Golf Lessons San Diego Mike Wydra Chips Vs Pitches

NCAA Hall of Fame Coach Mike Wydra explains the fundamental differences between chipping and pitching. He demonstrates why using an 8-iron for a low-running chip is more predictable and easier to control than using a high-lofted wedge for a pitch shot near the green.

• Choose a chip over a pitch when you have minimal air time and plenty of green to work with.
• Use a lower-lofted club like an 8-iron for chipping to promote a predictable roll.
• In the chipping setup, place your feet close together with the ball roughly one ball-width inside your lead heel.
• Execute the chipping stroke 'risklessly'—minimizing wrist hinge for a more stable, back-and-forth motion.
• A running chip is generally easier to distance-control than a high, lofty pitch shot.

Go deeper

• High launch — Causes, drills and coaches for this miss
• Chipping — The lesson, across every coach
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