Okay, so today I tried copying Bryson DeChambeau’s weird chipping setup after watching that video breakdown. Full confession – my short game’s been trash lately. Duffing chips, thinning ’em over greens… just embarrassing stuff.
The Setup Attempt
First, I dragged my practice mat and net into the backyard. Pulled up Bryson’s stance on my phone again. Dude stands crazy open – like almost facing the target sideways. Feet super wide apart too. Feels super awkward at first, like you’re gonna fall over.
Tried mimicking his ball position wayyy back in the stance, right by my back foot. Then his secret sauce: leaning all my weight onto that front leg. Honestly thought I’d faceplant when I first shifted my hips forward. Held a wedge super vertical like he does, grip super high up. Felt like holding a broomstick.
The First Swings
Took my first hack at a ball and… whiffed completely. Airball. So much for Bryson’s magic. Realized I wasn’t hinging my wrists enough on the backswing. Tried again focusing on that wrist snap. Next one went halfway up the net but felt sloppy.
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What helped:
- Keeping my lead arm stupidly straight like Bryson says
- Staying balanced on that front leg even after hitting
- Exaggerating the open stance even more than felt natural
The Lightbulb Moment
After like 20 chunks and skulls, something clicked. That vertical shaft position actually helps the club drop straight down onto the ball instead of scooping. Started making clean contact more often. Could actually feel the ball popping off the face instead of dragging along the turf.
The real win? Distance control got way better. When I really committed to the forward lean, chips started landing near my target spot consistently. Still flubbed one every few shots if I got lazy with the wrist hinge though.
Final Takeaway
Gonna keep grinding this setup. It ain’t pretty and feels like you’re doing yoga while swinging a club. But for once my practice session didn’t end with chucking wedges across the lawn in frustration. Small victories!
