5-step formula for tricky into-the-grain chips
When the blades of grass are growing towards the ball, you've got an into-the-grain chip. It can be hard to spot for many golfers, and because of the grain playing a more active role, it's easy to flub these shots. But all it takes is a few small tweaks to cut out the flubs and stick these shots close. — Nick Bova, one of Golf Digest's Best Teachers in New Jersey
- Stand behind the ball, directly in line with the flag.
- Visualize where you want the ball to land, and how it will roll.
- Take a deep breath to reset, then walk into the ball
- Stand with your feet close—about one clubhead width apart.
- Step towards target so ball is off the inside of your right foot.
- Shift so the majority of your weight is onto your front foot.
- Step a few inches closer to the ball.
- Raise grip so the club shaft is standing more upright.
- This will create steeper attack angle, and crisper contact.
- During backswing, move head towards the target.
- A subtle move forward moves low point of your swing beyond the ball.
- This encourages a more downward strike for ball-first contact.
- Extend body towards the sky on the downswing.
- Keep follow through hip height.
- Swing aggresively through the ball.