 25 yards, the advantage of distance is lost!

For my first introspective conclusion for this year, I realize that my 2016 season must include more short game practice if I ever want be a scratch golfer.

I am grateful for those who responded to my question last night. Your feedback was extremely valuable!

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!