[Yoda]

As a senior player and range rat, hitting down becomes painful and problematic. Sore thumbs and bones in the hand beg for a Tylanol. During the last year we have had scenes of Tom Watson practicing. As he hits iron shot after shot the turf seems barely disturbed. Jack and Lee also became sweepers as they matured.
How can I continue learning and applying TGM and not pounding the ground?

Divot depth is controlled by Plane Angle (Steep versus Flat), Ball Location (Back versus Forward), and Clubface Loft (more versus less). Otherwise, you should never 'try' -- or not try-- to take a divot. Study 1-L- #13; 2-J-2; 2-N-0; and especially, 7-6.

I have written on all these things. Those interested should search the archives, unearth the posts and weigh in with their observations and opinions.