The key to the short game is to know when to chip, pitch or putt.

The average greens hit per round on the PGA Tour is between 12 and 13. This statistic shows you the importance of the short game.

Understanding the difference between these three shots will help you decide which shot to play.

A chip shot is a running shot and carries in the air about one-fourth of the distance to the flagstick and rolls the rest of the way. A pitch shot carries in the air about two-thirds of the distance to the flagstick.

A chip shot is generally played when you are close to the green. Putting is not an option when the grass between you and the green is not smooth.

A pitch shot is the best choice when you have to go over a hazard of some sort, there is little green to work with or you want to stop the ball quickly.

An example of using the putter from off the green is the aprons around the Rustic Canyon greens. Under this condition, you can putt from 20 to 30 feet off the putting surface.

There is an old saying among experienced players. "A bad putt from off the green is better than a bad chip or pitch shot."