A chipper golf club is designed to fill the gap between a putter and a wedge, offering higher loft than a putter but less loft than a standard wedge. This guide will show you the right way to use this versatile club for better short game results. Many golfers ask, “What is a chipper golf club?” A chipper is a club with loft between 30 and 38 degrees, made to help golfers get the ball up and rolling softly around the green, making chip shots easier.
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Deciphering the Chipper: What Makes It Special?
The chipper golf club is often seen as a specialist tool. It sits in a unique spot in your bag. It is not quite a putter, and it is not quite a wedge. Its design gives it features that make certain shots much simpler, especially for players who struggle with the full swing of a wedge near the green.
The Anatomy of a Chipper
A chipper looks a bit like a hybrid putter and a short iron. Its main features set it apart.
- Loft: Most chippers have loft around 35 degrees. This is more than a 7-iron (which is often around 30-34 degrees) but less than a pitching wedge (usually 44-48 degrees). This moderate loft helps the ball get off the ground with a low flight.
- Sole Width: Chipper soles are usually wider than those on standard irons or wedges. This wider base helps the club glide over the grass and prevents the leading edge from digging too deep. This is key for making best chipper golf shots.
- Shaft Length: The shaft is often shorter than an iron, closer to a putter length. This encourages a putting-like stroke.
Chipper vs Pitching Wedge: Which One to Use?
This is a common debate. When should you reach for the chipper instead of your pitching wedge? The answer depends on the lie and the distance.
| Feature | Chipper Golf Club | Pitching Wedge |
|---|---|---|
| Loft | Lower (30-38 degrees) | Higher (44-48 degrees) |
| Trajectory | Lower, more roll | Higher, more carry |
| Use Case | Short chips, tight lies, bump-and-run | Longer chips, shots needing to carry obstacles |
| Stroke Type | Putting-like motion | Full-er swing/lob motion |
If you are struggling with how to chip with a wedge because you chunk the ball or hit it too fat, the chipper offers a forgiving alternative. It reduces the need for a steep angle of attack.
The Setup: Achieving the Proper Chipping Stance
Mastering the chipper starts long before you swing. Proper setup is vital for consistency. Since the chipper promotes a shorter, more controlled swing, your stance needs to support this action.
Ball Position
Place the ball slightly behind the center of your stance. Think about where you would place the ball if you were using a putter. This slight backward positioning promotes a descending blow, but because the chipper has a shallower angle, it will still lift the ball effectively.
Foot and Body Alignment
Your stance should be narrower than a full iron shot. This helps limit body movement.
- Feet Together (Almost): Keep your feet fairly close. This promotes balance.
- Weight Forward: Shift about 60 to 70 percent of your weight onto your front (lead) foot. This keeps your hands ahead of the ball at impact.
- Spine Angle: Keep your spine relatively straight, perhaps leaning slightly toward the target, mirroring your weight shift.
This setup is similar to a proper chipping stance used with other clubs, but the narrow base and forward weight are emphasized with the chipper.
Grip Considerations
Grip the chipper like you would a putter. A relaxed grip is essential. You do not want tight forearms, as this leads to tension and jerky movements. A light grip allows the club to swing freely on its arc.
Executing the Best Chipper Golf Shots
The beauty of the chipper lies in its simplified swing mechanics. You are not trying to execute a full wedge splash; you are trying to hit a controlled, short shot that rolls out a lot. This is often called the “bump and run.”
The Pendulum Swing Motion
The primary technique for using a 7 iron for chipping or a chipper is the pendulum motion.
- Imagine your shoulders and arms forming a triangle. This triangle should remain intact throughout the swing.
- The movement comes from the rotation of your shoulders, not from bending your wrists (no “flipping”).
- Keep your lower body quiet. Your feet should stay planted firmly through impact.
Swing Length Dictates Distance
Distance control with a chipper is surprisingly intuitive. It relies mostly on the length of your backswing and follow-through.
- Short Tap (5-10 yards): A very short backswing, maybe just a foot or two.
- Medium Chip (15-25 yards): A backswing that mirrors the follow-through, maybe stopping when your lead arm is parallel to the ground.
- Longer Approach (30+ yards): The backswing might go as high as your chest, but still keep the motion smooth.
It is vital to practice hitting different lengths to gauge the distance each swing produces on the practice green. This is a core part of chipping techniques for beginners.
Impact Focus: Clean Contact is Key
The goal is clean contact with the center of the clubface.
- No Scooping: Do not try to lift the ball. Let the loft do the work. Scooping adds loft, which can cause inconsistent results.
- Firm Wrist Angle: Maintain the slight forward lean in your hands throughout the swing. This keeps the leading edge slightly ahead of the ball.
- Finish Position: Your follow-through should feel balanced and natural, ending with the club pointing toward your target line.
When to Use a Chipper
Knowing when to use a chipper is as important as knowing how to swing it. This club shines in specific situations around the green where traditional wedges become tricky.
Tight Lies and Short Grass
When the grass is cut very short, or you have a tight lie near the fringe or collar, a wedge can easily dig in or bounce too high. The chipper’s wide sole prevents digging. It glides through the short grass, ensuring clean contact.
Minimal Green to Work With
If you only have a short distance to the pin, and you know the ball will roll well once it lands, the chipper is perfect. It promotes the “bump and run” style, which is inherently more controllable than trying to get a wedge airborne quickly.
Overcoming Hesitation
Many amateurs get nervous over short chips, fearing they will either hit it fat (too heavy) or thin (too light). Because the chipper setup encourages a putting stroke, it removes much of this mental hurdle. If you lack confidence in your chipping techniques for beginners, the chipper can build that confidence quickly.
Bunkers (Sometimes)
While dedicated sand wedges are better for soft sand, a chipper can be surprisingly effective in fluffy, dry sand or for shots right on the fringe of a bunker. If the sand is firm, the chipper’s sole helps it skip over the surface.
Drills to Improve Accuracy with Your Chipper
Practice makes perfect, but practicing the right way makes perfect faster. Use these chipping drills for accuracy specifically tailored for the chipper.
The Gate Drill
This drill focuses on keeping your lower body still.
- Place two headcovers or small tees about one clubhead width apart on the ground where you would normally address the ball.
- Your ball must sit exactly between these two markers.
- The goal is to swing through without hitting the markers with your feet or the clubhead. This forces a narrow, controlled path.
Ladder Drill for Distance Control
This is crucial for mastering the swing length.
- Place a target marker (a towel or coin) about 10 feet away.
- Hit five balls using a very short backswing (Level 1). Note the distance.
- Move back another 10 feet (to 20 feet). Hit five balls with a slightly longer swing (Level 2).
- Continue this pattern up to 40 feet (Level 4).
This helps you create clear, repeatable yardages tied directly to your swing length.
The Mirror Drill
If you practice indoors or on a mat, using a mirror helps perfect your setup. Ensure your weight is still forward and your hands are not creeping back toward the ball during the stroke. The chipper demands this steady setup.
Adjusting Your Game: Chipper Applications Beyond the Fringe
While the chipper is famous for the short chip, its versatility allows for other applications.
Using a 7 Iron for Chipping Comparison
When using a 7 iron for chipping, the setup is often more iron-like—more weight centered, less forward lean. The 7-iron has less bounce and a sharper leading edge than a chipper. If the ground is firm, a 7 iron works well for a true bump and run. However, the chipper often requires less precise contact than the 7-iron to achieve a similar rolling result, making it easier for the average golfer.
The Stimp Factor
The speed of the green (the Stimp meter reading) heavily influences your choice.
- Fast Greens (High Stimp): Use the chipper with a very minimal swing. You want the ball to get rolling immediately and use the green speed to carry it to the hole.
- Slow Greens (Low Stimp): You need slightly more effort or loft than you might think. If the green is spongy, you might need to use a club with slightly more loft, perhaps moving toward a gap wedge if the distance is right, rather than relying solely on the chipper’s lowest trajectory.
Comprehending the Mental Edge
Golf is often a mental game, and the chipper provides a significant mental advantage. It simplifies the shot to its core: hitting the ball solidly and rolling it toward the hole.
For players struggling with delicate wedge shots, the chipper removes the “fluff” factor. You are not trying to manipulate the clubface or create excessive spin. This simplicity reduces anxiety. When you feel confident in your setup and your simple pendulum stroke, you execute better shots. This confidence is crucial when mastering the chipper.
Routine Consistency
Develop a routine when approaching a shot with your chipper.
- Walk up to the ball from behind.
- Take a look at the line and landing area.
- Take one or two short practice strokes mirroring the actual swing.
- Get into your proper chipping stance.
- Execute the stroke without hesitation.
A solid routine fights off second-guessing, which is fatal in short game situations.
Maintenance and Storage
To ensure your chipper remains effective, treat it with care.
- Cleaning: Wipe the face clean after every round, especially after using it in wet or sandy conditions. Dirt buildup reduces the effectiveness of the sole glide.
- Storage: Keep it separated from your irons. The wide head can get dinged if it bangs against the sharp edges of your iron set in the bag. Many golfers keep their chipper in the same slot as their putter.
Summary of Chipper Use Philosophy
The chipper is a tool for consistency, not for show. It is designed to save strokes by removing variables from the short game equation. Do not view it as a cheat club, but rather as a smart tool for specific conditions. If you find yourself constantly topping or chunking chips within 20 yards of the green, trying the chipper golf club guide approach can lower your scores immediately. Embrace the lower trajectory and trust the wider sole to keep you clean through the turf.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use a chipper from the rough?
A: Generally, it is not recommended. While the wide sole helps, the deep, thick rough can grab the leading edge, making clean contact very difficult. The chipper excels on tight lies, fringe, or fairway lies. For thicker rough, a wedge with more bounce is usually a better choice.
Q: Is the chipper legal in tournament play?
A: Yes, the chipper is a legal golf club. As long as it meets the general specifications for loft and clubface requirements (which standard chippers do), it can be carried and used in competition.
Q: How far should a typical chipper shot travel?
A: This varies greatly depending on the loft of your specific chipper and your swing speed. For most amateurs, a comfortable, three-quarter swing with a chipper might send the ball 30 to 50 yards in the air, with significant roll time afterward. It is essential to test this distance on the practice green.
Q: Should I replace my pitching wedge with a chipper?
A: No. They serve different purposes. The chipper is for the low, rolling shot; the pitching wedge is for higher trajectory shots that need to carry a bunker or rough and stop quickly near the pin. You should carry both if you choose to use a chipper.
Q: Why do I sometimes hit my chipper fat?
A: Hitting the chipper fat (hitting the ground before the ball) usually means one of two things: 1) You are sliding the club too far behind the ball at address, or 2) You are lifting your body or wrists through impact to try and help the ball get airborne. Focus on maintaining your forward weight distribution and letting the club do the lifting.