Use a chipper club or not?

[starrman77]

Just take an 7 or 8 iron, use your putting grip and set up and hit it like a putt from the fringe.

 

Based on your other posts in this thread, I think you're just trolling at this point.

 

Not at all, Jack Nicklaus chips from the fringe this exact same way.

 

[IsleOfMan]

Based on your other posts in this thread, I think you're just trolling at this point.

 

Not at all, Jack Nicklaus chips from the fringe this exact same way.

 

 

I don't think the method is trolling as it's a very classic one that works for many. I do think coming back to this thread repeatedly to critique on those that do find merit in this type of club and their discussion of it is borderline trolling, but maybe my prior comment was knee-jerk.

[starrman77]

Based on your other posts in this thread, I think you're just trolling at this point.

 

Not at all, Jack Nicklaus chips from the fringe this exact same way.

 

 

I don't think the method is trolling as it's a very classic one that works for many. I do think coming back to this thread repeatedly to critique on those that do find merit in this type of club and their discussion of it is borderline trolling, but maybe my prior comment was knee-jerk.

 

You refer to my other "posts" in this thread. I only made one other post and that was to say I wouldn't be caught dead using a chipper. That just my take on using one. That doesn't mean I have anything against or see any reason why someone else shouldn't use one. There are many different ways to play this game.

[IsleOfMan]

"Wouldn't be caught dead" along with instruction on how not to use the club discussed in a thread started to discuss it seems on the nose... but like I said, it was admittedly probably a knee jerk reaction on my part. I may be cranky-posting because I have a headache too... or because my parents are coming to visit... now it's all making sense.

[NoTalentLefty]

It's up to you. I won't tell anybody even if you chose a two faced chipper.

[IsleOfMan]

It's up to you. I won't tell anybody even if you chose a two faced chipper.

 

Now, sir, you've crossed a line :busted_cop: :censored2: :busted_cop:

[IsleOfMan]

That said, carrying a chipper limits it to a certain function, chipping.

 

I'd agree for a putter-style chipper like the X-Act or similar, but something like the Niblick seems substantially more versatile, which is why I decided to go that route (and since my 10-40 yard play is about as bat as my chipping at the moment).

[starrman77]

Use whatever works for you. That said, carrying a chipper limits it to a certain function, chipping. I think you can chip with pretty much any club in the bag. I'd say keep the chipper until you gain more confidence in other clubs.

 

Exactly, that was my point in suggesting using a putting stroke and chip with a iron. You already have the irons in your bag, no extra club required, you can chose different lofts depending on the shot you want to play and you can also hit full shots and pitches. My suggestion was to the fact that an iron used in the right way can do the same thing a chipper does and much more if used in the correct way around the green.

[Mcgeeno]

While I get the ""limits function" argument for sure, I think it's coming from the perspective of people who weren't forced to use a chipper.

 

Like I said earlier in this thread I am a low capper who used to carry one and over say 18 holes I might hit 10-12 greens have 1-2 bunker or pitch shots and 4-5 chip shots on a broad average.

 

I definitely know there were clubs in my bag that I hit less than 5 times a week let alone in one round.

 

Long story short: this club will get used because all amateurs miss greens a lot.

 

If you are having issues with your game try it. it's all about the score on the card. End of story.

[John L.]

While I get the ""limits function" argument for sure, I think it's coming from the perspective of people who weren't forced to use a chipper.

 

Like I said earlier in this thread I am a low capper who used to carry one and over say 18 holes I might hit 10-12 greens have 1-2 bunker or pitch shots and 4-5 chip shots on a broad average.

 

I definitely know there were clubs in my bag that I hit less than 5 times a week let alone in one round.

 

Long story short: this club will get used because all amateurs miss greens a lot.

 

If you are having issues with your game try it. it's all about the score on the card. End of story.

 

We have a hobbyist clubmaking friend in our circle of friends who earned the nickname "Mr. Gadget" many years ago because he always had some "weird gizmo wonder club" in his bag. His most recent concoction is the new Maltby hybrid head chipper. He had it in his bag one day fairly recently next to his putter. I thought he broke the shaft on on some weird looking hybrid or something like that. I pulled it out of his bag and saw that it was fully shafted and gripped.....WTF? He had to suffer through my obligatory teasing for a couple minutes afterwards......He's used to it)

 

Well anyways, we got out to the back of the course and the place is dead. He starts dropping a few balls from 110-115 yards and hitting shots with the thing, and they are bouncing short and rolling onto the green. I got into the act and started hitting a few. We got to the green and pick up all our balls and we both chipped around with it for 10-15 minutes. I couldn't believe all the little shots I could make up with it. You can loft or punch with 1/2 swings, or just use a putting stroke for simple off the fringe chips. I grudgingly had to admit to him that I was very impressed with the club. ;) I have been going through some chipping yips lately and almost offered to relieve him of it.

 

Here's a picture of the head. I will get a real life picture of his club next time we hook up.

 

 

[Nomad Golfer]

I know this is an old thread but would like to add my 2 cents. I use a hybrid for longer chips but that is not the problem. The problem is those close to the green jobs, too rough/far for a putter and too short for a wedge - where a partial swing is needed I'm in trouble.

I've seen a Lovett Co. chipper for sale locally for $10 and I would like to try it - no problem with bag limit as I only carry 12 anyway and I would replace my lob wedge with the chipper to see how it goes. If no good, I'll just add it to my collection of interesting clubs.

[fillwelix]

+1 on the 8 iron putt, pretty much does the same thing and is just as easy. I've found chippers really only have one (maybe two) shots, and under tight lies there are other options like a hybrid or an 8 iron

[Nomad Golfer]

I know this is an old thread but would like to add my 2 cents. I use a hybrid for longer chips but that is not the problem. The problem is those close to the green jobs, too rough/far for a putter and too short for a wedge - where a partial swing is needed I'm in trouble.

I've seen a Lovett Co. chipper for sale locally for $10 and I would like to try it - no problem with bag limit as I only carry 12 anyway and I would replace my lob wedge with the chipper to see how it goes. If no good, I'll just add it to my collection of interesting clubs.

I bought the club anyway and impressed with its weight and shape, it's in excellent condition. At 59* it will stand in for my 60* lob wedge which is my main bunker club, until such time I sort out which is better. fillwelex mentioned it was only good for maybe a couple of shots but those are the weak part of my game so if this club can save me even 3-4 shots a round then that's worth while having.

[Sir Slicealot]

I've been practicing my chipping and it was horrible. I've settled on a 52° with jumbo grip for my chipping needs. If I cannot make it work, I'll go to my 7 or 8 iron and the putter stroke. Seems like less to remember anyhow. I applaud you for having a game where you can dedicate a slot in the bag to something that is very specialized. Someday I may be there.

[North Butte]

I've been practicing my chipping and it was horrible. I've settled on a 52° with jumbo grip for my chipping needs. If I cannot make it work, I'll go to my 7 or 8 iron and the putter stroke. Seems like less to remember anyhow. I applaud you for having a game where you can dedicate a slot in the bag to something that is very specialized. Someday I may be there.

 

I took a long shot by acquiring an old Ping Chip-O but it has so little loft (30-ish degrees) that it's never going to get the club up in the air to clear any sort of obstacle like a bunker or mound or even a big patch of heavy rough. It's going to roll the ball on the ground same as a putter or a 7-iron so it literally did not offer any advantage to me whatsoever. Pity, it's very retro-cool!

 

If I don't need the ball to fly through the air I putt. A friend of mine who's a teaching pro played with me years ago when I was experimenting with using a fairway wood to bump the ball out of the rough and then roll it onto the green. At one point during the round we stopped and he put a few balls on the ground 10 yards off the green. He had me hit a couple with the 3-wood and a couple with the putter. The two with the putter were like twice as close to the hole as the two with the 3-wood.

 

His advice was if you're going to chip or pitch the ball through the air then use a wedge and make a proper chipping stroke. If you're going to play a 40 or 50 yard bump and run then use a 7 or 8 iron and a little half-swing. But if you're going to do something that looks exactly like a putting stroke and rolls the ball like a putt then use the putter. It's the one club in the bag you're most practiced with, you'd have to spend hours getting as good at rolling the ball with the correct weight with a hybrid or fairway wood as you already are with the putter.

[Anser]

I know this is an old thread but would like to add my 2 cents. I use a hybrid for longer chips but that is not the problem. The problem is those close to the green jobs, too rough/far for a putter and too short for a wedge - where a partial swing is needed I'm in trouble. I've seen a Lovett Co. chipper for sale locally for $10 and I would like to try it - no problem with bag limit as I only carry 12 anyway and I would replace my lob wedge with the chipper to see how it goes. If no good, I'll just add it to my collection of interesting clubs.

 

In the interest of science to benefit those of us who are chronically terrible chippers get it and let us know!

 

Tons of em on ebay so if it works for you I may oh hell what am I talking about I'll pick one up and see if it helps!

 

Will post my experience. I got the tank chipper last year and it didn't help (too light) so we will see

[RexS]

I've been playing golf for over 30 years and never used a chipper until recently. I've always had a pretty good short game until the last few years anyway, not getting to play enough. I got so frustrated a few weeks ago I said F*** IT, I order an Acer XK chipper head on ebay and built one. Cost about $15.It has helped me tremendously build my chipping confidence again and playing is more fun. Don't let your pride stop you, if it works and makes playing more enjoyable do it!

 

 

 

[bullie76]

I have a friend who has to be the worst chipper of all time. Duffs or skulls it with any iron. He bought a chipper and it helped a little but he can still duff it. The only thing he has had fair success with is a hybrid. Even if he's 20 feet off the green with longish grass in between, he's better with it. He may have a 15 foot putt left, but it's better than the alternative duff or skull. Another friend will putt everything under similar conditions and he is amazingly good with it. Moral to the story.......use what's best for you.

[tobiasjd]

+1 on the 8 iron putt, pretty much does the same thing and is just as easy. I've found chippers really only have one (maybe two) shots, and under tight lies there are other options like a hybrid or an 8 iron

 

Doesn't really have to be an iron either. I use all my wedges this way for any distance chip. Just stand a little closer to the ball and lift the heel up off the grass so it can't dig, then just use a putting stroke. It's pretty simple. Here's the article from golf digest that breaks it down. http://www.golfdigest.com/story/this-lost-art-will-save-you-strokes

[Scorer099]

At the end of the day it doesn't matter how you get it in the hole...

 

For those saying it takes up space in the bag, true, but how many of your shots are around the green, wasted? How many times do you hit that 3 or 4 iron in a round?

 

With that said, the chipper is very one dimensional. Commit time to learning and practicing around the green with various clubs and shots rather than banging your $600 driver all over the range for an hour.

[TheFatTick]

I've carried the Odyssey Tank in my bag all spring. I don't get any comments anymore, because for me it works, and there isn't a whole lot of fun giving grief to someone who keeps scoring with the target of your derision. Occasionally someone will say "Is that a chipper?" with some weird inflection, but that just makes me smile because I know I'm going to hit an acceptable shot. It's already probably the most reliable club in my bag.

 

 

At the end of the day, it's how you score, not what's in your bag. The chipper replaced my 4 iron. I may need my four iron once a round, and having to adjust another club may or may not cost me a stroke. I only use the chipper from inches off the green to maybe twenty or thirty feet off the green right now. I will have that shot several times a round, and I know that the chipper saves me strokes over other alternatives at that distance.

 

I don't struggle with chips. I carry five wedges, because I find I score better with specialized wedges than I do with specialized long clubs. But that may just be a characteristic of Geriatric Hack Golf.

 

One other note: I'm not sure I get the "only does one thing" comments. My four iron only does one thing - hits it my four iron distance. I'm not good enough to consider hammering a five, or fading in a three. Now, if I need to hit a four, I will choke down on my 5 wood. Either it works or it doesn't, but if it doesn't I have the club, be it wedge or chipper, that will help me save par anyway. I feel I can score with any of my wedges, which means any shot 120 and in, I think i have the opportunity to get up and down. I'm not thinking that on any of my longer clubs. As I say, get comfortable with the bag that helps you score.

[harolease]

When I want to chip I use PW and deloft it and match the face to the back of my left hand and hit slightly up. This gives me some overspin and I think it's a slight advantage over a hybrid if I'm chipping from below the hole

If Im above the hole I think belly wedge or hybrid will work better depending on the break

The toughest chip for me is shortsided downhill Using a LW and flop it might be the better option but if the lie is perched up then I have to modify my grip and just try to deflect the ball off the toe and try for a low flop

 

Edit. Don't carry a hybrid sometimes so I sub a putter and this works well. The difference between my chip putter stroke and my putt-putter stroke is way I hold the putter

Conventional for chip stroke and cross handed for putting

[North Butte]

The toughest chip for me is shortsided downhill Using a LW and flop it might be the better option but if the lie is perched up then I have to modify my grip and just try to deflect the ball off the toe and try for a low flop

 

I overclubbed on an approach shot last weekend. Ball was sitting up on a mound behind the green and somehow managed to get held up in the rough on a nearly 45-degree downslope. About 20 feet downhill through the rough and then maybe 15 feet of green to the hole, the green sloping all the way down to the front.

 

I just putted the ball out of the rough and got lucky and hit the flag to stop near the hole. Otherwise I'd have had a 50-foot comebacker from the fringe on the front of the green. But no way trying to chip or flop that was going to stop it on the green anyway unless my name rhymes with Nickelson.

 

But I was reminded of a story I heard about Ted Williams when he retired and was coaching some younger players. One asked something like how do you handle a hard slider that turns down and just barely catches the bottom outside corner of the strike zone. Supposedly Ted said, "You just watch that one go by, son. Nobody said hitting was easy". Golf can be that way too.

[Nomad Golfer]

I've been practicing my chipping and it was horrible. I've settled on a 52° with jumbo grip for my chipping needs. If I cannot make it work, I'll go to my 7 or 8 iron and the putter stroke. Seems like less to remember anyhow. I applaud you for having a game where you can dedicate a slot in the bag to something that is very specialized. Someday I may be there.

Speaking of bag slots, I've played with 7 clubs and got the same result as using 14 clubs in the bag. I sometime wonder whether I really need a full bag. Currently carrying 12 and I've been replacing rather than adding. A lob wedge is a specialized club for me and I haven't really mastered this one. It's a funny old game.

cheers

[Nomad Golfer]

I know this is an old thread but would like to add my 2 cents. I use a hybrid for longer chips but that is not the problem. The problem is those close to the green jobs, too rough/far for a putter and too short for a wedge - where a partial swing is needed I'm in trouble. I've seen a Lovett Co. chipper for sale locally for $10 and I would like to try it - no problem with bag limit as I only carry 12 anyway and I would replace my lob wedge with the chipper to see how it goes. If no good, I'll just add it to my collection of interesting clubs.

 

In the interest of science to benefit those of us who are chronically terrible chippers get it and let us know!

 

Tons of em on ebay so if it works for you I may oh hell what am I talking about I'll pick one up and see if it helps!

 

Will post my experience. I got the tank chipper last year and it didn't help (too light) so we will see

Well said. I have noticed that chippers "appear" to be coming back in vogue - perhaps I'm wrong. I also noticed that some look very much like lofted putters with a squarish bottom plate. I went with a more traditional (?) shape. I'll let you know how it goes.

[Nomad Golfer]

At the end of the day it doesn't matter how you get it in the hole...

 

For those saying it takes up space in the bag, true, but how many of your shots are around the green, wasted? How many times do you hit that 3 or 4 iron in a round?

 

With that said, the chipper is very one dimensional. Commit time to learning and practicing around the green with various clubs and shots rather than banging your $600 driver all over the range for an hour.

hehe that would be my $60 driver!

[Sir Slicealot]

Chipping and putting costs nothing near me. I do it a lot. It's cheap entertainment. The driving range costs $14/180 for me.

[Chazb]

If you are having trouble chipping then there is not a thing wrong with using a chipper.Those who say that a iron would do the same thing are only talking about how they play the game and do not know anything about someone's else game.

[Anser]

1) Pull out hybrid...

2) Grip down on hybrid...

3) Use putting stroke on gripped down hybrid...

 

Basically the same thing as a "chipper" and you save yourself a club if you are playing tournaments and have to observe the 14 club limit.

 

But this isn't true

 

It's not as upright or as heavy as what those of us who have some mechanical challenges are looking for

 

-

[Nomad Golfer]

Chipping and putting costs nothing near me. I do it a lot. It's cheap entertainment. The driving range costs $14/180 for me.

like your avatar cats - they look like mischief