Pitching vs. Chipping: What Shot to Hit from 20 Yards?

The 20-yard shot is one of the most misunderstood in golf. Many players freeze up, unsure whether to chip it low or pitch it high.

That indecision usually leads to poor contact or picking the wrong shot altogether. And when you guess instead of assess, your score suffers.

This article breaks down how to choose between a chip or pitch from 20 yards so you can approach this distance with confidence and a clear plan.

The Difference Between a Chip and a Pitch

Before you can decide what to hit, you need to understand the difference between a chip and a pitch. They’re not just two names for the same thing.

A chip shot is a low-trajectory shot that gets on the green quickly and rolls like a putt. It’s simple, controlled, and relies more on ground than air.

A pitch shot is higher in the air with more carry and less rollout. It’s used to stop the ball faster, especially when there’s less green to work with.

Here’s a quick summary:

Chip: Lower flight, more rollout, simpler motion
Pitch: Higher flight, softer landing, more carry over trouble

Knowing when to use each is a major key to scoring around the greens.

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When to Chip from 20 Yards

Chipping from 20 yards may not be your first instinct, but it’s often the safest play when you have plenty of green to work with. The goal is to get the ball on the ground quickly and let it release toward the hole.

This works best when the turf is firm, the green is flat or sloping toward you, and there’s no obstacle in front of your landing zone. Chipping eliminates variables like spin and trajectory—especially helpful under pressure.

Clubs like your 8-iron, 9-iron, or pitching wedge can be ideal here. They give you a predictable, low-running shot that behaves like a long putt.

Choose a chip when:

You have 20+ feet of green between your landing spot and the hole
The ball is sitting clean on a fairway or fringe lie
You want consistency and low risk of mishits

Chipping is also great when you’re in between clubs for a pitch and want to simplify the decision.

When to Pitch from 20 Yards

Pitching becomes the better option when you need to carry trouble or stop the ball quickly. A well-struck pitch can land softly and stop near the pin—especially helpful when short-sided.

If the green is elevated, the pin is tucked, or you’re hitting from rough or a tight lie, the pitch gives you more control through the air. It allows you to use height and spin to manage rollout.

Your sand wedge or lob wedge is best for this shot. Use it when you need loft, carry, and spin all working together.

Choose a pitch when:

You must fly the ball over rough, bunker, or slope
There’s limited green between the landing zone and the pin
The ball is in a fluffy lie or slightly buried
You trust your ability to strike it clean and control trajectory

Learning to pitch well opens up scoring opportunities that a chip can’t always create.

Factors That Influence Your Decision

Distance alone shouldn’t determine whether you chip or pitch. It’s the lie, the green, and the landing zone that matter most.

Start with the lie. A tight fairway lie may favor a chip, while a fluffy rough lie might require a pitch to get the ball airborne.

Then look at the green elevation and slope. If the green is uphill or elevated, you’ll need a pitch to carry the rise. If it’s flat or downhill, a chip can roll out nicely.

Wind also plays a role. Into the wind, a lower chip might be safer. Downwind, you may need to pitch it higher to hold the green.

Ask yourself:

Is the ball sitting clean or buried?
Is there trouble to carry or green to roll across?
How fast or firm is the putting surface?

When you take all these into account, you’ll make smarter, more confident shot choices.

How to Decide on the Spot

Making the right decision comes down to a quick but focused process. You don’t want to rush it, but you also don’t want to overthink.

Here’s a simple decision-making checklist:

Assess the lie – Tight, fluffy, fairway, rough?
Evaluate the green – Flat, uphill, downhill?
Identify the landing zone – Where can you land it safely?
Pick the shot type – Chip if there’s space, pitch if you need carry
Choose the club and commit – No second-guessing once you decide

A confident swing starts with a clear choice. When you trust your shot selection, you’re more likely to execute under pressure.

Technique Adjustments for Each Shot

While chip and pitch shots may look similar at a glance, the technique behind them is different. Small adjustments can change trajectory, spin, and rollout dramatically.

For a chip shot, keep your stance narrow and slightly open. Play the ball back in your stance, with hands slightly forward. Use a putting-like stroke with minimal wrist hinge, and let the club brush the grass.

For a pitch shot, widen your stance just a bit. Move the ball closer to center and add more wrist hinge in the backswing. Let the club open naturally and use a smooth, shallow strike with the bounce.

Key differences to remember:

Chip: Minimal wrist hinge, ball back, low flight
Pitch: More wrist hinge, ball center, higher flight
Chip: Short follow-through
Pitch: Match swing length front and back

Both shots require soft hands and a steady tempo. You’re not hitting hard—you’re guiding the club to clip the ball cleanly.

Practice Drills for Shot Selection

You won’t learn this by guessing on the course—you need reps in practice. Use drills that reinforce both shot types so you can apply them instinctively.

Try the Alternating Drill. Hit one chip, then one pitch from the same spot. Focus on setup and ball flight differences. This builds feel and decision-making.

Set up landing zone targets with tees or towels. Hit 10 chips and 10 pitches, trying to land the ball inside the same target area. It trains carry distance control and rollout estimation.

To simulate pressure, create a short game scoring game. Give yourself points for hitting chips or pitches inside a 6-foot circle. Set a goal each session and compete with yourself or a friend.

These drills force you to develop instincts, not just technique.

Developing Shot Versatility Around the Green

The best short game players don’t rely on just one shot. They know how to chip when it’s smart and pitch when it’s necessary.

You won’t always get perfect lies or friendly pin positions. That’s why learning both shots gives you options—and options lead to confidence.

Instead of forcing the same technique on every shot, adapt based on what the course gives you. The more tools you have, the fewer strokes you’ll need.

Versatility is what separates solid short games from great ones.

Conclusion + Call-to-Action

From 20 yards out, the right shot isn’t always obvious—but it’s always important. Whether you choose to chip or pitch, your decision should be based on the lie, green, and what gives you the best chance to get it close.

Practice both shots regularly so you don’t have to guess under pressure. The goal isn’t just good technique—it’s making the right choice and executing it well.

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Thanks for reading today’s article!

Nick Foy – Golf Instructor

Pitching vs. Chipping: What Shot to Hit from 20 Yards?