Tom Watson shared the ‘key element’ to becoming good at chipping around the greens

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Tom Watson is arguably one of the best players to take advice from when it comes to the short game, with the American winning The Open Championship five times during his incredible career.

Only Harry Vardon won The Open Championship more often than Tom Watson. Between 1975 and 1983, Watson lifted the Claret Jug on five occasions, while his peers emerged victorious four times between themselves.

And of course, Watson came agonisingly close to winning the title for a sixth time in 2009. The then 59-year-old ended up in a playoff with Stewart Cink after a bogey on the 72nd hole at Turnberry.

Watson found a way to love links golf. He initially disliked the unpredictability of the bounces players would have to deal with. That did not stop him winning on his first appearance in The Open Championship in 1975, of course.

Tom Watson shares the key fundamentals to good chipping

Being creative around the greens is absolutely crucial if you are likely to have success, particularly in what is now the final major of the year.

And having a technique that you can rely on, particularly on a major championship stage, is a must.

In a video for Golf Digest, Watson once explained the fundamentals which can help amateur golfers improve their short game in any conditions.

“In chipping, since you don’t swing it back very far and you go forward, you want to be on your left foot and you want the left hip to be slightly open when you hit through it, so your left arm can carry through. It doesn’t break down. You start with a slightly open position with your feet, you close your shoulders a little bit to get on the line, so that when you come through, your left hip will allow your left shoulder to open and clear for your left arm to go through the ball without any hinging. That’s the key element in good chipping,” he said.

The five best players around the green at the 2025 Open Championship

Amateur golfers should not be embarrassed by their struggles around the putting surface. To take it back to The Open, it is interesting that the five best performers around the greens at Royal Portrush this year were players with vast amounts of experience.

Of those who made the cut, it was 1997 champion Justin Leonard who led the way. Meanwhile Keegan Bradley and Justin Rose also performed extremely well in Northern Ireland.

Picking the correct shot at the right time is so important as players potentially look to try and save par after a slightly wayward approach.

Watson’s advice should help instil some confidence in many players the next time they are looking to get up and down.