Abstract
Even though there were no clear definitions of the short game and short game distance, short game capability is crucial for a good golf score. Generally, chip shot and pitch shot are regarded as two principal components of the short game. Chip shot is a short, low trajectory shot played to the green or from trouble back into play. Pitch shot is a high trajectory shot of short length. Biomechanical studies were conducted usually to analyze full swing and putting motions. The purpose of the study was to reveal the kinematical differences between professional golfers' 30 yard $53^{\circ}wedge$ chip shot and $56^{\circ}wedge$ pitch shot motions. Fifteen male professional golfers were recruited for the study. Kinematical data were collected by the 60 Hz three-dimensional motion analysis system. Statistical comparisons were made by paired t-test, ANOVA, and Duncan of the SPSS 12.0K with the $\alpha$ value of .05. Results show that both the left hand and the ball were placed left of the center of the left and right foot at address. The left hand position of the chip shot was significantly left side of that of the pitch shot. But the ball position of the pitch shot was significantly right side of that of the chip shot. All body segments aligned to the left of the target line, open, at address. Except shoulder, there were no significant pelvis, knee, and feet alignment differences between chip shot and pitch shot. These differences at address seem for the ball height control. Pitch shot swing motions(the shoulder and pelvis rotation and the club head travel distance) were significantly bigger than those of the chip shot. Club head velocity of the pitch shot was significantly faster than that of the chip shot at the moment of impact. This was for the same shot length control with different lofted clubs. Swing motion differences seem mainly caused by the same shot length control with different ball height control.
