Golf chippers are a specialized type of club designed to improve your short game, especially useful for golfers who struggle with their wedges around the green. Chippers have a putter-like design with a loft similar to that of a 7- or 8-iron, providing a smooth and predictable chip onto the green. In this article, we will explore some of the best golf chippers available on the market, helping you to make an informed decision to enhance your game.
Cleveland Golf Smart Sole 4.0 Chipper
The Cleveland Smart Sole 4.0 Chipper is renowned for its exceptional design and ease of use. It features a wide, forgiving sole that glides through the turf with minimal effort. The 42-degree loft and a slightly heavier head help in executing consistent, controlled chips. This chipper is particularly beneficial for high handicappers who are looking for a foolproof way to improve their short game.
Wilson Harmonized Golf Chipper
The Wilson Harmonized Golf Chipper is another excellent option for amateurs and casual players. It has a classic blade-style design with a 35-degree loft and is built to feel like an extension of your putter but with the added benefit of loft.
The alignment aid on the top promotes better accuracy, and the affordable price tag makes it a great value for those looking to experiment with a chipper without breaking the bank.
PowerBilt TPS Bump & Run Chipper
The PowerBilt TPS Bump & Run Chipper is perfect for golfers who often find themselves just off the green. It features a low, 32-degree loft for those tight lies and is designed to perform like a 7-iron with the ease of a putter. This model is particularly useful for players in courses with firm, fast greens where a controlled run is necessary.
Intech EZ Roll Chipper
Intech’s EZ Roll Chipper lives up to its name by making chipping considerably easier. This chipper integrates a back-weighted design and a wide sole to reduce chunking and improve roll. The 37-degree loft is optimal for a variety of turf conditions, from tight lies near the green to thicker rough just off the fairway.
Square Strike Wedge
Although not a traditional chipper, the Square Strike Wedge offers similar benefits for those struggling with their chipping game. With a 45-degree loft and an anti-chunk design, this club is more versatile than traditional chippers. It’s designed to be used with a putting motion, promoting a smooth, pendulum swing that minimizes mishits.
Tour Edge Hot Launch Chipper
The Tour Edge Hot Launch series introduces a chipper that combines a super-wide sole with a heavier head weight to stabilize the club during the swing. This design ensures minimal turf interaction and promotes a clean, accurate chip. The slight offset helps to align the hands forward, which is crucial for a solid chip shot.
Choosing the Right Chipper
When selecting a golf chipper, consider factors such as the design, loft, and weight of the club. It’s essential to choose a chipper that suits your playing style and the typical course conditions you encounter. Testing different models can help determine which feels most natural and improves your confidence and performance on the green.
Incorporating a golf chipper into your bag can significantly improve your performance around the greens, especially if chipping is not one of your strengths. By choosing from one of these top chippers, you’re not just adding a club; you’re enhancing your ability to score better and enjoy your golf game to the fullest. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced golfer, the right chipper can make a substantial difference in your short game.
Enhancing Your Game with the Best Golf Chippers
Odyssey X-Act Tank Chipper
The Odyssey X-Act Tank Chipper is a high-quality option that combines the accuracy of a putter with the lifting power of an iron. This chipper uses a heavy tank design to help keep your strokes steady and controlled, featuring a 37-degree loft and a polymer insert in the face to promote better feel and smoother roll on greens. It’s an excellent choice for golfers who prefer a putter-like feel in their chipping.
Mazel Golf Chipper
Ideal for those who want simplicity and effectiveness, the Mazel Golf Chipper offers a straightforward design with a 35-degree loft. It is engineered to minimize mishits and enhance accuracy with a low center of gravity and large face area.
The simplicity of its design makes it particularly appealing to beginners and those who want a reliable chipper without any fuss.
Ray Cook Extreme Aim Chipper
For golfers looking for precision and forgiveness, the Ray Cook Extreme Aim Chipper provides an exceptional solution.
This chipper has a 37-degree loft and features a head design that aids in alignment and stability. Its length and lie are similar to a putter, which helps to simplify the transition for golfers who are more comfortable with putting strokes.
PineMeadow Golf Excel EGI Chipper
The PineMeadow Excel EGI Chipper is another versatile choice that offers a higher loft at 38 degrees, making it suitable for popping the ball up onto elevated greens or over short obstacles. Its wide sole design helps prevent digging and ensures a smooth glide over the turf, making it easier to control your chips under various conditions.
How to Use a Golf Chipper Effectively
Using a golf chipper effectively involves a few key techniques:
Stance and Posture: Align your body similarly to how you would for a putt. Stand closer to the ball, with your feet narrow and the ball slightly back in your stance.
Grip and Stroke: Use your regular putting grip and apply a smooth, pendulum-like stroke. The goal is to keep your wrists firm and minimize hand action to promote consistency and accuracy.
Distance Control: Practice with your chipper to get a feel for how far the ball travels with different amounts of force.
Understanding this will help you better manage your chips around the green.
Adding a chipper to your golf bag can transform your short game, making it more consistent and less stressful. The best chippers offer a blend of reliability, forgiveness, and simplicity, making them valuable tools for any golfer struggling with traditional wedges near the green. Whether you’re a high handicapper or an experienced player, the right chipper can be a game-changer in improving your scoring and enjoyment on the course.
