Club recommendation around the green

[TWGator]

On 4/19/2024 at 4:37 PM, Coppertop1880 said:

Quarter to half swing. Try to use the bounce but doesn't always work out.

 

I think the next few visits to the driving range I'll hit a small bucket with my wedges to warm up and then concentrate more time at the chipping green with a variety of clubs. See what's the most comfortable and then practice, practice, practice....

I chip in my yard 3-4 times a week, try different shots, low hooks, low cuts, straight, open face.  I think practicing all those shots gets you more comfortable chipping.  Also I rarely go to a ball by the green with 1 club, almost always have a 9iron/pw/gap and a lob wedge.  Depending on lie and green, uphill down hill.  
 

 

also I recently switched from 54 to a 56 and find I rarely even use my 60 any more, when I used to play it a lot

[musicman1951]

Obviously the more you practice the luckier you'll get, but it's not that simple.  I believe if you spend some practice time keeping stats on a few choices you'll find you're more comfortable with one club than another.  For me that's the 54 with a slightly opened face, but you need to find your favorite for this distance.  Confidence is very important for these shots.

[MMB1500]

I agree with other posters about choosing the lowest risk option, which is often a bump and run of some sort. 

 

It's also about developing a reliable technique which will later allow you to experiment with other club options. Don't be afraid to video yourself chipping and seek professional help. A lesson will do more for your problem than any new club could. 

 

As a basic template I'm a big fan of Dan Grieve's 3 releases. 

 

 

 

Edited April 23 by MMB1500

[scheff13]

On 4/18/2024 at 9:13 PM, Coppertop1880 said:

Trying to find something easy to use around the green, say 20 yards or closer. I've got a 58 degree wedge that I just can't get comfortable enough to use with any success. I worry about sending the ball over the green and I hit it short. Worry about hitting it short and things go long. 

 

Would going to a 60 degree help? A chipper? Swing a 5 wood like a putter? Guess I'm trying to find a forgiving club for these short, short shots.

 

Or is it simply a case where I need to spend more time around the chipping green at the driving range...

Most people don’t need to use 60. If you have trouble with a 58, then you need to go the other way. Keep your weight on your leg closest to target. Using a putting grip, and stroke, help out a lot. The less wrist hinge the better. 

[Coppertop1880]

Tried the Cleveland Smart Sole Chipper and Gap Wedge today. Around the practice green and on the course.

 

I like the Chipper and from about 15 yards in, I was doing well with it. Putter swing and more times than not it was a nice bump and run to within one putt distances. By the end of the round, I was feeling comfortable with it but still needs practice time to get confident with it.

 

The Gap Wedge was a different story. I used it at distances beyond 15 yards and it was okay. A lot more practice needed with this club. I found myself taking more of an iron swing with this club and the heavier sole was more difficult to control. Definitely leaves a divot with a normal swing.

 

The Chipper is a heavy club as well, but you don't feel it as much with a putter style swing. I like the Gap Wedge but until things improve, I'll continue to use the Zing 2 SW and SW2 when a normal swing is needed. 

 

Cleveland makes nice wedges and no regrets picking these two up (thanks for the recommendation). Just gotta practice, practice, practice. 

 

Thanks for the guidance, insights and advice.