Article #33
To meet this week's teacher, or to purchase a copy of MUNIE ~ The Jitterbug Collection, go to www.bobbysteiner.com
Dear Jitterbug:
What's the difference between a chip and a pitch?
Jitterbug Gang Fan
Jitterbug:
A "chip" is a short shot around the green that rolls most of the way to the hole. A "pitch" shot flies most of the way to the hole, and therefore, stops soon after landing.
Though you may play a chip with any of a variety of clubs, you're probably gonna play the standard pitch with a more lofted club, like a lob-wedge or a sand-wedge.
Mr. Vaughn:
Bein' as the two shots are different in the way they travel to the hole, they require a little different setup and swing shape.
As for the plain, vanilla chip shot, I recommend you keep the wrists out of it. Wrist action is a good source of loft and/or power, but since you don't need either of those things for a chip shot, there's no use throwin' wrist action into the mix.
The pitch motion, however, is more like a miniature full swing, so you need a little wrist action, some arm swing, and a more complete turn through the shot.
You might also keep in mind that of all the standard shots in golf, the pitch takes the longest to become good at because it requires such a long, accelerating move for even a short shot.
Lord Berry:
Perform this simple experiment:
With two balls in your hand, pace off fifteen steps from a flag in the practice green. Stop, turn, and simply roll the first ball to the hole. This is a very easy motion, correct?
Next, throw the second ball underhanded-as if pitching a softball-so that it flies high in the air before landing near the hole. Notice how much more motion the higher flight requires?
Chips and pitches are the same way. Because the high lofted pitch demands more movement, and therefore, a synchronization of more moving parts, I recommend you choose the low, running shot when given the option.
The golden rule? Putt if you can. Chip if you can't putt. Pitch the ball high in the air only as a last resort.