When you are near the green and you must chip it because there is a sprinkler head between you and the hole, try using the Toe Chip. There are some other good reasons to have this as a good option.

When would you need to use a ‘Toe Chip’ shot?

• When you need to only carry the ball between one and three feet over something as small as a sprinkler head
• When you are trying to chip into the grain and don’t want the grass to grab your club
• When it is a downhill chip and you want to put a tiny bit of spin on the ball instead of getting too much roll with a putter

Here’s how to play it

• Address the ball with the club vertical to the ground (no forward press) with only the toe of the club touching the ground.
• Stand very close to the ball with your feet close together and in the back of your stance, feel like you are almost on top of the ball.
• Grip way down on the club so that the butt of the club can rest on your forearm.
• Brush the tip of the club back and forth like a putter on your practice swing.
• Do not break your wrist and use an even back and through putting the stroke.
• Keep your arms very stiff to make a tight triangle with your arms and shoulders.
• The Sand Wedge will help you get a little bit of spin and very good for short downhill chips, but you can use a Gap Wedge, Pitching Wedge or 9-iron if you would feel more comfortable.

If you chip the ball off the toe of the golf club, it will feel like a dull hit resulting in a soft, slow shot off the club. This can help you control the ball and get it over small obstacles and close to the hole.