Pitching - Difference Between Pitching and Chipping

An article by: Bobby Eldridge 

Golf Pitching -Definition and Introduction

The definition of a Pitch shot is a shot that has maximum air and minimum roll on its way to the hole. In other words pitching is 2/3 air and 1/3 roll. The golf ball flies 2/3 of the distance to the hole and once it hits the putting surface it rolls 1/3 of the way to the cup.

As a reminder the definition of a chip shot is a shot that has 1/3 air time and 2/3 roll on its way to the hole. A chip shot is a shot that is played with a 5, 7 or 9 iron. The flatter faced clubs keep the ball low to the ground. Pitch shots are hit with loftier clubs to give the ball the 2/3 air time that is needed.

During a round of golf you might encounter a short shot going up to the green. You might have to go over a knoll, edge of a bunker, a pond, high rough or a tight pin position. When you are faced with a shot like this you will have to hit a pitch shot that has a higher trajectory and lands softly.

How to Complete the Pitch Shot

You will need two things to pull this shot off, proper technique and lofted clubs. So, what would I do as far as clubs are concerned? Well remember the flat faced clubs are the ones you use when you chip. The lofted clubs, the pitching, sand and lob wedges are the clubs designed for the higher shots.

The ability to pitch a golf ball in the air with trajectory, a soft landing and the correct distance is one of the game's more difficult shots. If the golf ball is sitting up it makes the execution much easier. More times than not the golf ball is either sitting down in deep rough or on hard pan. In either case the shot becomes very difficult to hit the correct trajectory and distance.

However; if you use the correct technique and some practice you can learn to become a wonderful pitcher of the golf ball no matter what your handicap is.

When you think of pitching the golf ball keep in mind what you are trying to accomplish, a golf shot that travels mostly in the air and then rolls a short distance.

You can continue viewing golf lessons about the pitching introduction. The next lesson in the Pitching series is on club selection. Or you can view golf lessons on the pitching Setup, Backswing, or Downswing.