To lower our golf score, we need to have a solid foundation understanding for each golf shot. This is especially true because except for putting, chipping accounts for the most strokes in our game. Regardless of the distance from the pin, understanding how to chip properly is key to success on the links. Tom Watson provides a perfect, easy and repeatable process for chipping that all beginners should understand. By developing a strong chipping technique, you will be well on your way to being a great golfer.

The steps outlined by Watson are the exact same as the ones I use when chipping. They are simple steps that any golfer can use/modify to match their game. There are no magical fixes here, just pure golf knowledge and understanding of the foundation needed to be a solid chipper.

Two points I want to highlight about Watson’s video that I developed last for my short game. On a side note, I wish I gained this knowledge sooner, but that was my journey. The first is opening your feet and moving your hips back to square. I understood that I had to open my feet, but neglected to square my hips back before contact. To adjust for this apparent misalignment, I would open my club face more. Hence, I was not consistent when trying to find the proper angle to make my ball travel towards my aim point. Well, that swing error is over, but I wish I had understood this concept earlier.

Secondly, picking a landing area is critical to being a great chipper. Focusing on the landing area is all any golfer should mentally picture. Regardless of what club you select for chipping, landing the ball where intended will help the ball finish close or into the hole. It is an important step towards lower golf scores and one habit that all beginners should develop. Picking the landing area is one of the more critical steps to great chipping.

Tom Watson outlined the basic steps to great chipping. It is not your turn to develop these fundamentals through understanding and practice. You might have to slightly modify a step, but that does not mean any should be skipped. Chipping will be made easy if follow Watson’s process. I know this because it works for my game.

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!