Beginner Golf Info

When it comes to golf advice, one area I’d like to discuss is when it comes time to take your shot, how will you decide whether to chip, pitch or putt?

Why is it that some of the most simple shots in golf can cause the most trouble, even among players of all levels? I’m not talking about just putting, which is probably the #1 easiest shot to learn in golf. I’m talking about the mysterious chip shot and the sometimes difficult pitch shot – both very simple, yet very troublesome.

Perhaps the main difficulty with these easy shots stems from a lack of confidence in whether that shot is the most appropriate one to take in a particular situation. You ask yourself: maybe a pitch would be better, or perhaps putting the ball on the next shot is better than chipping it.

Such questions tend to cause the average golfer to over-analyze, which only leads to a bad shot. So let us help you remove the guesswork here so that you can stop the brain freeze.

Questions To Ask Yourself

Whenever the ball is on the green you should always put the chip shot aside and go for the putt. And even off the green the putt is the better choice if possible. It’s very easy to decide this action and depends on the following points to consider:

1) Can a typical putting stroke get the ball from where it is to the hole?

2) Are you able to take a full swing, back and through, without getting the club stuck in the grass?

3) Is the path between your ball and the hole a clear travel path, without being blocked by obstructions (grass tufts or anything that might slow down or stop the ball)?

The Results:

If you answered yes to the above three questions then the putt is the best choice, not the chip shot. If you answered no to any of the questions, regardless of which one, then go for the chip (or the pitch).

Anytime the putt is too long then the chip shot is best (with of course the term “long” being relative, but anything longer than 18-20 yards is a good average length for most golfers to avoid putting until a closer shot is available).

If you are playing from the collar of the green and there is high grass or rough that could throw your putt off balance, then the chip is ideal.

And third, If there are any rough spots at all on the course in between the ball and the hole, then a pitch shot is recommended.

I hope this golf advice has helped you with this important question.

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Want some simple golf advice? Enjoy your game and stop over analyzing every detail! The reasons for choosing golf as your sport is to enjoy a game that is comfortable, confidence-building, and which is able to settle within your subconscious. This means avoiding the dreaded mistake over-analyzing everything. You must allow the game to come to you by just letting it happen.

You have probably taken a few golf lessons in the past, have put in hours on the practice range, and learned additional skills and tips from watching the pros on TV. It’s time to trust these lessons and past experiences that you have had by allowing your subconscious to guide your way. Just take your swing – it’s that simple.

The best thing you can do is develop a solid, consistent swing and grow your confidence with it. From that point on, the game of golf is simply hitting the ball towards the intended target, walking over and picking it up, and hitting it again, until you have reached the hole.

This may seem like an oversimplification, and of course practice and preparation are important, but if you spend time analyzing every second of the game to the point of seriously frustrating yourself, you are on the wrong track. Rather, enjoy golf and use your energy to focus and concentrate when the time is needed instead of mulling over every minor detail.

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