Chipping · Tip
Chipping Into the Grain? Use a Hybrid
Part of our chipping programs for fat or chunked, distance control. Build a program with it
Grain is the direction short grass lies. When you chip with it or across it, the club slides through. When you chip into it, the front edge can grab and stop dead. So switch clubs. Take a hybrid or a fairway wood. Grip all the way down, so your lower hand nearly touches the shaft. Then make a putting stroke. Practice from a few spots just off the green until you know how the ball rolls out.
Step by step
- Notice when the grass grows toward you.
- Take a hybrid or fairway wood.
- Grip all the way down.
- Use a putting stroke.
- Practice from a few distances off the green.
Why it works
A wedge has a sharp leading edge and a lot of loft, so when it meets grass growing toward you, the edge can dig in and the clubhead stops before it reaches the ball. A hybrid or fairway wood has a rounded sole and less loft, so it glides over the blades instead of catching them. Gripping down and using a putting stroke keeps the motion small and low, so the ball rolls out like a long putt.
Common mistakes
- Hitting down on the ball as if you were using a wedge.Keep the stroke level and pendulum-like, and let the sole of the club brush the grass.
- Gripping at the end of the handle, which makes the club feel long and unwieldy.Choke down until your lower hand nearly touches the shaft so you can control the clubhead.
- Using your wrists to flick at the ball.Hold your wrists quiet and turn your shoulders to move the club, as you would on a putt.
How you'll know it's working
- The ball starts on your chosen line and rolls out smoothly without hopping.
- The club slides through the grass and does not stop or twist at the ball.
- You get the same roll-out for the same stroke length, so you can predict distance.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Start from a flat lie just off the green with a short stretch of fringe to cover and only a little grain.
Harder: Practice from longer distances and from lies where the grass is thicker or the ground slopes, and aim to land the ball on a small target.
Common questions
What is grain in grass and how do I spot it?
Grain is the direction the blades lie. Look at the grass from behind the ball. If it looks shiny and light, it usually lies away from you. If it looks dark and dull, it usually grows toward you and will grab the club.
Can I use a hybrid to chip from the fringe every time?
Yes, it works well whenever the ball sits on short grass and you want it to roll like a putt. Avoid it when you need to carry a bunker or a patch of rough, because it has little loft.
