Chipping Into the Grain
There are few things more frustrating than chunking a simple chip. If you're playing in the South — Florida, Texas, or any course with Bermuda or tightly-knit zoysia — you know that chipping into the grain is a different animal altogether.
That sticky, into-the-grain lie grabs your clubhead, slows it down, and often leads to a dig or stubbed shot. It’s not just frustrating — it’s technical. And one key to solving it is understanding friction, turf interaction, and the geometry of the club.
Why Into-the-Grain Lies Are So Difficult
Grain refers to the direction the grass is growing. When you're chipping into the grain, you're effectively moving the club against the bristles of the turf. The grass stands up against your wedge, increasing friction and grabbing the leading edge of the club.
This is where chunked chips come from — especially with standard setups using a square face and heel-down delivery.
If the leading edge and heel of the club dig in, the club doesn’t glide — it grabs.
The Toe-Down Fix: Reducing Friction and Gliding Through Grain
One of the best ways to neutralize grain is to intentionally deliver the club with the toe slightly down.
This does a few things:
Reduces the surface area in contact with the turf (less heel = less friction)
Raises the heel off the ground, preventing it from digging into grain
Allows the toe to glide, almost like a putter through the ball
Delivers the loft in a more neutral arc, helping pop the ball without adding excessive spin
It’s the technique many tour players use on grainy Bermuda around the greens. It works especially well for bump-and-run style chips.
How to Practice the Toe-Down Chip
Narrow stance, ball back — Keep your base stable and the ball slightly back in your stance.
Shaft leaning forward slightly — But not a punch — keep it controlled.
Elevate the heel — Slightly raise the heel of the wedge off the ground at address.
Use your body to turn — No wrists, no scoop. Turn your chest and keep it moving.
Brush the grass, don’t chop — Feel the toe skim through the turf.
Common Mistakes
Trying to lift the ball: Let the loft do the work — don’t help it.
Getting handsy: Flipping or stalling your turn leads to contact issues.
Setting up square like a full shot: Into the grain, you need to adapt.
Visualizing the Technique
A toe-down visual should show a wedge with the toe of the club angled slightly downward, the heel off the ground, and the direction of the grass grain pointing toward the clubhead.
(See accompanying image.)
Final Thoughts
If you're struggling with chipping consistency on grainy lies, especially into the grain, the toe-down technique can be a game changer. It simplifies your interaction with the turf and neutralizes one of the most common sources of chunked chips.
Try it during your next practice session. Set up intentionally with the toe down and feel the club glide. It won’t take long to feel the difference.
At ATX Golf Performance, we teach these techniques with video feedback and surface interaction analysis to help you build a short game that travels — even into the grain.
If you want hands-on coaching or want to bring your short game under pressure, come train with us.