Chipping vs pitching for beginners

Short-game words get thrown around like you were supposed to know them. Here’s the calm version.

Chip (simple idea)

A chip is a low, short shot that lands and mostly rolls — think “putt with a little loft.” Often used just off the green when you have green to work with.

Pitch (simple idea)

A pitch flies higher and lands softer with less roll — useful when you need to carry trouble or stop quicker. More air time, less ground time.

What beginners actually need

• One comfortable wedge motion for “near the green”
• Permission to putt from fringe when the grass allows
• No need to master ten trajectories before your first nine

Permission

You don’t fail golf by mixing up the words. Play the shot that gets the ball onto the putting surface with less drama. A Sunday Bag (putter + wedges) is built for this part of the game.

Related guides

• Putting basics for beginners
• What is a Sunday bag?
• First clubs for beginners
• How to hit out of a bunker
• Start here