Range Chat – Putting vs Chipping: The Great Aussie Golfer Dilemma

If you’ve played golf in Australia for more than five minutes, you’ve been here. 

Miss the green by a metre or two. 

Putter in one hand. Wedge in the other. 

And that little voice asking what to do. 

This decision shows up every round — and it matters more than most golfers think. 

Putting feels safe: 

It keeps the ball on the ground. 

Limits disasters. 

Turns misses into manageable outcomes. 

But fringe, grain, and mixed grass can make putting tricky fast. 

Chipping gives control of landing spot. 

It skips ugly fringe and removes bad grass from play. 

But mishits can cost confidence quickly. 

The better question isn’t “what’s the right shot?” 

It’s “which option brings the least trouble today?” 

As golfers get older, confidence around the greens matters even more. 

Calmer decisions save shots and enjoyment. 

Rule of thumb: 

Smooth roll → putt. 

Ugly fringe → chip. 

Unsure → choose less disaster. 

Final Word: 

Boring decisions around the green beat fancy ones every time. 

Join the Conversation: 

Are you a putter-from-everywhere golfer or do you back your chipping? 

Disclaimer – From the Range 

Shared from long-term amateur experience, not professional coaching. 

These are lessons learned over time — offered to help you think, not to tell you how to play.