In our last column we focused on the importance of practicing the variety of shots we might face from just off the greens during a round of golf, and how a scattered practice routine is best for approximating as many of these shots as possible. This week we take a look at the on-course choices we face when deciding which of these shots will get the ball closest to the hole.

Each golf shot is a unique opportunity to execute your skill. There are no style points for form and an unlimited number of possibilities for the shot and the outcome. Remember, the outcome is all that matters on the scorecard.

That said, the type of shot you play should be chosen by your skill level, the situation in the match or competition, the golf course and weather factors and, most importantly, your comfort level with what you feel you can execute successfully.

The basic choice you have when your ball is lying close to but off the green is to hit either a chip shot or a pitch shot. The difference is a chip rolls along the ground a longer distance than it travels in the air, while a pitch is the opposite, with more air time and less roll. The chip is played with a lower lofted club (often a 6, 7 or 8 iron) so the starting trajectory is low and the spin rate is low. This angle of approach to the green better allows for a planned amount of roll out toward the hole.

Conversely, the pitch shot is played with a high lofted club (lob wedge, sand wedge or pitching wedge), so the starting trajectory is very high, followed by a steep downward angle of descent, with a high spin rate, which allows for the ball to stop quickly.

So how do you decide which type of shot to play?

The available landing spot, the amount of "trouble" between you and that landing spot, and the amount of distance for roll determine the type of shot you should play. If there is a bunker or heavy rough between you and the green, obviously you will have to pitch it over the trouble. If you are just off the green, however, the choice is to minimize the air time and hit a low running chip that will roll out to the hole.

With either shot, whenever possible, land the ball on the putting surface instead of the fringe, as the first bounce will be more consistent and allow you to more accurately judge the amount of roll the shot will produce.

The choice may come down to which shot you can produce most often. This is a result of practice, experience and the imagination of you, the player. Try to see all the possible ways you can make this shot happen and then pick the club and type shot you are most likely to be successful with at controlling the distance of the shot. Make a rehearsal swing that replicates what you want to execute, and hit the shot.

As always, I reiterate that your decision-making and shot-making abilities will be greatly enhanced by professional instruction and a focused practice routine. Speak to your local PGA Professional, or locate one near you by logging on to www.PlayGolfAmerica.com, and ask him or her about short game lessons and/or on-course lessons where they can help refine your shot selection process.

Their expertise is sure to go a long way in helping you choose and execute the shots you need to lower your scores.

Until next time, here's to better golf!

Rick Martino is Director of Instruction for The PGA of America. He teaches at the PGA Learning Center in Port St. Lucie, Fla., and is ranked among the Top 50 instructors by Golf Digest Magazine. The author of the PGA Manual of Golf (Warner Books/$34.95), Martino can be reached at (800) 800-GOLF or by email at pgalearningcenter@pgahq.com.