Understanding Chip Shots in Golf: Distance, Technique & Club Selection

Question
Eddie,

What constitutes a chip shot? Is it distance from the green, an abbreviated swing, is it dependent on the club used, or is it something else? At a party last night, we had at least six golfers who all had a different opinions and no one could agree on one answer.

Thx in advance for your help,

Dave  

Answer
Hello Dave:
The question is always what is the difference between a chip shot and a pitch shot?  My answer is always that a chip shot (assuming a good lie) is within 15-20 feet of the green.  It is a shot that will have very little air time and more ground time.  Once the ball is outside that range, the golfer now needs to make a bigger swing to get the ball to the green.  So a pitch shot is a shot that would have more air time and less ground time.  Note that those distances are individual and obviously could vary.  But we describe a chip as a shot close to the green, within 15-20 feet that would have very little air time and more ground time.  A pitch shot is outside that area, say up to 40-50 yards, that would have more air time and less ground time.  Hope this helps.

Eddie Kilthau
PGA Member