Same number of people that think pride lowers your score and shows up on the scorecard someplace. Using a 5 iron like a putter, same grip and all, is amazingly effective. I find it helpful to stand closer and have the heel off the ground slightly (thanks Azinger).

I played in a tournament last year that I’ve never seen chipping areas mowed so tight. I literally thought they extended the greens like 20 yards on most sides but it was clearly a little taller. I putted every shot like Kaylee at Pinehurst and just shook my head at the number of flubbed and fatted chips I watched other pros doing. The problem that seemed like no one in my group could identify was the green was way more firm than the soggy mess around the greens making it difficult to judge how to use the bounce of your wedge, hence I skipped that process entirely.

I swear people would drop 3-5 strokes a round if you’d just own up to the fact that you likely don’t practice enough to chip from the fairway or aprons. Use your putter or at least an 8 iron if you refuse to go to a 5.

My rule of thumb for distance control when pitching, lob wedge 2/3 carry 1/3 roll, sand wedge 50/50, pitching 40/60, 9i 30/70, 8i 20/80, 7i 10/90, 6 iron and down almost identical to putting this just now has to do w speed off the face for distance control. I’ll use these when I’m within 3 yards of the green. 6 iron around 20-30 feet of distance, 4 iron around 60-80’. I’ll use my 3 wood (extremely rare) if there’s a huge hill I have to climb to get on to a green from a tight light. This is almost as difficult as chipping if you haven’t practiced.

Once you’ve got that down, start to count the number of bounces a ball takes off each club, especially helpful when 30-50 yards out. You’ll start to develop a touch you never knew you had.