GOLF TIP – Playing from a firm surface

As the dry season approaches and the fairways and ground become harder, playing from a bare lie is common here.  It is a very difficult shot if you do not understand how different clubs in your bag can help you or hurt you.  When you are pitching or chipping from a lie with hard ground underneath, you will want to use a club with less bounce.  For example, instead of using your lob wedge or sand wedge as most people use around the green, try your pitching wedge or nine iron.  These clubs have less loft and not as sharp as a leading edge.  Set up for a normal chip or pitch shot with weight on your front foot, the shaft slightly leaning forward, and the ball in the middle of your stance.  The key ingredient is to set up with the heel of the club off the ground, with your hands in more of an upright position.  It will keep the bounce of the club from skipping off the ground.  From here use, your putting stroke to strike the golf ball with the part of the club that is touching the ground.  Give this technique a try the next time you face a lie off of a firm surface.