Stupid Golf Question
Chip vs pitch shot: what is the difference?
You are near the green and someone asks whether you are chipping or pitching
Plain answer first
The plain answer
A chip is usually a lower shot with less air time and more roll. A pitch is usually a higher shot with more air time and less roll. The exact club and motion can overlap, so the useful distinction is the flight-to-roll plan rather than a rigid yardage cutoff.
The NPG answer
A chip gets rolling early. A pitch takes the upstairs route.
When it matters
It matters when choosing how to get the ball near the hole: chip when the ground offers a predictable runway, and pitch when you need more carry over rough, a bunker, or another obstacle.
What to do next
Before the next short shot, pick a landing spot and decide whether the safer path is mostly roll or mostly carry.
Do this next
What is a chilly dip?
A chilly dip is a short shot where the club hits the ground behind the ball first.
Read the related questionRelated questions
Join the loop
Want the next note?
Get simple golf survival notes built for the exact awkward moments regular golfers run into.
Ask Mully the follow-up
If this answer unlocked a second question, open the chat here and keep going.