Chipping In Style: The Best Golf Chippers for Improved Short Game in 2024

When it comes to improving your short game, choosing the best golf chippers can make all the difference. Whether you’re tired of flubbing chip shots or just want to lower your score, having the right chipper in your bag is a game-changer. Selecting the best golf chipper club can simplify this aspect of the game and help improve your performance around the greens and on short approach shots. But with so many options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Don’t worry, I’ve done the research for you.

Here’s the deal: I’ve tested and compared the top-rated golf chippers based on accuracy, feel, et durability. After analyzing numerous models, I’ve compiled this guide to help you find the best golf chipper for your needs. You’ll get a breakdown of the top picks, so you can confidently make a purchase without the fear of wasting money on gear that won’t improve your game.

If you want to stop second-guessing your short shots and have confidence near the green, these recommendations will help you get there.

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Quick Summary

If you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick overview of the top golf chippers to help you find the perfect fit for your game. Each product is designed for a specific type of golfer, so take a look at which one suits your needs best.

1. Cleveland Golf Smart Sole 4 – Best for Beginners – With its extra-wide sole and forgiving design, this chipper is perfect for golfers who are new to the game and want more consistent shots around the green.

2. Wilson Harmonized Chipper – Best Value for Money – A budget-friendly option that still delivers excellent performance, ideal for players looking to improve their short game without spending too much.

3. Odyssey X-Act Tank Chipper – Best for Control – This club is designed for golfers who prioritize precision and control, thanks to its heavier head and excellent balance for a smooth stroke. Callaway Golf, the brand behind Odyssey, has designed the grip to meet competitive play standards, as clarified by a Callaway PGA professional.

4. Square Strike Wedge – Best for Eliminating Mishits – Known for its ability to reduce chunking and mishits, the Square Strike Wedge is perfect for golfers who struggle with consistency in their short game.

5. Intech Golf Approach Two-Way Chipper – Best for Versatility – With a two-sided design, this chipper allows both left and right-handed play, making it a great option for versatile golfers who want flexibility.

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The Best Golf Chippers in 2024

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1. Cleveland Golf Smart Sole 4 – Best for Beginners

If you’re new to golf or have difficulty with your short game, the Cleveland Golf Smart Sole 4 can save you from frustrating shots. The wide sole design prevents the club from digging into the ground, which is a common issue for beginners. In practice, I noticed my chip shots were smoother, with far fewer mishits. The design of the Cleveland Golf Smart Sole 4 aids in alignment and performance with the golf ball, boosting confidence and improving overall results.

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Compared to other chippers, this model stands out because of its beginner-friendly design. It’s more forgiving than a traditional wedge and makes chipping less intimidating. While some players might prefer a more versatile club, this one is focused purely on making the chip shot easier, which is exactly what new golfers need.

Who It’s Meant For:

This club is ideal for beginner golfers or high-handicap players who frequently mis-hit or chunk their shots around the green. If you’ve just started and need chipper clubs that minimizes mistakes, this is your go-to club.

2. Wilson Harmonized Chipper – Best Value for Money

This chipper gives you a lot of bang for your buck. It’s perfect for golfers who want to focus on improving their short game without spending too much. The 35-inch length and putter-like design make it feel familiar, especially if you struggle with wedges.

While the Wilson Harmonized Chipper may lack some advanced features, it’s an excellent starter chipper for high-handicap players or anyone looking for simplicity. It doesn’t have the fancy tech that comes with premium models, but it does the job well. In my personal experience, it’s a reliable performer for its price, allowing smooth and controlled chip shots.

Who It’s Meant For:

This chipper is perfect for high-handicap golfers or anyone looking for a budget-friendly option that’s easy to use. If you’re on a tight budget but still want to improve your short game, the Wilson Harmonized is the best choice.

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3. Odyssey X-Act Tank Chipper – Best for Control

For golfers who prioritize control, the Odyssey X-Act Tank Chipper is hard to beat. The heavier head offers a more stable stroke, preventing the club from twisting on impact. In practice, I found that the weight gives it a balanced feel, which helped me execute smoother chip shots with more accuracy.

Compared to lighter chippers like the Wilson Harmonized, the Odyssey stands out for golfers who want that added heft for better precision. The anti-drag sole works well on different lies, whether you’re chipping from the rough or the fairway. However, the added weight might be too much for some players.

Who It’s Meant For:

This chipper is ideal for golfers who prioritize control and precision. If you’re a mid-handicap golfer looking for a chipper that offers stability and smoothness across different lies, this is a great option.

4. Square Strike Wedge – Best for Eliminating Mishits

This wedge is a lifesaver for golfers who consistently chunk their shots. Its 45-degree loft and wide sole create a forgiving surface, which makes it almost impossible to dig too deep into the turf. In my tests, it delivered smooth, clean chips with far fewer mishits.

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What sets it apart from competitors is its focus on consistency and forgiveness. The anti-rotational weighting means the club won’t twist in your hands, making it easier to control. It’s bulkier than traditional wedges, but that’s what makes it more forgiving. While a chipper like the Square Strike Wedge is excellent for reducing chunking and mishits, it cannot replicate the height and spin control of a lob wedge, which is essential for stopping the ball quickly on the green, especially in challenging lies.

Who It’s Meant For:

This wedge is perfect for golfers of any skill level who often struggle with chunked or topped shots. If your short game suffers from inconsistent strikes, the Square Strike Wedge will give you the forgiveness you need.

5. Intech Golf Approach Two-Way Chipper – Best for Versatility

This chipper is all about versatility. The two-way head makes it unique, allowing you to quickly adapt to different situations. In my experience, the Intech performs well on both the fairway and rough, making it a handy tool for golfers looking for flexibility.

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While it lacks the specialized control found in more expensive models like the Odyssey X-Act, its budget price and adaptability make it a solid choice for recreational golfers. The club’s simplicity is its biggest strength, and for those who want a low-cost, versatile chipper, this is a strong contender. For those seeking a premium option with enhanced control and precision, the PING ChipR is a notable alternative, featuring a low center of gravity, a large face, and a specific loft designed to improve short game performance.

Who It’s Meant For:

This chipper is great for golfers who want versatility and flexibility. If you’re a casual golfer looking for an affordable club that can be used in different situations, this two-way chipper is a solid choice.

What is a Golf Chipper?

A golf chipper is a specialized golf club designed to help golfers improve their short game around the greens. Think of it as a hybrid between a putter and a wedge, combining the best features of both. With a loft typically ranging between 30 to 45 degrees, a golf chipper allows you to use a putting stroke to play chip shots, making it easier to control the ball’s trajectory and distance.

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The lie angle of a chipper is similar to that of a putter, which helps in maintaining a consistent stroke. Ideal for bump-and-run style shots, golf chippers are perfect for those tricky shots from 50 yards in, where precision and control are paramount.

Benefits of Using a Golf Chipper

Using a golf chipper can significantly enhance your short game, especially if you struggle with traditional wedges or putters. One of the primary benefits is the consistency and forgiveness it offers. Golf chippers are designed to reduce the risk of chunking, skulling, or mishitting the ball, which can be both frustrating and costly in terms of strokes.

By providing a more controlled and predictable shot, a golf chipper can help you get the ball closer to the flag with ease. This increased consistency can boost your confidence around the greens, allowing you to approach each shot with a clear strategy and less anxiety.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Golf Chipper

When choosing the best golf chipper for you, you need to know what matters most for your skill level and play style. A golf chipper can make a huge difference in your short game but the right one for you depends on you. Here’s a step by step guide to help you decide.

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How to Choose a Golf Chipper: Step by Step

Your Skill Level Your current golf skill level will matter most.

• Beginners: Look for chippers with a wide sole and forgiving design to prevent chunking.
• Intermediate Players: Look for a chipper that gives you more control and precision so you can fine tune your short game without sacrificing consistency.
• Advanced Players: Look for a chipper that’s versatile for different shots. You may want a more specialized tool with a traditional wedge feel.

Loft Loft of a chipper determines how high and far the ball will go.

• Higher loft (37-45 degrees): More height and better for clearing obstacles like bunkers or rough terrain. For beginners and those who struggle with elevation.
• Lower loft (30-35 degrees): Lower and more controlled shots for close range work. For those who already have good control over chip shots.
• Compared to a chipper, a sand wedge is critical for certain shots around the greens, particularly from fluffy sand lies in bunkers. Sand wedges excel at providing the necessary height and spin to stop the ball quickly on the green, which chippers cannot achieve due to their design limitations.

Clubhead Design Clubhead design affects forgiveness and ease of use.

• Wide Sole Design: Reduces digging into the turf. For beginners who want to prevent chunking.
• Narrower Sole: More versatile but requires more skill to use. Intermediate and advanced players will benefit most from this.

Weight Chippers come in different weights which can affect control and stability.

• Heavier Chippers: More stable and helps with consistent contact especially in difficult lies. For players who prioritize control.
• Lighter Chippers: Easier to swing and control for shorter distances but may require more finesse. For golfers who want to feel the shot more.

One-Way or Two-Way Chippers

• One-Way Chippers: For left or right handed golfers and more common. More specialized feel.
• Two-Way Chippers: Versatile and can be used by left- and right-handed players but lack advanced features. For casual or recreational golfers who want flexibility.

Key Points to Look

1. Loft As mentioned above, loft is key to how high and far the ball will go. Higher lofts are more elevation and lower lofts are more precision.
2. Clubhead Size Larger clubhead is more forgiving and easier to miss hit. Good for beginners. Smaller clubheads are more control for skilled players.
3. Shaft Length Chippers have shorter shafts than wedges. 35 inches is common and feels like a putter so it’s easier to control. If you’re taller make sure the shaft length suits your body as this affects your ability to get a comfortable controlled stroke.
4. Sole Width A wider sole prevents the club from digging into the turf, good for beginners. A narrower sole requires more precision but more shot flexibility.
5. Grip Grip type and thickness can affect your feel for the club. Larger grips are easier to hold and reduces wrist action which is good for consistent chip shots.

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Features Head-to-Head: Wide Sole vs. Narrow Sole

Wide Sole:

• Pros: A wide sole chipper is more forgiving and prevents the club from digging into the ground. Good for golfers who struggle with chunking shots, makes it easier to glide through grass.
• Cons: While easier to use, wide soles limits the variety of shots you can take. Less effective for players who want to add more control and finesse to their short game.

Narrow Sole:

• Pros: A narrow sole chipper offers more shot flexibility. Crisper contact with the ball allows you to execute more advanced chip shots especially on tight lies.
• Cons: Requires more skill to use. Golfers need to be more precise to avoid chunking or thinning the ball.

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Practical Tips: How to Match the Chipper to Your Game

• Beginners: Go for a wide sole, high-loft chipper like the Cleveland Golf Smart Sole 4. This will help you avoid common beginner mistakes and get the ball in the air quickly.
• Intermediate Golfers: Choose a mid-loft chipper with a forgiving but versatile design like the Odyssey X-Act Tank. You’ll get more control without sacrificing ease of use.
• Advanced Players: A low-loft, narrow-sole chipper is what you need for delicate shots. Go for models like the Square Strike Wedge if you want to fine tune your short game.
• Recreational Golfers: If you play casually and want a versatile tool, the Intech Golf Approach Two-Way Chipper is a budget friendly option that’s left- and right-handed.

In short, choosing a chipper is about your skill level, loft and clubhead design. Beginners will benefit from more forgiveness like wide soles and higher lofts, while advanced players will prefer more control and precision with narrower soles and lower lofts. Don’t forget to consider the weight, shaft length and grip to get the best fit for your game. With these in mind you’ll be better equipped to improve your short game and get more out of your time on the course.

How to Use a Golf Chipper Effectively

To get the most out of your golf chipper, follow these key tips. First, choose the right loft and lie angle that suits your swing and the specific shot you’re aiming to play. Next, adopt a putting stroke, keeping the clubface square to the target line and making a smooth, pendulum-like motion.

Pay close attention to the ball’s position and the slope of the green, adjusting your stroke as needed. Regular practice is crucial to develop a consistent and reliable chipping technique. By focusing on these elements, you can effectively use a golf chipper to improve your short game and lower your scores.

Golf Chipper vs Wedge: When to Use Each

While both golf chippers and wedges are essential for shots around the green, they serve different purposes. Golf chippers are designed for low-trajectory, bump-and-run shots, making them ideal for distances within 50 yards.

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They offer a more controlled and predictable shot, perfect for getting the ball rolling smoothly towards the hole. On the other hand, wedges are designed for high-trajectory shots with more spin, suitable for situations that require height and precision, such as clearing bunkers or rough terrain. Use a golf chipper for straightforward, low-running shots, and reserve your wedges for those tricky, high-flying shots that need to stop quickly on the green.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with a Golf Chipper

When using a golf chipper, there are a few common mistakes to steer clear of.

Firstly, avoid using a golf chipper for full shots, as it lacks the height and spin needed to stop the ball quickly.

Secondly, refrain from using a putting grip, as it is not allowed under the Rules of Golf.

Thirdly, don’t swing too heavily or take a divot with your chipper, as this can damage the green and affect other golfers’ play. Lastly, don’t neglect regular practice.

A consistent and reliable chipping technique requires ongoing practice and maintenance. By avoiding these mistakes, you can maximize the effectiveness of your golf chipper and improve your short game.

Conclusion: Find the Best Golf Chipper for Your Game

Choosing the right golf chipper can make a big difference in improving your short game, whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills. Let’s quickly recap the top picks:

• Cleveland Golf Smart Sole 4 – Perfect for beginners who need maximum forgiveness and consistency around the green.
• Wilson Harmonized Chipper – The best value for money, offering a simple design for high-handicap golfers who want to improve without breaking the bank.
• Odyssey X-Act Tank Chipper – Ideal for players seeking control and stability with its heavier, hybrid design.
• Square Strike Wedge – Designed to eliminate chunking and mishits, making it a great choice for golfers who struggle with consistency.
• Intech Golf Approach Two-Way Chipper – A versatile option for casual golfers who want flexibility at a budget-friendly price.

Which one should you choose?
If you’re a beginner, the Cleveland Golf Smart Sole 4 is your best bet. High-handicap golfers should consider the Wilson Harmonized for its affordability and ease of use. For those looking for precision, the Odyssey X-Act Tank offers exceptional control. And if you’re prone to mishits, the Square Strike Wedge will help you regain confidence. Casual golfers looking for versatility should go with the Intech Golf Approach Two-Way.

What’s next?
Now that you have the information you need, it’s time to take the next step. Click the links below to purchase the best golf chipper for your game and start improving your short game today.

FAQs

1. What is a chipper and how is it different from a wedge? A chipper is a club for short, controlled shots near the green. It’s a cross between a putter and a wedge, so you can chip without having to swing a full shot. Unlike a wedge which requires more skill and can be used for many shots, a chipper is more forgiving and for golfers who struggle with short game consistency.
2. Can a beginner use a chipper?
   Yes! Chippers are great for beginners because they’re easy to use and forgiving. Clubs like the Cleveland Golf Smart Sole 4 are perfect for those just starting out, to eliminate common mistakes like chunking and topping.
3. Are two-way chippers a good option?
   Two-way chippers like the Intech Golf Approach Two-Way are versatile because they can be used by both left- and right-handed golfers. They’re great for casual or recreational players who want flexibility. But they may not have the precision and specialized features of single-sided chippers.
4. How much loft should my chipper have?
   The loft of your chipper depends on how high and how far you want the ball to go. Higher lofts (37-45 degrees) are for clearing obstacles and adding height, lower lofts (30-35 degrees) are for shorter, low running shots.
5. Can I use a chipper in official tournaments?
   Yes, chippers are legal in official tournaments as long as they conform to the rules of golf. Most chippers available for purchase conform to the rules but always check with tournament officials before using one in competition.
6. Do I need a chipper if I already have wedges?
   You can still benefit from a chipper even if you have wedges, especially if you struggle with short game consistency. Chippers are more forgiving than wedges and are for specific shots around the green, so they’re a good addition to your wedge set.