The great Harvey Penick used to ask his students to practice their short games by hitting chips under a bench. Classic stuff that can help you learn how to lead with your hands through impact. Sometimes, however, you can overdo it and you end up digging into the turf with the leading edge.
This problem, and considering the modern grinds on today’s wedges, means you actually need less shaft lean on short-game shots so you can better activate the bounce of the club and avoid the digs.
So, instead of chipping under a bench, practice chipping over your bag. And make it a challenge: Use your 9-iron and not one of your wedges. Play the ball a few feet behind the bag as shown above and swing. Let the club release a bit through impact, and try to “paint” the ground with the bottom of your club. Over time, your end goal is to find a happy medium between these two techniques.
Jeff Warne is the director of golf at The Bridge in Bridgehampton, N.Y.
