Things You'll Need:
- Putter
- Pitching wedge or high-numbered iron
- Golf ball
- Cup or target
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Step 1
Scope the distance to the green. The first thing to do in determining whether to putt or chip from the green is to figure out where you are in relation to the pin. Decide if you are truly on the green, on the short grass around the green, or still in the slightly longer grass of the fairway. If you are on the green, it's time to putt. If you are on the intermediate grass, you will also use a putter. If you are still on the same size grass as the fairway, then it is time to use a wedge or high-numbered iron.
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Step 2
Check out the grade of the shot. A caveat to the previous point is if you are hitting the ball uphill. At that point, in any circumstance you will want to chip, as it will loft the ball towards the hole. Once the ball is in the air, the friction of the ball on the grass has been removed and the ball will travel smoothly. Conversely, if you are hitting the ball downhill, then it is time to utilize the putter, as you will want the friction from the grass to slow your ball down.
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Step 3
Select the proper club. Just because you are within 20 yards of the hole, it doesn't mean it's time for the pitching wedge. Experiment with your irons to see what club propels the ball correctly for your swing. It very well may be a seven iron. This is where practice will make perfect.
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Step 4
Go with your gut. At the end of the day, there is no right answer, but you can certainly form an opinion. In order to decide whether to chip or putt, ask yourself which shot you excel at and have more control over.
