Golf chipping onto the green with confidence and accuracy is a skill that can make or break a golfer’s game. It’s that crucial moment when the ball is just a short distance from the hole, and a well-executed chip can set you up for a birdie or even save par. On the other hand, a poor chip can lead to frustrating bogeys or worse.
The Art of Chipping: Why Precision Around the Green Matters
As the renowned golf professional, Jack Nicklaus, once said, “The game of golf is played 90% in the air and 10% on the ground, but it’s that 10% that determines your score.” This quote underscores the importance of mastering the art of chipping.
The green is where the real action happens in golf. It’s where games are won or lost, and where the true skill of a golfer shines through. The approach to the green, especially the chip shots, is a testament to a golfer’s technique, decision-making, and nerves. Being able to land the ball close to the pin consistently can drastically reduce your number of putts and, consequently, your overall score.
Why I Know So Much About Chipping Onto the Green
For those who might be new to GolfTimes.co.uk, I’m not just a golf enthusiast; I’ve lived and breathed the game for years. When I first started, like many beginners, I tried chipping onto the green using a Pitching wedge. I really struggled and was envious of those who could glide their ball from the edge of the green, with accuracy and close to the flag. It was a humble beginning, but my passion for the game drove me to seek perfection. This led me to invest in a Ping Lob Wedge, and now, after much practice and refinement, I proudly use a Ping Glide 4.0 Wedge.
Over the years, I’ve taken several chipping lessons from golf professionals, focusing solely on this crucial aspect of the game. Their insights, combined with my personal experiences, have given me a deep understanding of what works and what doesn’t when it comes to chipping.
The Coach’s Perspective: Chipping from 50 Yards In
Most golf coaches will advise you that when you’re 50 yards or closer to the green, it’s time to pull out your wedge. This isn’t just a matter of tradition; it’s about physics and precision. These clubs are designed to give you control, allowing for a higher trajectory and softer landing – essential for those close-range shots.
Another vital aspect to consider is the length of the grass where the ball lies. A clean connection is paramount for a successful chip. If the grass is too long, it can interfere with your swing, causing the ball to veer off course or not travel the desired distance. Analysing your lie and adjusting your technique accordingly can be the difference between a birdie and a bogey.
What golf club do you use for chipping?
As I mentioned before, I now use a Ping Glide 4.0 54 degree wedge. The one tip that I would give is to flick your wrist slightly as you come through and also hit it with 10% more force than you think you will need. The other tip that I think is really important is to go and have a lesson with your local club pro around chipping and wedge use.
My tips on here are never going to be as good as speaking with your club pro and getting their advice and tips.
Having spoken to a number of golf professionals and golf coaches these are the 6 best golf chippers and golf club wedges to help you chip onto the green more accurately.
Rife RX5 Golf Chipper – £69.00 American Golf
The Rife RX5 Golf Chipper, available at American Golf, is a club that promises to elevate the chipping game of golfers. Chippers, like the Rife RX5, are designed to provide golfers with a more controlled and precise shot when they’re close to the green, making it an essential tool in a golfer’s arsenal.
The Rife RX5 Golf Chipper is available in a right-hand orientation with a 37° loft and a steel shaft. This combination is ideal for those tricky shots around the green where a putter might not be the best choice, and a full swing with a wedge might be too much. The 37° loft provides a perfect balance, allowing for a controlled flight and soft landing.
Pros:
- Priced at £69.00, offering good value for its features.
- Available in right-hand orientation, catering to a majority of golfers.
- The 37° loft is ideal for controlled shots around the green.
Cons:
- Limited to specific loft and shaft options.
PING ChipR Steel Golf Chipper – £159.99 American Golf
Introducing the PING ChipR, a chipping solution meticulously engineered to amalgamate the best elements of both a putter and a wedge. This club is specifically designed to aid golfers in enhancing their performance around the greens, ultimately leading to improved scores. The PING ChipR is a godsend for those who often find themselves struggling with their chip shots near the green. According to research, a significant one-third of all golfers could greatly benefit from incorporating the PING ChipR into their game.
This club is particularly recommended for shots within a 40-yard radius of the green, whether from the rough or the fringe. By applying a putting-like stroke, golfers can achieve impeccable distance control and consistency, eliminating the fear of chunking or blading their shots. The PING ChipR boasts a cambered sole, ensuring versatility regardless of whether you’re playing from the rough, fairway, or fringe. Furthermore, its MicroMax grooves are designed to provide optimal spin control on chip shots of varying lengths. The compact design, coupled with a shallow face, instills additional confidence in golfers, which is paramount for such shots.
Pros:
- Hydropearl chrome finish enhances aesthetics and durability.
- Investment-cast, 431 stainless steel construction ensures longevity.
- MicroMax grooves offer superior spin control for chip shots.
- Cambered sole design provides versatility from various terrains.
Cons:
- Priced at £149.00, it might be on the higher side for some golfers.
Ben Sayers Men’s XF Pro Chipper – £29.99 Amazon
The Ben Sayers Men’s XF Pro Chipper, showcased in a striking Black/Orange combination, is a club that has garnered significant attention and praise from golfers. This chipper is designed with a specific purpose in mind: to provide golfers with an effective solution for those challenging shots around the green. One of the standout features of this chipper is the extra weight that has been strategically positioned into the central channel of the head. This design choice encourages a positive, flowing chipping action upon impact, which is crucial for achieving the desired shot trajectory and distance.
You can read our more in-depth review of the Ben Sayers Men’s XF Pro Chipper right here.
Furthermore, the chipper is particularly effective for those tight lies around the green, ensuring that golfers can approach these shots with confidence. The club’s design is simple yet highly effective, offering maximum results with each use. The Ben Sayers brand itself carries a legacy, being one of the oldest golf companies in the world. Their commitment to innovation and quality is evident in the XF Pro Chipper, making it a valuable addition to any golfer’s collection.
Pros:
- Extra weight in the central channel promotes a positive chipping action.
- Ideal for tight lies around the green.
- Simple design that delivers maximum results.
- Backed by the legacy and reputation of the Ben Sayers brand.
- Most affordable chipping putter available.
Cons:
- May lack a bit of kudos compared to big brand golf clubs like Ping.
Our Pick of the Best Three Wedges Available
COBRA King PUR Steel Golf Wedge – £79.99 American Golf
The COBRA King PUR Steel Golf Wedge, available exclusively at American Golf, is a testament to COBRA’s commitment to delivering top-tier performance wedges to golfers. Wedges, especially those from the COBRA King series, are known for their precision, control, and versatility, making them indispensable for shots around the green.
Priced at £79.00, the COBRA King PUR Steel Golf Wedge offers a blend of value and performance. The wedge’s design and construction are likely to incorporate COBRA’s renowned technologies, ensuring optimal spin, trajectory, and distance control. Given COBRA’s reputation in the golf industry, golfers can expect this wedge to deliver consistent results, especially in those high-pressure situations around the green.
Pros:
- Priced competitively at £79.00, offering a balance of cost and performance.
- COBRA’s reputation in the golf industry suggests top-tier performance and durability.
Cons:
- Limited to specific loft and shaft options.
TaylorMade Milled Grind Steel Golf Wedge Review – SALE £99.00 American Golf
The TaylorMade Milled Grind Steel Golf Wedge, available for purchase at American Golf, is a testament to TaylorMade’s dedication to crafting high-performance golf equipment. TaylorMade’s Milled Grind series has been a favourite among professionals and amateurs alike, known for its precision engineering and the ability to deliver consistent results, especially in those crucial moments around the green.
Priced at £99.00, down from its original RRP of £109.00, this wedge offers a blend of value and top-tier performance. Golfers familiar with TaylorMade’s offerings can expect this wedge to incorporate the brand’s renowned technologies, ensuring optimal spin, trajectory, and distance control. Given TaylorMade’s longstanding reputation in the golf industry, this wedge is a reliable companion on the course, helping golfers navigate those tricky shots with confidence and finesse.
Pros:
- Competitive pricing, offering a £10 discount from its original RRP.
- Exclusive availability at American Golf ensures authenticity and quality.
- Respected brand, used by professionals worldwide.
Cons:
- None that we can see! On sale and a great chipping club!
PING Glide 4.0 W-Grind Golf Wedge – £139.00 SALE – American Golf
The PING Glide 4.0 W-Grind Golf Wedge, is a club that has been meticulously crafted to cater to the needs of golfers. For those who demand precision and control around the greens, this is a great club.PING, as a brand, has always been at the forefront of innovation in the golf industry, and the Glide 4.0 W-Grind is no exception. This wedge is designed to offer golfers the perfect blend of spin, trajectory, and distance control, ensuring that they can approach those crucial shots with confidence.
Priced at £139.00, down from its original RRP of £159.00, this wedge offers a blend of value and top-tier performance. The W-Grind is known for its versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of conditions and shot types. Given PING’s longstanding reputation in the golf industry and the personal endorsement from me, this wedge is bound to be a reliable and effective tool in any golfer’s arsenal.
Pros:
- Competitive pricing, offering a £20 discount from its original RRP.
- Built to last.
Cons:
- There can be none! It is the club that I use!
Chipping onto the green with confidence and accuracy is a skill that can transform your game. By understanding the importance of this shot, investing in the right equipment, and practicing regularly, you can turn chipping from a challenge into an opportunity. Remember, every shot counts, and a well-executed chip can be the difference between a good round and a great one.
