The “Toe-Down” Setup
When dealing with tight lies or Bermuda grass, a standard chipping setup can often cause the club to dig into the ground. Use these steps to improve your contact:
Heel Off the Ground: Instead of letting the club sit flat, raise the handle so the heel of the wedge is off the turf and only the toe is touching.
Stand Closer: To accommodate the raised handle and toe-down position, move your feet a little closer to the ball.
Neutral Shaft Angle: Eliminate excessive forward shaft lean. The club should point toward the center of your body rather than leaning toward the target.
Smooth Tempo: Focus on a relaxed rhythm. Let the club go back and “fall through” naturally without rushing or pulling the stroke.
Questions and Answers
Q: Why is a tight lie so difficult for chipping?
A: Tight lies, where the grass is cut very low under the ball are very common with Bermuda grass and provide very little cushion. If the club has too much forward shaft lean or the heel touches the ground, it is much more likely to dig into the turf rather than sliding under the ball.
Q: Where should the club point at setup?
A: Unlike some chipping techniques that encourage leaning the shaft forward, for this shot, the club should point right at the center of your body.
Q: What is the benefit of the “toe-down” position?
A: Getting the heel off the ground reduces the surface area of the club that can catch on the grass, helping you “catch the ball” with much better contact.
Q: How should my tempo feel during this shot?
A: Tempo is critical; you should avoid rushing the swing. Sara Davies recommends letting the club swing back and simply “fall through” the impact zone.
