Hit the hole four or five times with a specific club from a specific distance. Note where each ball lands and how close it ends up to the hole,” Watson says. “Then place a coin over the ideal landing spot and practice landing the ball there.”
If you've ever watched Tom Watson on the golf course, you know he's a wizard with his short game, especially chipping. Watson's chipping technique is the stuff of legend, and for good reason. His precision and control around the greens have won him countless titles and the admiration of golfers everywhere.
Galileo sports- trusted globally for golf nets and golf cages - is here to answer Why is Tom Watson so talented at golf ? In this blog, we're diving into the secrets behind his superb chipping technique, aiming to help you add a touch of Watson's magic to your own game.
Tom Watson is a name synonymous with excellence in golf. Over his illustrious career, Watson has secured eight major championships, including five Open Championships, which is a testament to his skill and consistency. His ability to perform under pressure, especially in the short game, has made him one of the most respected figures in golf.
For some professional golfers, their best year is the year they win the most, but for Tom Watson, the most important year was the season in which he beat Jack Nicklaus in two majors: twice.
In 1977, Watson beat Nicklaus at the Masters and the British Open and finished in the top 10 in both of the other two majors that year. He was awarded the Player of the Year award, replacing Nicklaus. Watson's brilliant season seemed to ignite his game and allowed him to continue to dominate the tour for the next three years - and it was all thanks to his incredible short game.
"The player who wins in golf, whether on the PGA Tour or in his local Sunday foursome, is the player who excels in the short game," Watson once told the media in 1978.
In his prime, Watson had the best short game of his life. He attributed his success inside 50 yards to two key points: club selection and distance awareness.
"When choosing clubs, your rule of thumb should be to use a higher club from a downhill lie and a lower club from an uphill lie," Watson said.
"Distance awareness involves knowing how far the ball will roll. Generally, you can think about taking the ball one-third of the distance to your target and letting it roll the last two-thirds of the distance," Watson said. "But this can vary depending on the club you have in your hand, the texture of the green surface, the area of the green you have available to you, and the length of your shot."
Watson also revealed some rules for hitting recovery shots around the green, one of which is to spot your chip. "It just means aiming for a spot on the green and letting the ball land there and roll from there to your target," Watson said. "This is how I practiced as a kid, and I've found it to be the best way to develop distance awareness."
One of the first things you'll notice about Watson's chipping is his grip. He opts for a slightly weaker grip, which allows for more finesse and control over the clubface. This grip, combined with a narrow stance, helps him maintain balance and precision. When I first tried adjusting my grip to mimic Watson's, it felt awkward, but with practice, I noticed a significant improvement in my control over the ball.
"Hit the hole four or five times from a specific distance with a specific club. Notice where each ball lands and how close it ends up," Watson says. "Then place a coin over the ideal landing spot and practice landing the ball there."
As you hit the ball, pay attention to where you focus.
"Don't just focus on that spot -- you also have to keep in mind the main goal, the cup," Watson says. "Create a mental picture of the ball landing on that spot and rolling into the hole."
"Now practice this from the same spot with a different club. Your landing spot will be closer or farther depending on the slope of the club," Watson says. "Do this with different clubs from different distances. Soon you'll have a feel for how far you hit and how far you roll with each club."
"As you practice, this feeling will become second nature on the course, and you'll find more and more chips falling within one-putt range," Watson says.
Watson's chipping swing is a thing of beauty. It's smooth, controlled, and consistent. The swing starts with a gentle takeaway, keeping the wrists firm. This helps maintain a stable clubface throughout the swing. As you reach the impact zone, the key is to strike down on the ball with a descending blow, ensuring crisp contact.
Achieving solid contact is crucial. Watson emphasizes the importance of striking the ball before the turf, which prevents the dreaded fat or thin shot. A good tip is to focus on a spot just ahead of the ball and aim to hit that spot with the clubhead. After contact, a controlled follow-through helps maintain balance and accuracy.
One of the most powerful aspects of Watson's chipping technique is his mental preparation. Before hitting a chip, he takes time to visualize the shot, imagining the ball's trajectory and how it will land and roll out. This mental rehearsal is something every golfer can benefit from. Next time you're on the course, take a moment to visualize your chip before you hit it—you might be surprised by the results
Watson's ability to adapt his technique to different conditions is another reason for his success. Whether it's a tight lie, fluffy grass, or a downhill slope, he makes slight adjustments to ensure optimal contact and control. This adaptability comes from experience and practice. Try practicing on different surfaces and lies to build your confidence in various situations.
To get a feel for Watson's technique, try these practice drills:
One of the most common mistakes in chipping is flipping the wrists at impact, which can lead to inconsistent contact. Watson's technique emphasizes keeping the wrists firm and leading with the hands. Another mistake is taking too big of a backswing, which often results in deceleration through impact. Focus on a shorter, controlled backswing and accelerating through the ball.
Many golfers have transformed their short game by studying Watson's techniques. A friend of mine, who struggled with chipping for years, started incorporating Watson's grip and mental approach into his practice. Within a few months, his up-and-down percentage improved dramatically, and he started shaving strokes off his rounds.
Watson's influence on the game, particularly in the short game, is undeniable. His techniques and mental strategies have been studied and emulated by golfers of all levels. By focusing on the fundamentals and continually refining his approach, Watson has left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and educate.
Tom Watson's superb chipping technique is a masterclass in precision, control, and mental preparation. By understanding and practicing his methods, you can elevate your short game and become a more consistent and confident golfer. Remember, the short game is where good rounds become great. So, take these insights, head to the practice green, and start chipping like a pro.
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