Does Anyone Else Here Use a Chipper?

[Petrocelli]

I just bought new clubs after 10 years.  I bought new M4 irons, an M-4 5 wood,  a Callway Epic Flash driver, two Cleveland CBX wedges, and an Odyssey Stroke Lab putter.

I had one spot left in the bag, so I bought a Cleveland "chipper" wedge.

I have never been good at chipping.  After two rounds using the chipper, I am completely sold on it.  Last round, I had two chip from bad lies that got within 3 feet, and made the putt.  It's very easy to use.  You simply use a putting stroke, and the ball always goes straight and low.

I know there is a prejudice among golfers against this club.  But it's so easy to use, it's almost like cheating.  

Anyone else here use a chipper?  If so, do you like it?

Edited February 20, 2019 by Petrocelli
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[David in FL]

 Those who have been on this site for a long time won’t be surprised that I’m responding here! 

You will hear a lot of people who disagree, but I’m a firm believer that anyone who is not at least a single digit handicap should at least try carrying a chipper in their bag!

Good for you!

[DeadMan]

  On 2/20/2019 at 9:33 PM, David in FL said:

 Those who have been on this site for a long time won’t be surprised that I’m responding here! 

You will hear a lot of people who disagree, but I’m a firm believer that anyone who is not at least a single digit handicap should at least try carrying a chipper in their bag!

Good for you!

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Death, Taxes, and @David in FL telling people to try chippers...

[David in FL]

  On 2/20/2019 at 9:41 PM, DeadMan said:

Death, Taxes, and @David in FL telling people to try chippers...

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Yep!

And hard headed 15 hcps who refuse to shoot better scores because of their ego!

[Piz]

I have a Cleveland Niblick, quite old, and left-handed.  It has the same loft as my 9 iron and is the same length as my gap (50) wedge.  With a full swing it's good for 100 yards and it works well when a right-handed shot is not advisable...or possible.  I play short pitches with it, usually with the blade open, or use it to roll long chips.  It took me a while to get the balance of it; but I wouldn't be without it now.  Just like any other club in the bag - it can be very useful in the right hands and in the right circumstances.

[arturo28mx]

For me, my Cleveland chipper is a magical club.

[Patch]

Nothing wrong with using a chipper. What ever works best for the golfer.

I used one  many, many years ago. Not so much now though. Iirc I did pretty well with it. Just out grew it. 

[billchao]

  On 2/20/2019 at 9:58 PM, David in FL said:

Yep!

And hard headed 15 hcps who refuse to shoot better scores because of their ego!

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I didn't realize choppers help you get more GIRs.

I've yet to meet anyone at me skill level who is being held back because they don't carry a chipper 🙂

[MarvChamp]

  On 2/23/2019 at 12:21 PM, billchao said:

've yet to meet anyone at me skill level who is being held back because they don't carry a chipper 🙂

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Yeah, well, I'm coming back again from injuries that have plagued me for nearly 2 years AND resulted in my balloon HCI. Distance to the hole from off the green has been a problem, even using my best wedge. SO I am going to get a chipper today not so I can get to your skill level (though I can hope), but so I can return to consistent, bogey golf. Great topic; always new, though old. Best, -Marv

[TRUCKER]

I bought the "square strike" 45,55,65 for my wife. After a few rounds she said they were no good. I was about to sell them at a garage sale and thought, well let me try them one round just to confirm her review. I never took them back out of my bag. Such a repeatable swing is the putting stroke which is all you have to do with these clubs. Very forgiving and they put a lot of spin on the ball.

[cooke119]

No room for a chipper in my bag, I use a 9i or an 8i instead. I have a chipper in the garage if anyone wants it for free, just pay shipping.

[David in FL]

  On 2/23/2019 at 12:21 PM, billchao said:

I didn't realize choppers help you get more GIRs.

I've yet to meet anyone at me skill level who is being held back because they don't carry a chipper 🙂

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It doesn’t help someone hit more greens...

...it helps them get up and down more often from all the greens they do miss.

 

[3jacker]

What can one do with a chipper that they cannot do with a wedge, 9iron, 8iron or 7iron?

 

[RussUK]

Have to say i'm considering getting a Tommy Armour chipper. My short game is hit and miss at times and when i used to have a old Dunlop dual face (dont play comps etc.) I found it really useful.

  On 2/25/2019 at 3:51 PM, 3jacker said:

What can one do with a chipper that they cannot do with a wedge, 9iron, 8iron or 7iron?

 

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I have used this method in the past and it can still be inconsistent for us high handicappers. On paper its simple, grip down, heel of the ground and used putting stroke. In practice it can be a whole different story.

Yes, a chipper is a one trick pony but sometimes having less options is a plus for us high hcp's.

[boogielicious]

  On 2/25/2019 at 4:18 PM, RussUK said:

Have to say i'm considering getting a Tommy Armour chipper. My short game is hit and miss at times and when i used to have a old Dunlop dual face (dont play comps etc.) I found it really useful.

I have used this method in the past and it can still be inconsistent for us high handicappers. On paper its simple, grip down, heel of the ground and used putting stroke. In practice it can be a whole different story.

Yes, a chipper is a one trick pony but sometimes having less options is a plus for us high hcp's.

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You can still hit a chipper heavy and muff the chip. A friend of mine has one and he routinely does that.

[DrMJG]

I have one, and, given the courses I often play, it is not a bad option.  For slightly further out, I am becoming more comfortable with my 60º.  

I am not comfortable with my totally rebuilt game to use my 9i or 8i with that different of a strike; need to have them solid in their primary swing first.  

Again, depends where you are in your golf, how much grief you can stand from others for using one, and even why you play this crazy game to begin with!

[David in FL]

  On 2/25/2019 at 3:51 PM, 3jacker said:

What can one do with a chipper that they cannot do with a wedge, 9iron, 8iron or 7iron?

 

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Absolutely nothing.  But most mid-to-high handicap players can do those things much easier with a chipper.

2 hcps, not so much...

  On 2/25/2019 at 5:15 PM, boogielicious said:

You can still hit a chipper heavy and muff the chip. A friend of mine has one and he routinely does that.

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Absolutely.  

I can miss a 2 foot putt too.  

  On 2/26/2019 at 3:34 AM, DrMJG said:

Again, how much grief you can stand from others for using one....?

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Yep.  And that’s where ego gets in the way of better scores for many...

[RussUK]

  On 2/25/2019 at 5:15 PM, boogielicious said:

You can still hit a chipper heavy and muff the chip. A friend of mine has one and he routinely does that.

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agreed, but i think a chipper just gives a little extra confidence