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How does a pitch shot differ from a chip shot in golf?
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golf
American golfer Tiger Woods competing at the British Open (Open Championship) at St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland, 2005.
In golf, the primary difference between a pitch shot and a chip shot lies in the ball's trajectory and how it travels toward the green:
- Pitch Shot: This is a high shot played from an area near the green. The golfer hits the ball through the air all the way to the target, relying on backspin to stop it quickly near the pin.12
- Chip Shot: This is a short, low approach shot. The ball flies only partway through the air—typically landing near the edge of the green—and then rolls the remaining distance to the hole.32
While both are used when a player is within close range of the putting surface, the pitch is characterized by its loft and stopping power, whereas the chip is defined by its lower trajectory and rolling finish.2