When around the green we have several options of which shot to play. We can putt (if the grass is short), play a pitch shot or play a chip shot. Here is the difference between a chip and pitch shot…

Chip shot (9 iron): The chip is best used when you are within 10-20 yards of the green or when on the apron of the green. Using a putting stroke the ball will fly low in the air and for a short period of time. The ball will land on the green and roll along it. This shot can only be played when you have a clear path to the green – i.e. there are no bunkers between the ball and green.

Pitch shot (56-60 wedge): Used when you are about 20-50 yards from the green or in a green-side bunker. The ball is hit with a lofted club and will go high in the air. This is a much harder shot to execute than the chip shot.

Recommended order for which shot to play around the green:
1. Putt whenever feasible (that means whenever the ball will roll rather than bounce).
2. Chip and run when you can’t putt.
3. Pitch only when you have no other choice.