Chippers and Putting Wedges

[mposter]

My dad also swears by his chipper. And I see him hole quite a few chips with it.

Personally, it does not fit my eye. I never carry 14 clubs (11-13) so it would fit in my bag, but I don't often use a 7-8 iron around the green anyway. IMHO a large part of golf really is about comfort and confidence so if it works for you then put the chipper in the bag! But I am counting your clubs

[JessN16]

I've got one and you guys can keep talking them down all you want. :)

Mine is a Dunlop job that I bought at a Wal-Mart about 15 years ago for less than $20. I can take a full swing with it from 120 or do whatever I want from there in.

Pluses: The construction is a combination of a wedge and a putter, and it has clear alignment tools on the top. Versatile. Easy to use. Confidence inspiring. Hits go straight. Darn near impossible to hit a hook or a slice with a full swing.

Minuses: The ball is going to roll regardless of how you hit it. Not possible to make the ball check up from most lies. I can't use mine out of a bunker very easily, but some people apparently can.

I'm going to be buying one of these shortly -- http://www.golfsmith.com/products/SE...ing_Wedge_Head -- and see if it's better or worse than the ol' Dunlop.

Jess

[naws-golfer]

I don't want anyone to think, I'm downing them, I've just never experienced them, playing or even watching others use them. If they help shoot lower scores, then i support them. If i were that much of a purist i wouldn't use hybrids, but I do.

[CalBoomer]

This is an older post I found in search, but maye worth re-visiting. I am always surprised by golfers who choose clubs based on macho behavior or tradition or looks or whatever. I would use a rock on the end of a stick if it were legal and lowered my score. It wasn't all that long ago that people were whining that big drivers were for cheaters. That ended pretty fast when the pros saw what they could do for their game.

Regarding chippers, they fill a niche that irons and wedges do not. For non-puttable but relatively short grass around the green, they are easier to use. Less likely to chunk, easier to aim, more consistent lift, more upright shaft, more adaptable to a pendulum putter stroke. If you have 14 clubs that you can't live without, don't consider a chipper. If you only use 12 or 13 clubs regularly, a chipper fills a specific niche that we all face several times a round.

[dpg1682]

I dont own one but i have tried one out out Dicks sporting goods. I was trying it out off the artifical rough they have alongside the putting area and was surprised at how well it chipped with it. I literally spent 45 minutes withthis club just holeing out chips of all lengths. I can see why people use the club. Hey whatever helps your game.

[plark]

I wonder if anyone on the PGA tour uses one.. lol

[Dub]

Never have....never will.

There are too many loft/set-up combinations available within your current set to dedicate a slot to one stick/one loft/one purpose.

[GTV8]

I am still a beginner and have a Cleveland Niblick which I find to be quite versatile and definitely not a “one purpose” club. I find it great for a variety of pitches and chips as well as full and half shots out to around 100 yards. I do realize that I can make these same shots with other clubs in my bag but I am more consistent and make better shots with the Niblick so that is why I play it. Eventually I may remove it, but for now I enjoy hitting it so much I don’t get that upset when I miss the green because I get to use the club.

[Zeph]

A chipper to a wedge is kinda like a hybrid to long irons, they make things easier, a lot of people frown upon them and the better you get, the less likely you need one, or should I say, the higher handicap you have, the more you will benefit from one.

[Kcas77]

If you saw my dads short game you would know why they are useful to some people. He is the worst person in the world around the green, sand iron in every situation which usually ends up thin and 20 yards through the green. The chipper is used like a putter so is much easier to hit correctly. I personally wouldn't use one but they do have their uses for some people

My dad is the same way it just gets frustrating to play with him because I try to help him but he does the exact same thing every time.

To answer the question if more people used chippers think about how much faster play would go. With chipper: 1 shot on the green 2 putts Without chipper: Blade it across green, get nervous about doing the same thing and then duff it, then try to hit the ball harder and blade it across the green, then maybe hit the ball on the green and finally 2 putts. Sounds to me like a real good reason to use a chipper.

[Bug Bunny]

I bought one at Academy Sports yesterday for $10! Been seeing them but just basically bought it to "see" what it was like. Played one round with it. Gonna play one or two more before I have an opinion.

[HAZARD MAGNET]

I was just wondering what everyone thought about this club. I have one and like it for shots off the fringe to about 15 yd. off the green. In less than 20 rounds I already have 3 chip-ins with it.

[sean_miller]

Are you talking about a chipper?

[Robielucy]

Yes, I confess I use a chipper. A Texan Classic chipper that sees as much action as my putter. Love it. Actually, I'm the only one in my foursome that uses such....someday, they will see benefits...
Chip way fellow chippers!

[wmiller]

A 3 hybrid works also, as does a 5-wood if you don't carry a hybrid.

[DaSportsGuy]

When I'm on the fringe I use my putter, but I flip it around and hit it left handed. My accuracy left handed is great, but my speed is usually what's off. I've been doing it ever since I got my current putter and it's worked really well with little practice. Over time and with practice, I think I can perfect it.

Here's the putter:


I just hit it right in the middle and it pops up low and rolls just like a putt without having to deal with the fringe.

[Fourputt]

To answer the OP, no I don't. I've been using regular clubs to chip with for 35 years, not about to change now. It really isn't that difficult. I've chipped in about 20 eagles through the years (as well as many pars and birdies, of course), so I must be doing something right.

[-BAMA-]

never used one. i usually fly the ball to the hole with my 60*, even when its on the fringe. if i need it to run i'll just bump it with an 8 iron.