If you are an eighteen handicap you are probably hitting only five or six greens per round and because of this fact your "short game" (chipping and pitching) come into play on 2 out or every three holes.  A strong short game can help you lower your scores by eliminating multiple shots around the green.  The closer you get your ball to the hole with your chipping the more putts you will make and the lower your score becomes.

There are two basic shots to use around the greens, the pitch and the chip. A pitch is a lofted shot which flies a greater distance than it rolls.  A chip, on the other hand, is a shot which rolls farther than it flies in the air.  When and where to use each shot depends on what lies between you and the hole. 

The saying goes putt when you can, chip when you can't and pitch only when you have to. 

Putting is always the easiest shot to control distance and direction with.  But if there is some heavy grass or uneven terrain between the ball and the green a chip shot with a six or seven iron to loft the ball over the trouble and rolling on the green may be a better choice.  The pitch should be used when a bunker, lake or other hazard lies between the ball the and your target or when your shot needs to land softly on the green with not much roll.

1.    Shorten or choke down on the club.  This will give you greater distance control. 


 

2.    Light, not tight grip pressure.  Tightness destroys touch and you need touch around the greens to be successful.


 

3.    The feet and hips are open to the target.  It is easier to "see the line" of your shot and easier to take the club back on the correct path by doing this.


 

4.     Stance is narrower than a full shot.  Helps lessen the weight shift which gives you better distance control.