[Kim Maengnyoung's Golf English Conversation] "What Is the Difference Between a Chip Shot and a Pitch Shot?"

The type of approach shot is determined by the presence of obstacles and the contours of the green.

'Approach shot.'

This refers to any stroke taken between the tee shot and the first putt. While it can include medium- and long-distance shots, it usually means the short shots played around the green, commonly called "approach" shots. Approach shots include pitch shots, chip shots, pitch-and-run shots, bump-and-run shots, and lob shots. Making good approach shots is the key to scoring well.

A chip shot is a low shot that rolls along the ground, while a pitch shot is a higher shot that stops more quickly. The difference between a chip and a pitch is that the pitch shot flies farther than it rolls, and the chip shot rolls farther than it flies. Chip shots are especially useful when there are no obstacles like ponds or bunkers between you and the green, as rolling the ball as much as possible is relatively safer.

For a chip shot, use a pitching wedge or a 9-iron, and distribute your weight 70% on your left foot and 30% on your right. Use a firm grip to keep your left wrist steady, and position your hands ahead of the ball in a "hands first" stance. For a pitch shot, use a sand wedge, and distribute your weight evenly, 50% on each foot. Place the ball one or two ball widths farther to the left compared to a chip shot, and hold the grip softly.

A: What kinds of approach shots are there in golf?

B: There are five. They are pitch shots, chip shots, pitch-and-run shots, bump-and-run shots, and lob shots.

A: What’s the difference between a chip and a pitch shot?

B: The difference is that the pitch shot flies farther than it rolls, and the chip shot rolls farther than it flies.

A: Thanks for a great explanation on the difference between the two shots.

Written and photographed by Kim Maengnyoung, golf columnist