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ChippingAddress Posture / Stance at AddressSpin (create a…)Wedge play = Pitching and Chipping Wedges Expert / Intermediate ⏱ 11 min 🇫🇷 Video in French

Low Chip with Spin: Matthieu Pavon's Mayo Method

A 20- to 35-yard chip shot on grass lying against the grain: that was the shot that was giving Matthieu Pavon trouble on the PGA Tour. With his short game coach, Joseph Mayo, he’s learned to hit a low, biting shot. On the chipping green at Le Golf National, he breaks it down into three key points.

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Matthieu Pavon
Matthieu Pavon · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

To be continued

16 minNext Level UpMatsuyama's draw approach: why he changed itHideki Matsuyama · Expert11 minSame problemOpen-faced chip with hands forward: Jon Rahm's lessonJon Rahm · Intermediate / Expert3 minFrom the same proMatthieu Pavon's chip selection: 58, 52, or 9-ironMatthieu Pavon · Beginner / Intermediate

What the lesson shows

In the United States, grass often has a way of growing: even when flattened by a blow, it can to drive the club into the ground. With his reverse grip, Pavon knew how to hit high-arcing shots by using the club's rebound, but not a shot that flies far and curves. For this shot, he switched back to a common cold, something that hadn't happened to him in nearly fifteen years, and corrected a stance in which his torso was positioned behind the ball.

The method consists of three points. An “aggressive” stance, weight on the left side and sternum in front of the ball. Some hands slightly forward, with the handle tilted toward the target. And most importantly, expand upon impact By pushing off with your left leg: the club can dig into the ground, but it comes right back out. If you lose your balance, the club gets stuck and you end up doing a fat shot. The result with a 58° wedge: a low, flat shot that stops quickly. For classic chips on firm ground, he keeps his reverse grip, with the heel of the club off the ground, just like a long putt.

The Exercise, Step by Step

  1. Take a standard grip and your most open wedge.
  2. Place your weight on the left side, with your sternum in front of the ball.
  3. Move your hands forward a little to tilt the shaft toward the target.
  4. Move a little closer to the ball.
  5. Coil up, then push off with your left leg as you extend your body at the moment of impact.
  6. Leave a small divot: that's normal—the club will come out on its own.

Key Takeaways

On grass that's not cut in the right direction, the club might get stuck.
Weight on the left side and sternum in front of the ball.
Hands slightly forward, shaft angled toward the target.
Expanding upon impact lifts the club off the ground.
The ball goes out low, with spin, and stops quickly.
The reverse grip remains his go-to shot for single chips on firm ground.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Keep your torso behind the ball.
  • Tilt the neck and then let it sag: the club hits the ground and you make a fat shot.
  • Being afraid of the ground instead of hitting the ball squarely.
  • Pushing too early or too late: timing comes with practice.
  • Play this shot as a simple chip—a short putt-like stroke is all it takes to make it.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

  1. Posture check: weight on the left side, chest out, hands forward
  2. A series of chips ranging from 20 to 35 yards that grow larger upon impact
  3. Compare the height and stop of the ball with a standard chip shot
  4. Simple chips with a reverse grip, like a long putt

Your Questions

For what shot does Matthieu Pavon use this method?

For a chip shot of about 20 to 35 yards, especially when the grass is lying flat against the ground, and you need a shot that travels far and holds its line.

What does “growing through impact” mean?

Push off with your left leg at the moment of impact. Your body creates space, and the club—even if it enters the ground—comes right back up instead of digging in.

Why did he go back to the normal grip?

His reverse grip allows him to hit excellent lob shots, but not that low, powerful shot. For this specific shot, he switches to a normal grip—for the first time in nearly fifteen years.

Does he keep the reverse grip?

Yes, on standard chips and firm ground: he moves in close to the ball, lifts the heel of the club, and swings the club as if for a long putt.

Learn More

All “Chipping” videos →Find the lesson that's right for youAll videos on “Stance / Address Posture” →Find the lesson that's right for youAll “Spin” videos →Find the lesson that's right for youAll videos on “Wedge Play = Pitching and Chipping” →Find the lesson that's right for you Rickie Fowler's Wedge Backspin: When to Try ItRickie Fowler demonstrates the "biting" pitch—a lie that stays open—and, most importantly, when to play it: only if the lie allows it; otherwise, go for the simple shot. Matsuyama's draw approach: why he changed itHis ball “slipped” along the face in the United States: Matsuyama switched from a cut approach to an inside path and a shallow entry. Matsuyama's one-handed drill: his key to the wedgeMatsuyama begins his practice sessions with one-handed approaches—first with his left hand, then with his right—to “guide” the ball onto the clubface and connect his short game with his long game. Matthieu PavonAll of his lessons

Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Matthieu Pavon). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons without hosting them.

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