I have done both with equal success. Find that if I do leave a divot there is better backspin on the ball. Picking it clean also works on some occasions and if you watch the Pros, they pick it clean too. I firmly believe that it depends on the situation and what you need at the time.

Tons of players, both pro and am, pick the ball clean.

I myself, I take pretty big divots with my short irons, and as I get longer, my divots gets smaller, my 4 iron, I basically sweep it.

It is a timing thing, and a swing plane thing. If you want to change it, go see your local pro. Learn how to hit a punch shot, with all the irons. You will be taking divots quickly!

If you watch the pros on TV they all take a pretty big divot.  I myself like to take big divots... as long as you strike the ball first then divot after the ball you should be alright.  Get your moneys worth on the golf course and take huge divots...LOL.

How about we NOT take huge divots (unless need be) so we can keep our courses looking their best!

Hi Geoff,

I see your issue and I remember when I had this problem. I don't focus on making divots, I focus on shot-making opportunities. When i hit any iron shorter than a 6 iron, i progressive make a bigger divot for spin. When I hit longer clubs, I focus on Launch and lowering spin. It mainly is about your swing. If you are a slider/sweeper you are not in a bad place. As long as you have your preferred shape, spin, and launch, it's not anything bad. If you are usually a driver/digger, maybe you should consider slight swing/stance modifications; many times there can be issues with weight transferring. Hope this helps!

-Nunzio

Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't, don't try, don't think about it.

I almost always take a divot.  The best explanation about the divot that I've seen is in Tom Watson's new book.