A chipper is a specialty golf club designed to make bump and run shots around the green easier and more consistent. Golfers turn to it when they struggle with chunked chips, thin shots, or wedge anxiety. Beginners, seniors, and high handicappers benefit the most because a chipper uses a putting style stroke instead of a full chipping motion.

Even golfers who rely heavily on hybrid golf clubs for their approach shots often prefer a chipper for its simplicity around the green.

What Is a Chipper Golf Club? 

A chipper is a putter length club with the loft of an 8 or 9 iron, designed to help you hit low running shots around the green using a putting motion.

It removes wrist action, reduces mishits, and simplifies contact by letting you stand upright and swing straight back and through, just like a putt. The ball skips over the fringe and rolls toward the hole at a predictable speed, which really helps if you’re using rented clubs from Golf Hire Ireland and aren’t used to how they play.

What Is the Design of a Chipper?

A chipper has:

• Loft of about 30 to 38 degrees (similar to a 7 to 9 iron)
• Length of about 33 to 35 inches (like a putter)
• Very upright lie angle
• A wide, rounded sole that prevents digging
• A heavier head for stability

This design encourages a shallow, gliding strike even on marginal lies.

How Does a Chipper Differ From Traditional Irons?

A chipper is shorter, more upright, and designed for a putting stroke. An iron is longer and flatter and requires a real chipping motion with wrist hinge and rotation. Because of this, irons are harder to control around the green unless your technique is solid.

Even specialty irons such as the Callaway Heavenwood are not built for the simple putting style stroke that the chipper encourages.

Why Do Some Golfers Prefer Using a Chipper?

Because it dramatically reduces chunks and thins, which are the most common short game mistakes. Golfers with shaky chipping confidence often see near instant improvement because the stroke feels similar to putting.

What Is a Chipper Golf Club Used For?

A chipper is used for bump and run shots from just off the green when you want predictable roll with minimal wrist action. It replaces shots you would usually play with a 7 iron, 8 iron, 9 iron, or a putting style bump shot.

What Is the Purpose of a Chipper?

Its purpose is to help you get the ball onto the green with clean, consistent contact when chipping feels unreliable.

When Should You Use a Chipper?

Use a chipper when:

• You are in the fringe
• You have light rough with some green to work with
• You want a low running shot
• The turf is wet, soft, or tight
• You are uncomfortable using wedges for simple chips

Example: Ball sitting in the fringe with 20 feet of green ahead. This is a perfect chipper shot.

When Should You NOT Use a Chipper?

Avoid a chipper when:

• You must hit a high, soft landing shot
• You are in deep rough
• You must chip over a bunker
• The ball needs to stop quickly

In these cases a wedge is the right tool.

What Is the Point of a Chipper in Golf? (Key Benefits)

A chipper gives you simple, repeatable contact around the green without needing complex wedge technique.

How Does a Chipper Help With Consistent Contact?

The upright lie, short shaft, and wide sole help the club glide. Even if you hit behind the ball slightly, the chipper does not dig.

How Does a Chipper Reduce Mishits Around the Green?

It removes the wrist hinge and steep angle that cause chunks and thins. A putting stroke reduces almost all contact errors.

Why Is It Popular With Seniors and High Handicappers?

Because it requires minimal strength, flexibility, or technique. If you can putt, you can chip with a chipper. This is also why many golfers comparing ladies flex vs senior flex shafts gravitate toward chippers.

Chipper vs Wedge: What Is the Difference?

Loft and Launch

• A wedge lifts the ball high. 
• A chipper launches low and rolls out.

Bounce and Sole Design

• Wedges have thinner soles for versatile shots.
• Chippers have wide soles for forgiveness and stability.

Swing vs Putting Stroke

• Wedges require wrist hinge and body rotation.
• Chippers use a simple pendulum motion.

Which One Should You Choose?

• Choose a chipper if you struggle with contact.
• Choose a wedge if you need height, spin, or versatility.

Chipper vs 9 Iron: What Is the Difference Besides Length?

Is the Loft Different?

• Most chippers have about 37 degrees of loft, which is similar to a 9 iron.
• The difference is in the motion required, not the loft.

Is the Lie Angle Different?

Yes. A chipper has a putter style lie angle of about 68 to 70 degrees. This lets you stand closer and swing straighter. A 9 iron is much flatter.

Is the Swing Motion Different?

Yes. A 9 iron requires a mini chip motion while chipper uses a putting style stroke. This is why a 9 iron cannot truly replace a chipper.

When Is a 9 Iron Better vs When Is a Chipper Better?

Use a 9 iron when:

• You have a longer chip of about 40 yards
• You want controlled backspin

Use a chipper when:

• You fear chunking
• You want predictable roll
• You are close to the green

Chipper vs Putter: How Are They Different?

What Is the Stroke Style?

Both clubs use a straight back and straight through stroke.

What Is the Difference in Loft and Roll?

• A putter has about 3 to 4 degrees of loft and rolls immediately.
• A chipper has 30 to 38 degrees of loft and pops up then rolls.

When Should You Use Each Club?

• Use a putter when the grass is very short.
• Use a chipper when the ball must hop the fringe.

Are Chippers Legal in Golf? (USGA Rules Explained)

Yes, chippers are legal as long as they have one striking face and conform to USGA iron rules. Chippers are allowed in all amateur and professional events, including those played at elite venues such as Concession Golf Club.

What Are the Legal Chipper Requirements?

A legal chipper must:

• Have one striking face
• Have more than 10 degrees of loft
• Follow all iron club design rules

Why Are Two Sided Chippers Illegal?

Because irons cannot have two hitting faces. Two sided models are treated as non conforming.

Are Chippers Allowed in Tournament Play?

Yes. Conforming chippers are allowed in all amateur and professional events.

Do Pro Golfers Use Chippers?

Why Do Pros Rarely Use Them?

Pros prefer wedges because they can vary height, spin, and trajectory. They already have excellent contact skills and do not need the help that a chipper provides.

What Do Tour Players Use Instead?

Mostly wedges in the 56 to 60 degree range or bump and run shots with 8 or 9 irons.

Are Chippers Allowed on the PGA Tour?

Yes. Pros simply choose not to use them.

What Loft Is a Chipper Golf Club?

What Is the Standard Loft Range?

Most chippers range from 30 to 38 degrees.

How Does Loft Affect Distance and Roll?

Lower loft results in more roll. Higher loft results in less roll and a slightly higher launch.

Chipper Loft vs Wedge Loft

• A wedge has 46 to 60 degrees of loft and launches much higher.
• A chipper launches lower and rolls more.

How Far Can You Hit a Chipper? (Distance Guide)

What Are Average Chipper Distances?

Most golfers hit a chipper about 20 to 40 yards with a controlled stroke.

How Does Distance Change by Loft?

• 30 to 34 degrees produces longer roll.
• 35 to 38 degrees produces a slightly shorter roll.

Distance vs Wedge and 9 Iron

• Chipper. short carry, long roll.
• Wedge. high carry, minimal roll.
• 9 iron. medium carry, moderate roll.

How Do You Use a Golf Chipper? (Step by Step Guide)

Stand like you are putting, swing like you are putting, and let the loft do the rest.

Setup and Stance

• Stand close to the ball
• Weight slightly forward
• Ball in the middle or slightly back
• Hands slightly ahead of the ball

Swing vs Putting Motion

• Use a straight back and straight through stroke.
• Keep wrists quiet and let your shoulders rock the club.

Contact and Follow Through

Brush the grass lightly and keep the club low after impact.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Trying to scoop the ball
• Adding wrist hinge
• Swinging like a wedge instead of a putter

How to Play Different Shots With a Chipper?

Bump and Run

Place the ball slightly back and keep hands ahead. This produces a lower launch and a longer roll.

Tight Lie Chips

Use a neutral ball position with a shallow putting stroke. The wide sole prevents digging.

Chip Shots From the Fringe

Use your putting stance and allow the chipper loft to pop the ball over the fringe.

Light Rough Chips

Open the face a little and make a firm, simple stroke.

Who Should Use a Chipper Golf Club?

Beginners

They get fast confidence and avoid chunky contact.

Seniors

The upright lie and putting stroke reduce strain and make it easy to control distance.

High Handicappers

They eliminate the need for advanced wedge technique.

Players Who Struggle With Wedges

If wedges cause anxiety, a chipper provides a simple alternative.

Pros and Cons of Using a Chipper Golf Club

Advantages

• Extremely forgiving
• Easy to learn
• Predictable roll
• Good on tight or wet lies
• Reduces wrist errors

Disadvantages

• Not useful for high shots
• Not versatile
• Takes a club slot
• Not ideal in deep rough

When NOT to Use One

Do not use a chipper for flop shots, bunker shots, or any shot requiring height.

Best Chipper Golf Clubs (2026 Guide)

Best Chipper for Beginners

Cleveland Smart Sole Chipper

Best Chipper for Seniors

PING ChipR

Best Premium Chipper

Odyssey Chipper

Best Budget Chipper

Mazel Chipper or Wilson Harmonized Chipper

Chipper Golf Club Reviews. Performance Breakdown

Forgiveness

Very high. The wide sole keeps the club from digging.

Feel and Balance

The heavier head keeps the stroke steady and reduces twisting.

Build Quality

Premium brands offer better milling, alignment features, and more durable finishes.

Value for Money

Budget models work well, while premium models offer improved feel and precision.

What Is a Chipper Golf Club Worth? (Price Guide)

New Chipper Prices

Most chipper prices range from 80 to 200 dollars.

Used Chipper Prices

Used models often cost 20 to 80 dollars for budget brands and 80 to 150 dollars for premium models.

Premium vs Budget Differences

Premium. better feel, better balance, and higher quality materials. Budget. simple build but fully functional.

Chipper Golf Clubs for Sale. Where to Buy Them

Online Stores

Amazon, PGA Superstore, GlobalGolf, manufacturer websites.

In Store Options

Golf superstores and pro shops.

Second Hand Market

eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Play It Again Sports, used club bins at golf shops.

Illegal Chippers. What You Need to Avoid

Double Sided Chippers

These are illegal and not tournament legal.

Non Conforming Designs

Anything with two faces or unusual shaping that violates USGA rules.

How to Check USGA Compliance?

Search the USGA conforming club database for your model.

FAQ

1- What is a chipper golf club?

A short, upright, lofted club for bump and run shots.

2- How do you use a chipper?

Swing it like a putter with a simple shoulder rock.

3- Are chippers legal in golf?

Yes, as long as they have only one striking face.

4- Why do pros not use chippers?

They prefer wedges for versatility and spin.

5- How far does a chipper go?

Usually 20 to 40 yards depending on loft.

6- Can a chipper replace a wedge?

No, it only replaces low running shots.

7- Is a chipper good for beginners?

Yes, it is one of the easiest clubs for new golfers.

8- What degree is a chipper?

Most chipper lofts range from 30 to 38 degrees.

Summing Up

If you struggle with chunked chips, thin shots, or wedge confidence, a chipper is absolutely worth using. It simplifies the stroke, improves contact immediately, and removes the risk that causes most short game mistakes.

While it lacks versatility, it excels at the one task beginners and high handicappers need most. Getting the ball on the green consistently with minimal technique. If wedge play frustrates you, a chipper might be the easiest scoring upgrade you can make.