Donna Andrew’s Tip Of The Month: Knowing When To Putt, Chip or Pitch
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If you can putt and get a decent roll on the ball then this is your safest shot.
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When you can’t putt you should chip. Also know as a chip and run. Chipping allows the ball to carry part way to the hole and then run the rest of the way. Chipping involves letting our arms and shoulder work together as a triangle with no wrist hinge . When you chip, you put the ball back in your stance, keep the weight forward so the center of our body is slightly ahead of the ball, and make sure you keep your shaft leaning toward the target so your hands are always in front on the golf ball.
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Pitching should be your last choice because it is the most difficult of the three shots. Your goal is to get the ball high in the air and have it land softly near the hole. It is most difficult because you must allow your wrist to hinge. The ball should be played in the center of your stance, your weight should still be slightly more on the forward foot and you will have to keeps your hands and arms loose enough to allow the club to hinge. Being confident enough to hit pitch shots takes lots of practice so only use this shot when the situation will not allow you to putt or chip.