Watson's shortcuts: how to handle the delicate downhill chip from the rough

Golf Digest, Jan, 2004 by Tom (American golfer) Watson, Nick Seitz

Chipping from a downhill lie in the rough is one of the toughest short shots in the game. The tendency is to hit behind the ball and leave it in the thick stuff.

To get the ball up and out of the rough, I adjust my body position and center of gravity so my point of contact is where it would be from a level lie.

I set up with my left shoulder low and widen my stance for stability. Setting up this way with my shoulders more parallel to the slope lets me make a more vertical swing. I brace myself solidly on my left leg, with my weight on the inside of my left foot.

With my body adjusted to account for the slope, I open my stance and clubface more than usual--still keeping my hands ahead of the ball at address. I hit down firmly to work the club under the ball. I don't baby these little touch shots.

Typically, when I chip from a downhill lie I will use as much loft as I can--most likely, a sand wedge. How much you open the clubface and exactly how far back you position the ball are things you have to judge for yourself through practice.