Tip 1: The two-club approach.
Try this technique: have a long practice section Using just two clubs, the 56 degree sand wedge and the 8 iron. If you learn to use them well, you will help to shave points off of your score card. Controlling the distance on a chip shot with a less lofted club is accomplished by controlling the trajectory and the spin.
Controlling the trajectory is learned by your own experience with the club, but the spin is controlled by the angle of the head of the club when approaching the ball. A steep approach will put more spin on a ball. That throws the ball off line when it lands on the green, then speed becomes erratic.
When in low cut grass you don't need a downward swing. Your club should be level to the ground. Just sweep the ball off the turf. In grass that covers over half the ball, use a slightly downward swing. Avoid hitting the grass first or you'll chunk the shot. Using this method is not spectacular, but you'll find you have more control of your game. Practice using these two clubs for a while and see what happens.
Tip 2: Ten minute practice sessions.
Take ten minutes a day to practice chipping and pitching golf balls. This may sound simplistic, but it can help to shave 3 strokes off your game. Use a kiddy pool, a circle of rope, whatever you can move easily.
Start hitting shots at your target from random distances. This will give you a feel for differences in distance. Find a favorite club that you can use for most of your pitch shots, then work on trajectory control as well as distance. Hit some balls high, low, and in between. Practicing for ten minutes daily will give you confidence on the course for whatever you run into.
Tip 3: Move your circle.
Chipping a three foot circle around a hole is something you have heard numerous times. But, instead of chipping to a circle around the hole, chip to a circle below the hole and leave yourself with an easy uphill putt. These will be easier to hole in and much less stressful.
Tip 4: Iron sharpens iron.
Remember where I said some tips may sound humorous? It's simple to do, easy to accomplish, and a powerful way to learn how to use your irons more effectively. Leave your woods at home. This may sound ludicrous, but if you will try this for one round, you'll find that it will have a significant impact your game.
Your mind will start to work on thinking of different strategies of the game, making you more aware of these strategies when you next play with a full set of clubs. You'll find that the different perspectives that you get from playing this way will have a definite affect on your game.
Tip 5: Be still.
There are lots of ways to make a pitch shot. But whatever method you choose to use, it will work better if you keep your body as still as possible. Don't do a lot of movements with your body to get set for the shot. Simply lean on the front of your foot more than the back. This will drop the front shoulder down and the back shoulder up. When in this position, by keeping your body still, your swing will go downward and strike the ball correctly.
Easy and simple. Try them! See what happens with your score card and how much more you'll enjoy your game.