Chippers, anyone?

[Robert L.]

A couple of months ago My son got himself a chipper, and he's put it to good use in his game. So after trying his a couple of times I decided to get one for myself. I got myself a Paragon chipper on eBay, and I've been using it for a while now. It's 35" long, 37° of loft, and it's got an extra-wide sole. It cuts through rough like crazy! It also works very well for those short to medium distance bump and run shots. It's a great short game club with a lot of uses around the green. I've even used it out of a bunker with hard sand.

 

Anyone else game a chipper? Is there some kind of stigma to using one?

[2bGood]

No I don't use one. Yes there is stigma. I guess the knock on them is they are a one trick pony where with the right technique you could use a different club that does lots of other thing to perform the same task better.

 

But for players that don't have proper technique and want an easy fix that can be life save for some. 

Edited October 7, 2021 by 2bGood

[Stephen8802]

I have a Yonex chipper that came in a bag full of clubs I bought. I hadn't thought about playing with it, but maybe I should give it a shot and see if I like it.

 

[scomac2002]

I had a Cleveland Niblick for a while when I was struggling with my short game after a long absence from play (18 months due to injury).  I hit some good shots with it, but on average I didn't realize better results than what I could get with another club, often a 8 or 9 iron.

[Robert L.]

1 hour ago, 2bGood said:

No I don't use one. Yes there is stigma. I guess the knock on them is they are a one trick pony where with the right technique you could use a different club that does lots of other thing to perform the same task better.

 

But for players that don't have proper technique and want an easy fix that can be life save for some. 

I guess we'll have to disagree. I took out my 4-iron which I rarely used so I could bag my chipper. I know how to chip with short irons and wedges, but I really don't see the need to use those clubs. That large sole on the bottom of my chipper lets me cut through long grass, which I find is especially helpful on bump and run shots.

[2bGood]

11 minutes ago, Robert L. said:

I guess we'll have to disagree. I took out my 4-iron which I rarely used so I could bag my chipper. I know how to chip with short irons and wedges, but I really don't see the need to use those clubs. That large sole on the bottom of my chipper lets me cut through long grass, which I find is especially helpful on bump and run shots.

I am not sure we are disagreeing. My point is the chipper typically requires that you give up another club to have it in your bag (as you did). This is the main knock on carrying one. If you had unlimited clubs, then highly specialised clubs would make more sense. 

 

For most the discussion is - am I willing to give up a club or learn to hit a bump and run with a regular club. 

 

 

 

 

[flip flappy]

A friend of mine bought the Cleveland Smart Sole Chipper and has made some pretty incredible shots with it since putting it in the bag. He uses it around the green, 50 yards out, and for bump & run shots. I tried it briefly after we finished up on 18 last week. I noticed it is pretty short shafted and seems to be easy to control. I  had never considered using one, until I tried my friend's out. 

[Shallowface]

4 hours ago, Robert L. said:

A couple of months ago My son got himself a chipper, and he's put it to good use in his game. So after trying his a couple of times I decided to get one for myself. I got myself a Paragon chipper on eBay, and I've been using it for a while now. It's 35" long, 37° of loft, and it's got an extra-wide sole. It cuts through rough like crazy! It also works very well for those short to medium distance bump and run shots. It's a great short game club with a lot of uses around the green. I've even used it out of a bunker with hard sand.

 

Anyone else game a chipper? Is there some kind of stigma to using one?

People will tell you that there is a stigma to chippers, just as they will tell you the same thing about iron covers.

 

I've used iron covers from the beginning and would have no problem using a chipper.  If someone were to say something to me about anything of that sort I wouldn't dignify it with a response.  Because the truth is, I don't care what they think.

 

It's your game.  Use what works for you.

[JungleJimbo]

7 hours ago, Robert L. said:

A couple of months ago My son got himself a chipper, and he's put it to good use in his game. So after trying his a couple of times I decided to get one for myself. I got myself a Paragon chipper on eBay, and I've been using it for a while now. It's 35" long, 37° of loft, and it's got an extra-wide sole. It cuts through rough like crazy! It also works very well for those short to medium distance bump and run shots. It's a great short game club with a lot of uses around the green. I've even used it out of a bunker with hard sand.

 

Anyone else game a chipper? Is there some kind of stigma to using one?

I carry 2 chippers! i.e. a 45* and a 55* obscure JDM brand called Prodyn.  Sometimes a PRGR r35 too.

details in a related thread, linked below

 

happy golfing!
 

 

[elwhippy]

If it works use it. 

[scruffynick]

Chippers are a great idea for golfers who just have chipping yips....my dad for years was a very solid 9 handicap golfer, but his chipping was a disaster. He tried one of these years back, and the amount of frustration it saved was worth a £20 he paid for it. All he wanted was after a chip near the green was a decent chance to hole a putt, not hitting the same chip again after a duff.....sod the stigma, if it works out it in the bag

[PhillipG78]

Use whatever clubs and club configuration helps you play your best game. There’s PGA pros that use belly putters and armlock putters because they can’t reliably put with a conventional putter. If a chipper helps you hit more confidently use it. 

[scomac2002]

Years ago I used to do almost all of my short game shots with a SW.  I never really got on with the B&R approach using an iron.  I read a book by Paul Runyan that convinced me to try his method and I've been working on that or a version of it ever since.

 

Recently I went back to using a SW for about 90% of my short game shots and seemed to find some success with that approach once again.  It maybe unconventional from a teaching standpoint, but I guess you go with what works.  I find the feel approach to be more in my comfort zone than a mechanical approach even when it involves having to gauge how fr to fly the ball rather than counting on a certain amount of rollout for a standard stroke.

[Feelingofgreatness]

Chippers are great! 

I had a Cleveland smart sole and it's a fine tool. 

That said, about six months ago I watched this video and now I use my 9i... This method is pretty much fool-proof. 

https://www.golfdiscount.com/blog/learning-center/video-golf-instruction-dave-pelz-eliminating-fat-chips-forever/

 

If you have extra space in your bag, carry the chipper, if not, try this technique. 

[avidgolfer23]

I just picked up a cleveland smart sole chipper on a whim.  Tried it a few times at the store and it really does seem fool proof.  

[dhappy42]

On 10/7/2021 at 7:52 PM, 2bGood said:

I am not sure we are disagreeing. My point is the chipper typically requires that you give up another club to have it in your bag (as you did). This is the main knock on carrying one. If you had unlimited clubs, then highly specialised clubs would make more sense. 

 

For most the discussion is - am I willing to give up a club or learn to hit a bump and run with a regular club. 

 

 

 

 

Apologies in advance for the digression, but speaking of specialized clubs... if you could carry any number of clubs, what clubs other than a chipper would you put in the bag? A fairway-finding mini-driver comes to mind...

[2bGood]

23 hours ago, dhappy42 said:

Apologies in advance for the digression, but speaking of specialized clubs... if you could carry any number of clubs, what clubs other than a chipper would you put in the bag? A fairway-finding mini-driver comes to mind...

As I actually carry my clubs so in this dream world they don't weigh any extra....

 

My first choice would be another gap wedge as my gap between P wedge and 52* is too much but I really like the 52, 56, 60 set up. I would love a 49* in the bag. Next a three iron as there are some shots I would like to have it on, then a 5 wood (which would be the same distance as my hybrid but offer a bit different flight). I could see a second driver like Phil did with one set up for draw and the other for fade. I might even like a chipper as a specialised club only for some of those 'just off the green with a  gnarly lie shots' I use hybrid putt for. 

 

Suffice to say I can find lots of use for more clubs - I just would not want to carry them. 

Edited October 16, 2021 by 2bGood

[scomac2002]

15 hours ago, 2bGood said:

Suffice to say I can find lots of use for more clubs - I just would not want to carry them. 

 

One of the appeals of playing vintage for me has been the ease with which to create shots without the need for specialty clubs.  For example I've never felt particularly handicapped by going from a 40° 8 iron for bump and run to a 49° PW for most of my around green pitches to a 57° SW for anything that requires a drop and stop type shot such as a greenside tree to a short sided pin.

 

I haven't played minimalist in a while, but to my way of thinking the ideal setup was always less than a full bag.  Perhaps 8-10 well selected clubs that are carried in a Sunday bag or something similar.

[Fairway14]

On 10/9/2021 at 11:11 PM, PhillipG78 said:

Use whatever clubs and club configuration helps you play your best game. There’s PGA pros that use belly putters and armlock putters because they can’t reliably put with a conventional putter. If a chipper helps you hit more confidently use it. 

 

I don't know of any Tour players who are bad chippers, but there are lots of 0 to 5 handicap amateurs who hit it good from tee to green, and putt o.k., but their chipping game is not good. 

[Fairway14]

On 10/7/2021 at 4:52 PM, 2bGood said:

I am not sure we are disagreeing. My point is the chipper typically requires that you give up another club to have it in your bag (as you did). This is the main knock on carrying one. If you had unlimited clubs, then highly specialised clubs would make more sense. 

 

For most the discussion is - am I willing to give up a club or learn to hit a bump and run with a regular club. 

 

 

 

 

 

I think less than 5% of golfers do not hit consistently hit their bump and run chip shots next to the hole, so a chipper club could be  a good idea for 95% of players.

[bellview17]

If it works for you, use it. I use one from time to time. 

[The Aspidistra in the Hall]

18 hours ago, Fairway14 said:

 

I think less than 5% of golfers do not hit consistently hit their bump and run chip shots next to the hole, so a chipper club could be  a good idea for 95% of players.

Is this a reflection of your view of American golf or the wider view that this forum addresses?

[Fairway14]

On 10/10/2021 at 12:20 PM, scomac2002 said:

Years ago I used to do almost all of my short game shots with a SW.  I never really got on with the B&R approach using an iron.  I read a book by Paul Runyan that convinced me to try his method and I've been working on that or a version of it ever since.

 

Recently I went back to using a SW for about 90% of my short game shots and seemed to find some success with that approach once again.  It maybe unconventional from a teaching standpoint, but I guess you go with what works.  I find the feel approach to be more in my comfort zone than a mechanical approach even when it involves having to gauge how fr to fly the ball rather than counting on a certain amount of rollout for a standard stroke.

 

Remember that playing short game shots with a less lofted club requires less effort, swing length, speed etc.... In other words, from next to the green with a 9-iron a very gentle swing will produce the distance to get the ball next to the hole. However, playing most shots with a SW or LW sometimes requires a fairly long and, or, relatively fast paced swing. For week to week consistency the gentle swing technique is helpful.

[scomac2002]

22 hours ago, Fairway14 said:

 

I think less than 5% of golfers do not hit consistently hit their bump and run chip shots next to the hole, so a chipper club could be  a good idea for 95% of players.

 

Is that not more a function of poor technique and a lack of practice than using a purpose built club?  Chippers are not fool proof.  They require just as much practice as using any other club for the task if one wants to be proficient.

[Fairway14]

11 minutes ago, scomac2002 said:

 

Is that not more a function of poor technique and a lack of practice than using a purpose built club?  Chippers are not fool proof.  They require just as much practice as using any other club for the task if one wants to be proficient.

 

A chipper club is designed specifically for chipping. Specifically, its heavy head weight, short shaft length, and wide sole make it a significantly club from a 9, 8, 7, or 6-iron. Technique is important, yes, but a chipper club's specs make it easier with which to play consistently good good chip shots than any other club within the bag.

After putting and tee shots chip shots is the most common shot a golfer faces, and its ironic that chipper clubs get little to no respect. I understand no Tour player carries a chipper club and the reason for that is Tour players do get their chip shots next to the hole. But amateurs, even low handicap players who routinely shoot 75 or better, do not chip as well as a Tour player does.

[2bGood]

On 10/16/2021 at 6:27 AM, Fairway14 said:

 

I think less than 5% of golfers do not hit consistently hit their bump and run chip shots next to the hole, so a chipper club could be  a good idea for 95% of players.

If less 5% do NOT hit it close - then that means more than 95% do hit it close. I think what you meant to say is less the 5% consistently hit their buns and run chip shots next to the hole.

 

If a chipper was really that magical that it could convert a bad chipper from not hitting it close to the hole to hitting close overnight they would be more widely used. 

 

A chipper simply rewards a different technique. From what I have seen they help a really bad player who duffs the shot be able to advance the ball.

 

Like everyone has said - use what works best for you. 

[Fairway14]

3 hours ago, 2bGood said:

 

 

Like everyone has said - use what works best for you. 

 

On the golf courses, the most common chipping problem I see among amateurs (of all skill levels) is playing the shot with a sand wedge or lob wedge. I understand the concept of "use what works best for you", but if the player is not consistently leaving chip shots next to the hole then perhaps what he thinks is "best" is actually hurting his scoring.

 

[2bGood]

6 hours ago, Fairway14 said:

 

On the golf courses, the most common chipping problem I see among amateurs (of all skill levels) is playing the shot with a sand wedge or lob wedge. I understand the concept of "use what works best for you", but if the player is not consistently leaving chip shots next to the hole then perhaps what he thinks is "best" is actually hurting his scoring.

 

 

Okay a real digression here - as there is always the troubling matter of 'joy'. Different golfers find it different ways. I have to admit that I will chip sometimes rather than putt from 2 or 3 yards off the green as I enjoy a well hit chip so much more than a lag putt through the fairway. My percentages are better if I putt and if it really mattered, the putter would be in my hand. So there is 'use what works best', and then some version of use what you enjoy most. I think some percentage of golfers choose clubs based not on the best result the majority of time, but to hit a shot that makes their heart sing from time to time. 

 

Saying all that in competitive match or tournament I am playing bump and runs with 7 iron allot. 

 

 

[The Aspidistra in the Hall]

11 hours ago, Fairway14 said:

 

On the golf courses, the most common chipping problem I see among amateurs (of all skill levels) is playing the shot with a sand wedge or lob wedge. I understand the concept of "use what works best for you", but if the player is not consistently leaving chip shots next to the hole then perhaps what he thinks is "best" is actually hurting his scoring.

 

I've been playing 65 years and know of no-one who routinely uses a sand wedge or lob wedge for chip shots. Most chip with what the situation demands given the greater variety of situations found on our UK courses.

[No_Catchy_Nickname]

31 minutes ago, The Aspidistra in the Hall said:

I've been playing 65 years and know of no-one who routinely uses a sand wedge or lob wedge for chip shots. Most chip with what the situation demands given the greater variety of situations found on our UK courses.

 

Same here when I was playing in the UK, but I see a lot of amateurs in Japan use a sand wedge or lob wedge for chips. It might be because that's what they see the pros doing on TV.

 

 One guy I played with today in fact used his 58* from a few yards off the green on at least three occasions. Funny thing is, when he was 30 or forty yards short, he would hit a bump and run with a 8 or 9 iron. On one of those bump and runs, he had to flirt with a bunker as well. I will say that he got decent results with the lofted wedge, but that's not the club I'd have used for those shots.

 

Now the other chap I played with today is an older gent who started out many years ago, and he is definitely more into chipping with a variety of short irons.