A golf chipper is a specialized club designed to make shots near the green easier. Can I use a golf chipper instead of a wedge or putter? Yes, you absolutely can use a golf chipper for shots where you need a bit more control than a putter but less loft than a traditional wedge. Many golfers find the golf chipper technique simplifies these tricky short game situations.
Deciphering the Golf Chipper
What is a golf chipper? A golf chipper looks like a mix between a putter and a wedge. It has a very low loft, usually between 30 and 40 degrees. This makes it great for chipping with a chipper iron, offering a blend of rolling action and a small lift. It helps beginners and frustrated golfers get the ball closer to the hole consistently.
Anatomy of a Chipper
A chipper is built for consistency. Its design reduces the chance of chunking or blading the ball.
| Feature | Typical Specification | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Loft Angle | 30 to 40 degrees | Lifts ball slightly, promotes roll. |
| Sole Width | Wider than wedges | Prevents digging into the turf. |
| Shaft Length | Putter length | Encourages an upright putting stroke. |
| Lie Angle | Fairly upright | Matches putting stance. |
The golf chipper loft angle is key. It sits between a pitching wedge (around 44-48 degrees) and a 7-iron (around 34 degrees). This low loft means the ball flies low and rolls out a lot. This roll is why many golfers prefer chipping vs chipper when the situation calls for it, but the chipper shines when the ground is firm.
Benefits of Using a Golf Chipper
Why would a golfer add this specialty club to their bag? The benefits of using a golf chipper are clear for short game struggles.
- Ease of Use: It’s very forgiving. The wide sole glides over the grass.
- Consistency: It promotes a simple, repetitive motion.
- Versatility: It works well from tight lies, fringe, and light rough.
- Confidence Builder: It takes the guesswork out of high-lofted wedge shots.
The Proper Golf Chipper Technique
Mastering the short game starts with the right motion. The proper golf chipper swing is often very similar to putting. This similarity is one of its biggest selling points.
Golf Chipper Setup
Getting the setup right is half the battle. A good golf chipper setup ensures the club does the work.
Stance and Ball Position
- Stance Width: Keep your feet close together, about shoulder width apart. This promotes balance.
- Ball Position: Place the ball slightly behind the center of your stance. This encourages a descending blow without adding too much loft.
- Weight Distribution: Keep 60% to 70% of your weight on your front (lead) foot. This keeps the hands ahead of the ball.
Grip
Use a grip that feels natural, but lean towards a putting grip. Many experts suggest using a standard putting grip or a slightly modified crossover grip. The goal is to minimize wrist hinge. You want to avoid flipping the club. Keep your wrists firm throughout the swing.
Alignment
Aim the clubface directly at your target. Because the chipper has less loft, you need to be precise with your line. Use the clubface markings or alignment aids to ensure it points straight ahead.
Executing the Best Golf Chipper Shots
The best shots with a chipper are smooth and controlled, not overly aggressive. The goal is to keep the low trajectory going toward the target.
The Pendulum Motion
The proper golf chipper swing relies on a pendulum motion, much like a short putt.
- Takeaway: Move the club back smoothly, using only your shoulders and arms. Do not lift the club with your wrists.
- Impact: Maintain that firm wrist position. Let the clubhead brush the grass just behind the ball. The low loft will do the lifting.
- Follow-Through: Keep the follow-through short and controlled. Your finish position should resemble your address position but with the club facing the target line.
Controlling Distance
When using a golf chipper around the green, distance control is key. Since the club has limited height, distance is controlled almost entirely by the length of your backswing.
- Short Shots (3-5 feet): Use a very short backswing, maybe just a couple of inches off the ground.
- Medium Shots (10-20 feet): Use a backswing that feels like a 3-foot putt.
- Longer Shots (25+ feet): The backswing might reach hip height, but maintain the same smooth tempo.
Key Point: Tempo must remain constant. Do not speed up the downswing to make the ball go further. Keep the pace steady.
Chipper vs. Traditional Wedges: Knowing When to Switch
Many golfers wonder if they should carry a chipper instead of a gap wedge or sand wedge. The decision rests on the lie and the distance needed.
Chipping vs. Chipper Performance
When talking about chipping vs chipper, we look at how much air time versus roll time you need.
| Shot Scenario | Recommended Club | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Tight Lie, Short Distance (Needs Roll) | Chipper | Forgiving, promotes solid contact. |
| Need to carry a bunker or hazard | Wedge (PW or SW) | Requires higher loft to get airborne quickly. |
| Thick Rough | Wedge (Higher loft needed) | Chipper sole can get bogged down. |
| Firm Fairway/Fringe | Chipper | Excellent predictability. |
The chipper excels when the grass is short, or the ground is firm. If you need the ball to stop quickly after landing, a higher-lofted wedge is necessary.
Why Choose the Chipper?
For players struggling with inconsistent strike when using a standard wedge, the golf chipper setup offers immediate relief. Wedge play often involves complex wrist action. The chipper simplifies this into a pure putting stroke. This makes it one of the best golf chipper shots outcomes—a clean hit with minimal fuss.
Practicing for Mastery
Even a simple club needs practice. Dedicating time to golf chipper practice drills will make this club a reliable weapon in your arsenal.
Drill 1: The Putting Stroke Check
This drill reinforces the feel of the proper stroke.
- Place 5 balls in a line leading to a hole, spaced 1 foot apart.
- Treat each shot like a putt, using only your shoulders to move the club.
- Focus on hitting the center of the clubface solidly every time.
- Goal: Make all 5 “putts” without moving your lower body. This confirms you are engaging in the proper golf chipper swing motion.
Drill 2: Distance Ladder Control
This drill teaches you to dial in distances based on swing length.
- Set up a target (like a towel) about 10 yards away.
- Hit three balls using a very small backswing (just a few inches). Note where they stop.
- Hit three balls using a medium backswing (to your leading ankle). Note the difference.
- Hit three balls using a larger backswing (to your leading knee).
- Adjust your swing length until you can consistently hit the target with each length setting. This hones your feel for using a golf chipper around the green.
Drill 3: The Fringe Glide Test
This tests the club’s ability to glide rather than dig.
- Place several balls right on the edge of the fringe, where the green meets the fairway.
- The goal is to hit the ball so it rolls like a putt but gets just enough lift to clear the fringe grass.
- If the club digs, your weight might be too far back, or you might be trying to lift the ball up. Reset your golf chipper setup with more forward weight.
Advanced Considerations for Chipper Use
Once you are comfortable with the basic stroke, you can refine how you approach different lies.
Fathoming the Loft Angle’s Effect
Remember, the golf chipper loft angle dictates the roll. A 32-degree chipper will roll out much more than a 38-degree model.
- If your chipper is lower lofted, you need to swing slightly bigger for the same distance compared to a higher-lofted chipper.
- If you are playing on fast, firm greens, a lower lofted chipper is often better because the ball won’t jump up too high and travel too far.
Adjusting for Different Lies
While the chipper is best from tight lies, you must adapt slightly for less-than-perfect grass.
- Slightly Longer Grass: Keep the stance slightly more open, and aim for a slightly firmer strike. You still want to hit the ball first, but you may need a fraction more speed to get through the blades.
- Around the Green (Fringe): This is where the chipper shines. Treat it almost exactly like a putt, keeping the swing tiny and controlled. These are the best golf chipper shots you will hit.
Comparing Chipper Swing to Putting Stroke
The main differentiator between chipping vs chipper execution often comes down to impact.
- Putting: The club sweeps slightly under the ball, purely rolling it.
- Chipping with a Chipper: The club has a slight downward angle, just grazing the turf behind the ball to impart minor lift and forward momentum. It’s a very shallow angle of attack.
Troubleshooting Common Chipper Problems
Even with an easy club, golfers can introduce bad habits. Here are common issues and fixes.
Problem 1: Hitting the Ball Fat (Chunking)
This happens when the club hits the ground too far behind the ball, digging in.
- Cause: Too much weight on the back foot, or trying to lift the ball with the hands.
- Fix: Shift weight firmly onto your lead foot (65-70%). Focus on keeping your head still through impact.
Problem 2: Hitting the Ball Thin (Blading)
The ball flies too far, usually skimming the top of the equator.
- Cause: Hitting the ball too high on the face, or lifting the club too quickly through impact.
- Fix: Ensure the ball is slightly back in your stance. Keep your leading wrist firm and avoid any upward movement in the follow-through. Remember the golf chipper setup requires forward weight.
Problem 3: Poor Directional Control
The ball consistently misses left or right.
- Cause: The clubface is open or closed at impact, or the swing path is off-line.
- Fix: Use alignment sticks during practice. Reconfirm your alignment before every shot. Check your grip to ensure the lead hand isn’t dominating the stroke, which can twist the face.
The Chipper as a Confidence Booster
For many high handicappers, wedge play causes significant anxiety. The fear of a chunky miss or a “leaving it short” putt looms large. The benefits of using a golf chipper often extend beyond pure mechanics; they are psychological.
When you pull out a club specifically designed for consistency, you gain immediate peace of mind. This confidence translates into a smoother, more fluid proper golf chipper swing. Instead of trying to muscle the ball airborne, you allow the club’s design to manage the shot.
Summary of Essential Chipper Tips
To maximize your success using a golf chipper around the green, keep these points top of mind:
- Setup is Paramount: Maintain forward weight and a relatively straight left arm (for right-handers).
- Swing Like a Putt: Use a pendulum motion driven by the shoulders.
- Control with Length: Distance is managed by backswing size, not swing speed.
- Practice Regularly: Use golf chipper practice drills to build muscle memory.
- Embrace the Roll: Expect the ball to roll more than a traditional chip shot due to the lower golf chipper loft angle.
Incorporating the chipper, used correctly, removes a major variable from your short game, leading to lower scores and more enjoyment on the course.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use my chipper from the sand trap?
A: Generally, no. While you technically can use it, the low loft and flat sole are not designed to cut through sand effectively. You need the bounce and higher loft of a dedicated sand wedge for bunkers.
Q: How far should I be able to hit a chipper?
A: This varies widely based on the loft and your natural swing speed. A typical 7-iron swing speed with a 35-degree chipper might travel 50 to 80 yards when hit solidly. The key is not distance but consistency for shots under 40 yards.
Q: Does the chipper replace my pitching wedge?
A: For most golfers, no. The pitching wedge (PW) is essential for shots that require height to carry obstacles or stop quickly on the green. The chipper is a specialist tool for when you have a clear path to the hole and want a low, running shot.
Q: Is it cheating to use a golf chipper?
A: Absolutely not. Golf equipment rules allow any club that conforms to USGA/R&A specifications. If it helps you play better and more consistently, it is a legal and smart addition to your bag.
Q: What is the ideal lie for using a golf chipper?
A: The ideal lie is a tight fairway lie or the fringe/apron just off the green. These surfaces allow the wide sole to glide smoothly without snagging the grass, leading to one of the best golf chipper shots.