I love my Cleveland Smart Sole Chipper. My short game was pretty solid before I had the chipper and often used an 8 iron around the greens when needed, but the chipper is much more versatile. The sole really helps with different lies that the 8 iron could not handle as well...and it is so much easier to get it on line and pop the ball up even out of hard pan. You are absolutely correct though, you need to play around with it - moving it in your stance, trying different grips, different strokes, etc. It does not replace the need for a wedge to be sure, but my level of confidence is much higher with the chipper in my hands if the shot calls for it. And I owe it all to Mr Crossfield.
Great review Mark, I just purchased the ChipR and used it on a Tournement yesterday and Im off a 9 HDC but struggle with my chipping game, but shot an 81 and can say I shaved at least 3 strokes off my score around the greens because of it. I feel much more comfortable now with my short game then before......Cheers!!!
I found this the most coherent and clear video of yours I’ve watched - thanks. Especially liked the wide variety of scenarios you tried it with, the explanation of why it’s different (pros and cons), and the explanations of the ego/psychology involved. Thanks
Bought the Cleveland Smart Sole chipper after watching your review and love it. I replaced my gap wedge with it, but have since put the gap back in, and took out the 5 iron. I was an awful chipper. Fats, thins, skulls...... horrible. The chipper has given me so much more confidence, that it's actually bleeding over into my other wedges! That's a benefit I never expected. Once the fear is gone, your grip is looser and tension is lighter, it affects the whole game honestly. Thanks Mark!!!
Been a fan for a long time. Love that you focus on how to make the game easier rather than focus on the ego-driven attitude that plagues this great game. Once I got rid of the ego I had as a younger player and started using chunky, friendly clubs (including a chipper) my enjoyment of the game skyrocketed.
Love my smart sole chipper. It is my go to club from 80 yards out with a clear path. I want to get it on the green first and foremost and this helps me so much. Up and down was a rarity for me. Now I get at least two or three a round which is a big improvement. I feel very confident standing over the ball with my chipper.
I have after following you for a while followed your advice, dropped the ego and getting a Cleveland Chipper. The only thing now is to decide which wedge it is to replace in the bag. Thanks for great content, keep up the great work.
Got the Cleveland smart sole and its so much fun, part piece is the 125 yard full shot. Love it (5 hcp as reference) Strange thing about my set up is I also play a set of blades
Single handicapper here and Was dying for the store to get the Cleveland back in stock. I have used it at least once every round since and it felt natural from the start. No reason the chipper should be treated any worse than golf’s adaption to hybrids, lob wedges, and other advances that were not used with the experts of yesteryear. I had room in the bag and it was an easy choice. BTW I used it when there was an obstruction in my backswing and it worked perfectly!
I have the "Crossy chippah" because of your review on it and absolutely love it. I'm so glad you hit shots from 100, 50, and 25 because I actually use it for those shots more than around the greens. Just goes so straight it's unbelievable. I'm really glad ping came out with this and if you are even mediocre at chipping you should try one. And definitely don't discount the approach shots with it!
Hi Jeff you are spot on 👍with your reply, got mine 4weeks ago, And found the same Brilliant from 100yds and in 👍, so many of the reviews missed this,got mine tweaked (+2.5deg) on loft now perfect 👍, the best club release this year 😃, Thanks Dickey 9hcp 75year Senior Golfer
My Cleveland SS Chipper is what got me into the 90s. I'm doing my best to work on my fringe game, but it's a great tool to use on the course instead of wasting a hole while I'm learning...
It's so funny watching all of the other TH-camrs reviews of how nice it is and a great addition to the bag... I guess they haven't watched your channel for a while lol. Keep up the great work Mark
I've carried 13 clubs for years now. Just haven't ever found the right club to add. Every club in my bag is a Ping so, 100% more likely to get the ChipR because I love their products. I am going to order this club and game it. Currently a 9.0 index I'll let you know how it goes. Love your content Mark!
14, but to be honest many “handicap golfers” could make good at their local muni using 10 to 12 clubs. It’s a tough sell as the marketing gods will demand the purchase of a full set of irons and some speciality wedges. D, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 54 degrees, P + whatever fits your fancy (a 3 Wood, 7 Wood, Chipper, Lob Wedge) brings you to 10 useable clubs.
I use one and get lots of negative comments on roll up days. Do like the fact that this ping version is more traditional looking, as mine is like a lofted putter. Really good that you are leading the way around more enjoyable golf for the once a week player!
I purchased the Cleveland Smart Sole Chipper this year based on your review of the product. I struggled with chipping especially with 7,8,9 irons and this has been a big confidence booster for me. This chipper will help you get closer to the hole. If they only had a Smart Sole Putter!!!
@@zb5715 I found with standard irons around the greens I would either chunk or thin my chip shots.It was a shot I didn't feel comfortable with. I found myself using a 54 or 58 degree wedges with some success but knew the bump and run would be a better choice. The smart sole makes it easier to hit especially from tighter lies, and you can use a putting stroke, so thats why I bought it.
I had my first round today using my new Ping ChipR. I ordered mine with a graphite shaft & Golf Pride grip to match my Ping irons & wedges. On the 3rd hole, a Par 5, my 2nd shot from the tee rested 15 paces from the green & the cup was 15 paces from the edge of the fringe (I walked it off). I focused on my landing area, took a confident stroke - a ChipR in the cup for Eagle! On the back 9 & on another Par 5, I chipped up within 2 feet of the cup & made the putt for Birdie. I will admit that I utilized my ChipR throughout the round today in a few situations that I normally would have, and probably should have played my other wedges. Yet, if you do not try it in real time game situations you will never know. I can honestly say that the ChipR saved me more than several strokes today. I am still dialing in utilizing this new club. Overall I am very satisfied with it. I stroked some very good to great chips today & a few not so perfect ones as well. I had 5 up & downs to save par - with 29 total putts. My ChipR will be in my bag for a long time. :)
its a rescue for the greenside! remember how people stuck to their driver - 3-wood - 2 irons makeup when the rescue arrived....until someone on TV started using it and now most everyone has one. And you can choose between more woodish and ironish variants. Perhaps that'll happen with the chipper as well. Great video Mark
I watched your video on the Cleveland Smart Sole 4 chipper a long time ago and it made so much sense. Unfortunately, they were not available due to demand and shipping issues. However, I was just able to purchase one from the Cleveland website, and it will be delivered on Thursday! I can’t wait to use it because I SUCK at chipping.
I bought a cleveland chipper many moons ago and used it in my qualifying rounds to become a golf pro many moons ago. They are great! I also loved it from about 70 yards, esepcially into the wind. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did mine.
I’ve got the Cleveland chipper, the benifit for me over an iron is it comes off the face dead more like a putter, if you catch it clean you don’t get that springy face launching it too far like you can with an iron. I love mine, it simplifies the patterns down to a single club, I k ow what it does from tight lies, how it pops from the rough, I know the roll out from first pitch at different trajectories, it’s just made the process simpler. It ain’t perfect, you still are the variance, but I love mine.
I've never owned a chipping club, never thought I'd have a chipping club, according to garmin and shot scope chipping is best part of my game, BUT I've got one of these on order, it just looks so easy using your putting stroke, I'm glad you see advantages of them as well mark, no ego, unlike some other youtubers
The Cleveland chipper has been a huge asset to my bag this year. The hdcp continues to fall. The more I use it the more comfortable and confident I am. Which means more putts are falling as a result of that confidence. Absolute game changer.
My Arccos system rates several handicaps. For me, Driving 12, Approach 10, Putting 8, Chipping 24! I bought this club the very day I watched this video. When chipping, I flip, I decelerate, I blade my chips over the green, and just like you say I almost always use the sandwedge instead of a less lofted club. I am now on the road to change!
I put the Cleveland chipper in a couple of months ago after your videos on it and I use it sparingly and haven’t dialed in distance control yet (lack of practice), but I love it. I’ve let higher handicapped people I’ve played with try it after watching them struggle and I know of two that have bought one after trying mine. I had room in the bag after dropping my 3W since my 5W performs just as well if not better. So easy decision and it will only be better with practice. 100% agree with the ego problems in golf. I’m a 5 hcp and use one and people can laugh and mock all they want while I put it closer to the hole all day long. Lol
If your 3 wood is replaced by your 5 wood you need a new 3 wood. Clubs occupy a distance. Your 5 wood shouldn’t be replacing a 3 wood. You could choose not to use a 3 wood but it can’t really be replaced by a 5 wood. Also if you use the chipper sparingly and don’t have your distance control dialed then how can you love it.? It’s a confusing statement… you put it closer to the hole then everyone else but you don’t have distanced dialed haha 🤷♂️ somethings not adding up here Jeff.
@@dbo4506 As I’ve aged and swing speed has dropped it has made it difficult to launch a 3W like I used to do. So my 3W has dropped off and crashes into my 5W distance. There’s a small difference but not enough to bother anymore. My 5W is point and shoot as well. Easy decision in the end.
I grew up on links courses, you learn how to play a standard chip and run with a variety of irons, and you learn how to play that shot from a variety of lies. My problem is that I do not practice my short game enough so I struggle with distance control rather than strike. But I completely agree with Mark about needing to take the ego out of golf club selection. So I dropped a 3w from my bag several years ago, last year I dropped my 3h and swapped to a 7w. I have also tried a 9w, and had the gapping worked for my I would have happily put it into my bag. As I get older I will have no problem moving to Halo Launcher type hybrid irons - they may look ugly but if they allow me to play golf and enjoy it I will take it
I've bought a MacGregor Mactec X chipper as I wanted something that looked a bit like a putter, given that I'll be using a putting grip and stroke for the chips. If it looks too much like an iron then I might forget and get too wristy! Like the feel of it so far, if if shaves a few shots off then I don't mind what grief I may get from my playing partners! Also went for the Macgregor as it was a fair bit cheaper but still a nice looking club. Have had to buy a putter cover for it though, just to stop it damaging the other clubs in my bag as it doesn't sit in the bag very easily... but that's literally the only downside so far. Bring on the better chip-and-runs!
Thanks for another great review video Mark. I had been delaying getting a chipper. Because I wanted one that was closer to my custom fitted lie angle on my putter. Ding ding ding! I think Ping was reading my mind. This is a 70 degree lie angle. Awesome! I'm getting this one! Keep up the great work, Cheers!
FOOTJOY SIZE 15 😎. I just checked I have been watching your videos for 15 years,,,, I lost twenty yards on my driver my handicap has gone up 3 strokes ~AND I COULD NOT BE HAPPIER THANK YOU FOR THE FUN 😊
I ordered the Ping Chip R after Mark's review (from Golf Shop Online). Only used it for 2 rounds so far. As Mark says you need to practice with it. I find it does come off pretty fiery. Loving it. Clean contact every time.
I've used the Cleveland Smart Sole Chipper for both around the greens & from 100-110 yards out, works great. The single greatest club improvement I've ever had tho is using the Sand Wedge Smart Sole. If you struggle from the bunkers, in any kind of sand (lie) check out this Sand Wedge. Set up square, swing aggressively down & thru behind the ball & it will work wonders. By the way, the Smart Sole Gap Wedge is also great.
Its a pleasure to see more helpful clubs being released. I have all the smart sole wedges and love them. I also replaced my 5-wood with the 3+ hy-wood from Cleveland. More of this please.
warwick Hi Mark, I have always struggled with the chip and run shot. I find that the more loft on the club I use the more inconsistant I am. I changed my approach to my chipping a few years ago and now do most of it with a 7 iron provided I don't have a bunker or similar to carry. If I have a problem to carry I revert to my lob wedge to make sure I am on the green even if I am short of where I need to be, rather have a 10 foot put than a bunker shot which could then leave me 20 foot short or even through the green and possibly in long rough. Enjoy yourchannel. Cheers Warwick Smith
I do all of my chipping and 140 yards and in shots with 45°Game improvement pw. It’s funny how so many people I play with who have a much higher handicaps then me give me a hard time about it! 🤷🏼♂️ Only time a touch a high lofted wedge is to hit out of a green side bunker or hit over a green side bunker.
Playing off 11.3 on the weekend having not played for a while in competition I decided to do what got me closer to the whole. Putted off the green on the first 6 holes up and down with 5. Ended front 9 level. Golf is about getting the ball in the hole whatever may help can only be a bonus surely!
Thanks Mark. Based on your review of the Cleveland Smart Sole 4 wedges and chipper, I've ordered a set that is expect to arrive in the next few days. Looking forward to putting them in play and seeing some improvement (with any luck.) To make room in my set, I've simply replaced both my 56* SW and 60* LW wedges with the new Cleveland Smart Sole 58* SW.
Good Video Mark. Got my Cleveland Niblick out of the cupboard a few months ago and it has really helped with my yippy shortgame. glad you mentioned landing points. They do require practice and won't just work. At the moment its keeping my handicap in single figures.
Thanks for the great video. I think chippers are made for the golfer who usually misses the green and is just trying to get on it, or the good golfer who just can't chip. A few years ago I bought a used 42 degree Cleveland Niblick as a joke, but it's been in my bag ever since. The Niblick was only out for a few years, but then Cleveland came out with their Smart Sole clubs, and they are the same thing. Again, thanks for the great content.
Played a chipper for years they used to be so cheap! I don’t play or practice often so i struggle with distance control on knock down shots between 50-80yd sort of range and it is a life saver.
You have convinced me that it needs to be in my bag. I flat out suck around the greens. If I could chip and pitch the ball with confidence instead of the yips that i have I could easily go from the 11 that I am down to at least a 6. i just did the Ping web Fit and it is recommending this weapon for me. mark you just convinced me. I'm ordering the whole kit and kaboodle. thanks for a great video and review.
Great review Mark! My only hesitation is feeling like I’m taking the “easy way out”. In other words, the chipper allows me the luxury of not having to put the work in to learn how to play the normal wedges effectively. I struggle with short game and desperately want to lower my scores. But I have to decide if it’s worth settling (for a cheat club) to get there sooner.
@@Rob-ke2hu actually, chippers have been around since the earliest days of the game. ... And, as Mark pointed out, if people would allow themselves to ignore their vanity and put a chipper in their bag (especially if they're not good chippers, which so many weekend golfers are not) then they'd probably enjoy the game more because they'd score better.
I took out my 58* lob wedge and removed the flop shot from my game. Best decision I've ever made, not because I struggle to flop the ball, I struggle to flop the ball to 1-2 feet. I now chip with my 50* mostly and I'm getting quite a few tap-ins a round, but I'm starting to think a chipper may be something I should try now that I have 13 clubs.
@@electricalstuff259 l can't actually say why I would use my lob wedge for basic chips, maybe laziness so I didn't have the think about it. However, I recently came back to golf from a 25 year break (kids are grown up now) and when I tried to play the way I used to but I didn't have the skills to land a flop shot anymore so I relearned how to play the game based on my memories of how I played in the 80s. This meant no lob wedge and only chipping with 2 shot types, a bump and run and a one-hop stop. I can’t do either shot with a lob wedge so I don’t need it in the bag.
I'm loving the idea of a chipper, the upright grip is really convincing, confidence inspiring. What sold me is when Coach Lockey say it "feels like cheating," but I'm struggling to find a club I want to pull hoping to get some opinions. Even though I play a pretty good a chip with my 46* back in my stance any time I can (I hold it like a putter when I'm taking practice swings to judge my pace,) and I can hit a low flighted bounce and check most days, and I hit my 60* with confidence most days (only when I really need it) and I'm not very yippy, I'd bet I could find a stroke or 4 a round with a chipper like this. Maybe I could pull my gap wedge, play a few more shots with my stock wedge and not miss it if I could find some confidence to use it from 70 to 90 yards. Or maybe I could pull my 56* with a sand sole and learn to hit my 60* from the sand. I definitely don't want to lose anything on the higher side of my bag, I've even been considering adding a chunky 5 or 6 iron or hybrid for confidence from 160 (most of the time, but I love my 5 for a back of my stance punch up to 100-125 yards when I'm under a tree, even though I don't hit the 5 that confidently from 150 or 160 from the fairway. Does anyone have any advice about playing one of these a bit back in your stance and hitting a low flighted spinny shot, or being able to open it up a bit and hit it firm and higher, maybe with a little fade from 80, still land on the green and not run off the back?
My wife bought a square strike chipper from a goodwill outlet last summer, I laughed at first looking at it, then tried it out and its been in my bag ever since. I may have to look at the higher quality versions, but I would never scoff at the concept after using it now.
Love the video - thanks Mark! Have a solid short game but bought the ChipR and Cleveland C figuring one of them would wind up in my wife’s bag😀. She preferred the C and it has really helped her confidence around the green over the ChipR. I prefer the ChipR As I think it is more flexible on longer shots and can open it up slightly if needed. Having used the Rule of 12’s for years I can say it is not as accurate as a well executed 7 iron chip BUT there is much less chance of a poor shot. For most mid to high handicap it is worth a try and they likely have room in their bag after a good look at their gapping and club use. We have used them for several rounds and we have plenty of room in our bags!
Mark - you are THE only one to regularly talk about the macho, ego aspects of golf that make golf so much more difficult than it should be. Love your funny rants!
If I was to put a chipper in my bag I would remove my 60. Percentage between the two would easily be a decider for me. Still use my 56 if need with bunkers etc… Golf ego is a terrible thing I do not care my 4-5 iron are so ugly but I hit them perfect and they are the Cleveland’s xl launcher big chunky things but if am flying straight flights 190 plus then I don’t care what my club looks like🤷🏻♂️ Brilliant video Mark would love to see a review video on the course with the Wilson d9 forged 👍🏻
This was a really great video. The way you explained in detail the closer landing with more of a consistent strike, really resonated with me. Great job!
as a high handicapper missing the green is a regular occurance. working to master greenside play has been crucial to not adding 10-15 shots a round. when i replace my 52 will probably get the 50 lofted smart sole, g. i don't use my wedges for full shots. i only have a pw 44, a 52, and a 58.
I made a bit of a mistake in that I decided to buy a Chipr and was fitted…now I have to wait until December, ordered in August. Now I realize I don’t need fitting in that you don’t make full swings. Great idea for someone like me, but why is there such a delay? Great video as always.
Mark, it's truly impressive how easy/casual you make throwing absolute DARTS w that club look. You're reactions, esp the ones where you're pleasantly surprising yourself so much that you give that kinda mischievous smile/laugh are also spot on.👏
Mark, with all the interest and discussion around chippers, would you recommend keeping the shop standard length or getting a chipper cut to the same length putter you use?
I already do that quite well with my 7 iron, in fact it's my go to around the green. Of course, I've been using if for 50 years now, maybe the learning curve on it is a bit steep for the modern golfer.
I have become very comfortable using my mizuno hot metal pitching wedge (I think it probably has loft similar to a standard 9 iron) for most of the around the green bump and run type shots. I set up slightly upright. I also have a hot metal gap wedge, and then Vokey 54 and 58. I'm pretty happy with this setup. Since I slightly miss greens frequently (my main course has mostly small greens), I get a lot of practice with these kinds of shots and have become reasonably decent at them. I think the chipper has it's advantages, but a bigger advantage is using the same club for those bump and run type chips and obviously a lot of practice (I play nearly every day) to develop a feel for distance. I'm always perplexed when I see someone 5 feet off a relatively flat green using a lob wedge for a pin 30 feet away.
Excellent video Mark. Thanks for making it. I’m looking forward to using the one I just bought. In a world where people can be judge mental it’s good to see someone go against the stream
After your original videos on the Cleveland chipper, I bought one. It was incredible how easy it was to use! I loved it. But then I convinced myself that I could simply chip the same way with my gap wedge or pitching wedge. So I sold the chipper. Horrible decision! Yesterday I missed 8 greens where the chipper would have been the perfect club. But I had to putt or duff a wedge. I need to get another one in my bag ASAP!
i have a really old and used one and it is my go to club mostly around the green but also for super low running shots, like if your in the trees and you just want to keep it low under the branches and advance the ball into and down the fairway something like 50 yards. if i have a good apron to the green and 30 yards out, guess what club i'm using. i don't think it has anything to do with the perception of someone kinda supposedly cheating. i just want to have fun and make golf a little easier. and yes i can chip with my wedges, when needed and want to. it might be time to get and upgrade my chipper.
Mark, I've just had the chipper epiphany! Although I'm always interested in what you have to say, I've not been interested in having a chipper as I'm good with my 50 & 58, and don't want another club in the bag cause I always carry. But in winter when I don't want to interact with crappy wet lies, I tend to go to that upright, toe in the ground 8 or 9 iron chip n run. Definitely be trying a chipper this winter. No brainer.
I use Cleveland CBX wedges so that chipper is going in my bag...if I can get one. Summer in SE US is brutally hot so my practice time is way down. The chipper will help me for sure and I have a spot for it as I only carry 13 clubs. Great review!
Definitely want to try it and compare it to my Cleveland. I was in Scotland playing golf the last 2 weeks and watching the Opens, used my chipper a ton there and from pretty far out as most courses were hard and dry and I could play it out and let it bounce and roll up. I hit more good chips with the chipper than I have in a long time. Now I have to see if I can carry it over to courses here in the states.
I want one for the winter. Prefer the Cleveland as the sole looks like it will help particularly when it’s a bit wet and muddy. However, will need to take a club out and that’s when it gets a bit tricky for me anyway. Will find a way though as this will save me shots, no doubt.
I am still gaming the Smart Sole C after I saw your videos earlier this year, and while I am still getting used to it, it ain't coming out of my bag anytime soon. I took out a wedge (I was 45-49-54-59; and now 45-52-58 about to go to a 47-52-58 as I have P790's on order at 2 degrees weaker) and handicap has not gone up, so yes, you might argue that I have made up for it in other areas, I would argue that I have reduced some big numbers because of the chipper! Onward! And thank you!
I have used one on and off since I started playing golf at the age of 10, some 45 years ago. I currently play one which is a Powerbilt TPS Bump & Run Chipper. Think I will take a look at this one.
Awesome video the only thing missing out of my game and my bag, took ego out of the equation a long time ago, 5/7 and 9 wood Ping G425 almost like cheating easy to launch, particularly the 7 wood and 9 wood forget the long irons.
We can agree that It is generally easier to chip with the chipper than with wedges / irons, which probably will lead to lower scores for us amateurs. However, In my head I would value a certain score or just a chip more when achieved with the more “difficult” method (not a chipper). It comes down to the question whether we value more just the result or also how the result was achieved.
Couldn't agree more this is exactly how I think....everybody is quick to make the game easier.....i don't want the game to be easier i get more satisfaction from working hard on my game to be as good as I can possibly be and play it for the pursuit of perfection not for the easy route.....its not a ego thing either for me its just personal drive to achieve through making the most of the ability I possess 👍
I have an 11 iron from the 1940's - it is almost identical to this 'new' Ping design. Upright like a putter, around 37 degrees loft, with the same shape. So, golf is just coming around to this idea again. However, Mark, and other TH-cam influencers, are really what is helping to promote less bias against the chipper. My local second hand golf store cannot keep them in stock!
I got pretty excited about the Cleveland chipper Crossy and Locke were going on about earlier in the year. I went out and got the black satin one. Looked great. However, I think I'm the only person on the planet for whom this club is not a cheat. All that ever happened was it blasting through the back of the green, even on uphill rolls, and it'd veer off to the right on longer pitches. I have good touch, so it was really frustrating and confusing. I chip pretty well with my sand wedge for everything, and I sold the chipper within two months of buying it. I really like the idea of a chipper, and maybe this Ping ChipR would be better for me, but I'm going to wait. I've found the regular version of the Cleveland chipper (Smartsole 4) used at Play-It-Again Sports for as low as $30, so at that price, I might revisit the idea. For now, I'll keep getting even better with my wedges. :)
I bought the mazel chipper that looks like a square strike. I tried it for a few rounds and decided I’m better off without it. To be fair, I’m an above average chipper. I saw it has a benefit for those who struggle around the green, but with a little practice you can do the same with your irons. For those who don’t get time to practice though, don’t be ashamed to use clubs that make the game easier for you.
problem is I suck at putting >< better with the wedges from off the green Use to have a chipper growing up though, was pretty good for the 90 yard shots heh
Love my Cleveland chipper. I can't play it as often as I would like because my home course has 4 inch rough after the 3 foot collar around the greens, but it's my go to club if at all possible.
Ordered one today from Golf Galaxy! It doesn't ship until 7/28, though. It had an option to customize the club...shaft (steel, graphite), ping lie (10 color options), & grip (white, gold).
I bought the Cleveland end of last season. I do like it but I do find distance control is not easy. I was struggling with chip yips last year and it has helped get me confidence back no doubt. Today I’m using the other wedges with pretty good control.
I use a chipper it’s a great addition to my bag and has knocked a load of shots off my score, but this one is very expensive for a chipper my one was only £60 and the ping is more than £100 more but if you are buying the name go for it.
I bought a Tour Edge first, but it did not impress me. Ended up paying the additional for a Cleveland and the Smart Sole makes a huge difference. Worth the extra IMO.
I don’t have a space in the bag at the moment but I guess at the coarse I play I probably only have to hit driver 4 times a round and that was £300+. I chip a lot more than that so I think I could justify it that way. I tend to use my 9 iron for most of the shots mark plays here.
Been on board this ship for 18 months and it’s been brilliant, big improvements in strike, chip closer with more confidence, leads to loads more up and downs, and more just ups and ins. What’s not to like. Chumps try to rib me about it from time to time and mostly proceed to fat and skull chips all day which is hilarious.
What did you remove from your bag? For me, it would have to be the club with the closest loft, which would be my pitching wedge, which I hit about 105 metres. So without that, at 105 metres, I'm either smashing my 50 degree, or taking a 3/4 swing 9 iron, neither of which I want to do. I too get great results with the chipper, but that gets offset by less accuracy created by the above dilemma.
@@bdoubleeb3039 Gotcha. My gapping is different, I couldn't remove my 4i without creating too big a gap between my 5i and hybrid. I'd have to drop my 62 degree wedge to keep the 4i.
Looks good, but too pricey. I picked up a smart sole c after seeing all the fun you have been having with it, as well as thinking about it for a number of years. I'm not a terrible chipper with my wedge, but the chipper was immediately better. Now, after a few weeks I already have a couple chip ins, and a lot more up and downs. I've also hit some full shots with it and found it goes the same distance as my gap wedge. I'm thinking about dropping the gap for the chipper.
This is good info, James, thanks, I'm thinking I could probably pull my gap wedge if I could land on the green, get a bit of check, not run off the back if you hit it from 70 or 80? Have you found any open it up a little for higher fadey shots, or a bit back in the stance for lower shots? No doubt, it would be awesome for bump and runs...
@@zincfive So far I've only used it from around the green, maybe 10 yds in and less, and a few full shots.I don't have an issue hitting partial wedges, but it might be easier to flight 40, 80, 100 yd shots lower with the chipper. I'll have to try that out.
Hmm. Persuaded myself that I have improved my short game to a sufficient extent I am sticking with wedges. I tried a chipper and was good while practicing but it didn’t work as well for me on the course (and not better than my usual shot). I’m pretty sure that I didn’t spend enough time practicing with it but wonder if the ego thing didn’t creep in a bit as well.....🤔
I love my Cleveland Smart Sole Chipper. My short game was pretty solid before I had the chipper and often used an 8 iron around the greens when needed, but the chipper is much more versatile. The sole really helps with different lies that the 8 iron could not handle as well...and it is so much easier to get it on line and pop the ball up even out of hard pan. You are absolutely correct though, you need to play around with it - moving it in your stance, trying different grips, different strokes, etc. It does not replace the need for a wedge to be sure, but my level of confidence is much higher with the chipper in my hands if the shot calls for it. And I owe it all to Mr Crossfield.
Great review Mark, I just purchased the ChipR and used it on a Tournement yesterday and Im off a 9 HDC but struggle with my chipping game, but shot an 81 and can say I shaved at least 3 strokes off my score around the greens because of it. I feel much more comfortable now with my short game then before......Cheers!!!
I found this the most coherent and clear video of yours I’ve watched - thanks. Especially liked the wide variety of scenarios you tried it with, the explanation of why it’s different (pros and cons), and the explanations of the ego/psychology involved. Thanks
Bought the Cleveland Smart Sole chipper after watching your review and love it. I replaced my gap wedge with it, but have since put the gap back in, and took out the 5 iron. I was an awful chipper. Fats, thins, skulls...... horrible. The chipper has given me so much more confidence, that it's actually bleeding over into my other wedges! That's a benefit I never expected. Once the fear is gone, your grip is looser and tension is lighter, it affects the whole game honestly. Thanks Mark!!!
Been a fan for a long time. Love that you focus on how to make the game easier rather than focus on the ego-driven attitude that plagues this great game. Once I got rid of the ego I had as a younger player and started using chunky, friendly clubs (including a chipper) my enjoyment of the game skyrocketed.
Love my smart sole chipper. It is my go to club from 80 yards out with a clear path. I want to get it on the green first and foremost and this helps me so much. Up and down was a rarity for me. Now I get at least two or three a round which is a big improvement. I feel very confident standing over the ball with my chipper.
I have after following you for a while followed your advice, dropped the ego and getting a Cleveland Chipper. The only thing now is to decide which wedge it is to replace in the bag. Thanks for great content, keep up the great work.
Got the Cleveland smart sole and its so much fun, part piece is the 125 yard full shot. Love it (5 hcp as reference)
Strange thing about my set up is I also play a set of blades
a set of blades and a chipper. love it 👍
Single handicapper here and Was dying for the store to get the Cleveland back in stock. I have used it at least once every round since and it felt natural from the start. No reason the chipper should be treated any worse than golf’s adaption to hybrids, lob wedges, and other advances that were not used with the experts of yesteryear. I had room in the bag and it was an easy choice. BTW I used it when there was an obstruction in my backswing and it worked perfectly!
I have the "Crossy chippah" because of your review on it and absolutely love it. I'm so glad you hit shots from 100, 50, and 25 because I actually use it for those shots more than around the greens. Just goes so straight it's unbelievable. I'm really glad ping came out with this and if you are even mediocre at chipping you should try one. And definitely don't discount the approach shots with it!
Hi Jeff you are spot on 👍with your reply, got mine 4weeks ago, And found the same Brilliant from 100yds and in 👍, so many of the reviews missed this,got mine tweaked (+2.5deg) on loft now perfect 👍, the best club release this year 😃, Thanks Dickey 9hcp 75year Senior Golfer
My Cleveland SS Chipper is what got me into the 90s. I'm doing my best to work on my fringe game, but it's a great tool to use on the course instead of wasting a hole while I'm learning...
purchased chipper and instantly saved 4,5 strokes ,even chipping in!! which always makes you come back for more.
It's so funny watching all of the other TH-camrs reviews of how nice it is and a great addition to the bag... I guess they haven't watched your channel for a while lol. Keep up the great work Mark
Rick Shiels is critical
I've carried 13 clubs for years now. Just haven't ever found the right club to add. Every club in my bag is a Ping so, 100% more likely to get the ChipR because I love their products. I am going to order this club and game it. Currently a 9.0 index I'll let you know how it goes. Love your content Mark!
I know this is probably a stupid question. How many clubs can you legally have in the bag?
14, but to be honest many “handicap golfers” could make good at their local muni using 10 to 12 clubs. It’s a tough sell as the marketing gods will demand the purchase of a full set of irons and some speciality wedges. D, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 54 degrees, P + whatever fits your fancy (a 3 Wood, 7 Wood, Chipper, Lob Wedge) brings you to 10 useable clubs.
How was your experience with the Chipr?
I use one and get lots of negative comments on roll up days. Do like the fact that this ping version is more traditional looking, as mine is like a lofted putter. Really good that you are leading the way around more enjoyable golf for the once a week player!
I purchased the Cleveland Smart Sole Chipper this year based on your review of the product. I struggled with chipping especially with 7,8,9 irons and this has been a big confidence booster for me. This chipper will help you get closer to the hole. If they only had a Smart Sole Putter!!!
What did you find different between the chipper and the similar lofted iron?
@@zb5715 I found with standard irons around the greens I would either chunk or thin my chip shots.It was a shot I didn't feel comfortable with. I found myself using a 54 or 58 degree wedges with some success but knew the bump and run would be a better choice. The smart sole makes it easier to hit especially from tighter lies, and you can use a putting stroke, so thats why I bought it.
I had my first round today using my new Ping ChipR. I ordered mine with a graphite shaft & Golf Pride grip to match my Ping irons & wedges. On the 3rd hole, a Par 5, my 2nd shot from the tee rested 15 paces from the green & the cup was 15 paces from the edge of the fringe (I walked it off). I focused on my landing area, took a confident stroke - a ChipR in the cup for Eagle! On the back 9 & on another Par 5, I chipped up within 2 feet of the cup & made the putt for Birdie.
I will admit that I utilized my ChipR throughout the round today in a few situations that I normally would have, and probably should have played my other wedges. Yet, if you do not try it in real time game situations you will never know.
I can honestly say that the ChipR saved me more than several strokes today. I am still dialing in utilizing this new club. Overall I am very satisfied with it. I stroked some very good to great chips today & a few not so perfect ones as well. I had 5 up & downs to save par - with 29 total putts.
My ChipR will be in my bag for a long time. :)
I’ve had my Cleveland cipper in my bag for 4 years it absolutely took 4.5 strokes off every round of golf love it and it’s staying. 👍
its a rescue for the greenside! remember how people stuck to their driver - 3-wood - 2 irons makeup when the rescue arrived....until someone on TV started using it and now most everyone has one. And you can choose between more woodish and ironish variants. Perhaps that'll happen with the chipper as well. Great video Mark
I watched your video on the Cleveland Smart Sole 4 chipper a long time ago and it made so much sense. Unfortunately, they were not available due to demand and shipping issues. However, I was just able to purchase one from the Cleveland website, and it will be delivered on Thursday! I can’t wait to use it because I SUCK at chipping.
I bought a cleveland chipper many moons ago and used it in my qualifying rounds to become a golf pro many moons ago. They are great! I also loved it from about 70 yards, esepcially into the wind. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did mine.
enjoy it. after dialing in some distance it’s a wonder stick 👌
I’ve got the Cleveland chipper, the benifit for me over an iron is it comes off the face dead more like a putter, if you catch it clean you don’t get that springy face launching it too far like you can with an iron. I love mine, it simplifies the patterns down to a single club, I k ow what it does from tight lies, how it pops from the rough, I know the roll out from first pitch at different trajectories, it’s just made the process simpler. It ain’t perfect, you still are the variance, but I love mine.
I've never owned a chipping club, never thought I'd have a chipping club, according to garmin and shot scope chipping is best part of my game, BUT I've got one of these on order, it just looks so easy using your putting stroke, I'm glad you see advantages of them as well mark, no ego, unlike some other youtubers
Love my Cleveland. Haven't quite got the distance control tightened up yet. But it has improved my game and I'm enjoying golf just that much more.
The Cleveland chipper has been a huge asset to my bag this year. The hdcp continues to fall. The more I use it the more comfortable and confident I am. Which means more putts are falling as a result of that confidence. Absolute game changer.
My Arccos system rates several handicaps. For me, Driving 12, Approach 10, Putting 8, Chipping 24! I bought this club the very day I watched this video. When chipping, I flip, I decelerate, I blade my chips over the green, and just like you say I almost always use the sandwedge instead of a less lofted club. I am now on the road to change!
I put the Cleveland chipper in a couple of months ago after your videos on it and I use it sparingly and haven’t dialed in distance control yet (lack of practice), but I love it. I’ve let higher handicapped people I’ve played with try it after watching them struggle and I know of two that have bought one after trying mine. I had room in the bag after dropping my 3W since my 5W performs just as well if not better. So easy decision and it will only be better with practice. 100% agree with the ego problems in golf. I’m a 5 hcp and use one and people can laugh and mock all they want while I put it closer to the hole all day long. Lol
If your 3 wood is replaced by your 5 wood you need a new 3 wood. Clubs occupy a distance. Your 5 wood shouldn’t be replacing a 3 wood. You could choose not to use a 3 wood but it can’t really be replaced by a 5 wood. Also if you use the chipper sparingly and don’t have your distance control dialed then how can you love it.? It’s a confusing statement… you put it closer to the hole then everyone else but you don’t have distanced dialed haha 🤷♂️ somethings not adding up here Jeff.
@@dbo4506 As I’ve aged and swing speed has dropped it has made it difficult to launch a 3W like I used to do. So my 3W has dropped off and crashes into my 5W distance. There’s a small difference but not enough to bother anymore. My 5W is point and shoot as well. Easy decision in the end.
Where have they bought one I literally can’t see one in stock anywhere!
@@tayllorzwift my local pro shop had them in stock for quite a while. They had at least a dozen of them when I got mine. Haven’t looked online
This came up on one of my feeds last night and the first person i thought of was you 🙂.
I grew up on links courses, you learn how to play a standard chip and run with a variety of irons, and you learn how to play that shot from a variety of lies. My problem is that I do not practice my short game enough so I struggle with distance control rather than strike.
But I completely agree with Mark about needing to take the ego out of golf club selection. So I dropped a 3w from my bag several years ago, last year I dropped my 3h and swapped to a 7w. I have also tried a 9w, and had the gapping worked for my I would have happily put it into my bag. As I get older I will have no problem moving to Halo Launcher type hybrid irons - they may look ugly but if they allow me to play golf and enjoy it I will take it
I have 11 clubs in my bag and one of them is a chipper. It’s very accurate from just off the green.
I bought one and really enjoy it around the green. I strike it like a putter like you said. Great idea Ping made and a nice quality product
I've bought a MacGregor Mactec X chipper as I wanted something that looked a bit like a putter, given that I'll be using a putting grip and stroke for the chips. If it looks too much like an iron then I might forget and get too wristy! Like the feel of it so far, if if shaves a few shots off then I don't mind what grief I may get from my playing partners! Also went for the Macgregor as it was a fair bit cheaper but still a nice looking club. Have had to buy a putter cover for it though, just to stop it damaging the other clubs in my bag as it doesn't sit in the bag very easily... but that's literally the only downside so far. Bring on the better chip-and-runs!
Thanks for another great review video Mark. I had been delaying getting a chipper. Because I wanted one that was closer to my custom fitted lie angle on my putter. Ding ding ding! I think Ping was reading my mind. This is a 70 degree lie angle. Awesome! I'm getting this one!
Keep up the great work, Cheers!
FOOTJOY SIZE 15 😎. I just checked I have been watching your videos for 15 years,,,, I lost twenty yards on my driver my handicap has gone up 3 strokes ~AND I COULD NOT BE HAPPIER THANK YOU FOR THE FUN 😊
I ordered the Ping Chip R after Mark's review (from Golf Shop Online). Only used it for 2 rounds so far. As Mark says you need to practice with it. I find it does come off pretty fiery. Loving it. Clean contact every time.
I've used the Cleveland Smart Sole Chipper for both around the greens & from 100-110 yards out, works great. The single greatest club improvement I've ever had tho is using the Sand Wedge Smart Sole. If you struggle from the bunkers, in any kind of sand (lie) check out this Sand Wedge. Set up square, swing aggressively down & thru behind the ball & it will work wonders. By the way, the Smart Sole Gap Wedge is also great.
Its a pleasure to see more helpful clubs being released. I have all the smart sole wedges and love them. I also replaced my 5-wood with the 3+ hy-wood from Cleveland. More of this please.
warwick
Hi Mark,
I have always struggled with the chip and run shot. I find that the more loft on the club I use the more inconsistant I am. I changed my approach to my chipping a few years ago and now do most of it with a 7 iron provided I don't have a bunker or similar to carry. If I have a problem to carry I revert to my lob wedge to make sure I am on the green even if I am short of where I need to be, rather have a 10 foot put than a bunker shot which could then leave me 20 foot short or even through the green and possibly in long rough.
Enjoy yourchannel.
Cheers
Warwick Smith
I do all of my chipping and 140 yards and in shots with 45°Game improvement pw. It’s funny how so many people I play with who have a much higher handicaps then me give me a hard time about it! 🤷🏼♂️ Only time a touch a high lofted wedge is to hit out of a green side bunker or hit over a green side bunker.
Playing off 11.3 on the weekend having not played for a while in competition I decided to do what got me closer to the whole. Putted off the green on the first 6 holes up and down with 5. Ended front 9 level. Golf is about getting the ball in the hole whatever may help can only be a bonus surely!
Spot on! Do what makes this game easier for you…A pretty bag don’t always make for a pretty score card. If it works, use it! Chunky or not.
Thanks Mark. Based on your review of the Cleveland Smart Sole 4 wedges and chipper, I've ordered a set that is expect to arrive in the next few days. Looking forward to putting them in play and seeing some improvement (with any luck.) To make room in my set, I've simply replaced both my 56* SW and 60* LW wedges with the new Cleveland Smart Sole 58* SW.
Nice video Mark. Playing off 28 at 52 yrs old I’ll take any help I can get. I have no ego and have just ordered my ChipR!
Good Video Mark. Got my Cleveland Niblick out of the cupboard a few months ago and it has really helped with my yippy shortgame. glad you mentioned landing points. They do require practice and won't just work. At the moment its keeping my handicap in single figures.
I use an old Bronty Mk2 Chipper. 50 yds and in and it’s my go to club.
Thanks for the great video. I think chippers are made for the golfer who usually misses the green and is just trying to get on it, or the good golfer who just can't chip. A few years ago I bought a used 42 degree Cleveland Niblick as a joke, but it's been in my bag ever since. The Niblick was only out for a few years, but then Cleveland came out with their Smart Sole clubs, and they are the same thing. Again, thanks for the great content.
Played a chipper for years they used to be so cheap! I don’t play or practice often so i struggle with distance control on knock down shots between 50-80yd sort of range and it is a life saver.
I use a square strike and love it!!! Between it and the Mazzell I have a 35,45, and 55 degree… love them
You have convinced me that it needs to be in my bag. I flat out suck around the greens. If I could chip and pitch the ball with confidence instead of the yips that i have I could easily go from the 11 that I am down to at least a 6. i just did the Ping web Fit and it is recommending this weapon for me. mark you just convinced me. I'm ordering the whole kit and kaboodle. thanks for a great video and review.
My dad used to carry and use one of those years ago. His favorite club.
I am going to get one of those bad boys. 👍🏼
Ordered one yesterday after my chipping Sunday it’s time for an intervention! ChipR FTW!
Great review Mark! My only hesitation is feeling like I’m taking the “easy way out”. In other words, the chipper allows me the luxury of not having to put the work in to learn how to play the normal wedges effectively. I struggle with short game and desperately want to lower my scores. But I have to decide if it’s worth settling (for a cheat club) to get there sooner.
@@Rob-ke2hu actually, chippers have been around since the earliest days of the game. ... And, as Mark pointed out, if people would allow themselves to ignore their vanity and put a chipper in their bag (especially if they're not good chippers, which so many weekend golfers are not) then they'd probably enjoy the game more because they'd score better.
If it were a ‘cheat club’ it would be illegal to use. Relax… use the Chipper. Golf is hard enough 😬
I took out my 58* lob wedge and removed the flop shot from my game. Best decision I've ever made, not because I struggle to flop the ball, I struggle to flop the ball to 1-2 feet. I now chip with my 50* mostly and I'm getting quite a few tap-ins a round, but I'm starting to think a chipper may be something I should try now that I have 13 clubs.
Why would you use a lob wedge to play these shots anyway?
@@electricalstuff259 l can't actually say why I would use my lob wedge for basic chips, maybe laziness so I didn't have the think about it. However, I recently came back to golf from a 25 year break (kids are grown up now) and when I tried to play the way I used to but I didn't have the skills to land a flop shot anymore so I relearned how to play the game based on my memories of how I played in the 80s. This meant no lob wedge and only chipping with 2 shot types, a bump and run and a one-hop stop. I can’t do either shot with a lob wedge so I don’t need it in the bag.
I'm loving the idea of a chipper, the upright grip is really convincing, confidence inspiring. What sold me is when Coach Lockey say it "feels like cheating," but I'm struggling to find a club I want to pull hoping to get some opinions. Even though I play a pretty good a chip with my 46* back in my stance any time I can (I hold it like a putter when I'm taking practice swings to judge my pace,) and I can hit a low flighted bounce and check most days, and I hit my 60* with confidence most days (only when I really need it) and I'm not very yippy, I'd bet I could find a stroke or 4 a round with a chipper like this. Maybe I could pull my gap wedge, play a few more shots with my stock wedge and not miss it if I could find some confidence to use it from 70 to 90 yards. Or maybe I could pull my 56* with a sand sole and learn to hit my 60* from the sand. I definitely don't want to lose anything on the higher side of my bag, I've even been considering adding a chunky 5 or 6 iron or hybrid for confidence from 160 (most of the time, but I love my 5 for a back of my stance punch up to 100-125 yards when I'm under a tree, even though I don't hit the 5 that confidently from 150 or 160 from the fairway. Does anyone have any advice about playing one of these a bit back in your stance and hitting a low flighted spinny shot, or being able to open it up a bit and hit it firm and higher, maybe with a little fade from 80, still land on the green and not run off the back?
I am impressed and will look into this. I am a 37.5 handicap and just bought a set of Cleveland XL Launchers.
Great honest review mark, nice to hear a low/scratch handicapper using a chipper, I use one and it gets me out of the 💩so many times.
My wife bought a square strike chipper from a goodwill outlet last summer, I laughed at first looking at it, then tried it out and its been in my bag ever since. I may have to look at the higher quality versions, but I would never scoff at the concept after using it now.
Love the video - thanks Mark! Have a solid short game but bought the ChipR and Cleveland C figuring one of them would wind up in my wife’s bag😀. She preferred the C and it has really helped her confidence around the green over the ChipR. I prefer the ChipR As I think it is more flexible on longer shots and can open it up slightly if needed. Having used the Rule of 12’s for years I can say it is not as accurate as a well executed 7 iron chip BUT there is much less chance of a poor shot. For most mid to high handicap it is worth a try and they likely have room in their bag after a good look at their gapping and club use. We have used them for several rounds and we have plenty of room in our bags!
Mark - you are THE only one to regularly talk about the macho, ego aspects of golf that make golf so much more difficult than it should be.
Love your funny rants!
If I was to put a chipper in my bag I would remove my 60. Percentage between the two would easily be a decider for me. Still use my 56 if need with bunkers etc…
Golf ego is a terrible thing I do not care my 4-5 iron are so ugly but I hit them perfect and they are the Cleveland’s xl launcher big chunky things but if am flying straight flights 190 plus then I don’t care what my club looks like🤷🏻♂️
Brilliant video Mark would love to see a review video on the course with the Wilson d9 forged 👍🏻
After watching Marks review of Cleveland Smart Sole chipper I took my 3 wood out and added the club Love it
This was a really great video. The way you explained in detail the closer landing with more of a consistent strike, really resonated with me. Great job!
I have learned so much from you mark. My golf game us easier and less frustrating thanks to your videos. Thank you.
@Text_via_telegram_Mark Crossfield what prize sir?
as a high handicapper missing the green is a regular occurance. working to master greenside play has been crucial to not adding 10-15 shots a round. when i replace my 52 will probably get the 50 lofted smart sole, g. i don't use my wedges for full shots. i only have a pw 44, a 52, and a 58.
I made a bit of a mistake in that I decided to buy a Chipr and was fitted…now I have to wait until December, ordered in August. Now I realize I don’t need fitting in that you don’t make full swings. Great idea for someone like me, but why is there such a delay?
Great video as always.
Mark, it's truly impressive how easy/casual you make throwing absolute DARTS w that club look. You're reactions, esp the ones where you're pleasantly surprising yourself so much that you give that kinda mischievous smile/laugh are also spot on.👏
Mark, with all the interest and discussion around chippers, would you recommend keeping the shop standard length or getting a chipper cut to the same length putter you use?
I will be researching wedges this winter, there are sooooo many combinations
Thanks for this idea
Thanks so much for being open to taking game improvement clubs serious! Did you prefer the Ping or the Cleveland?
I need to try the new chipper
I already do that quite well with my 7 iron, in fact it's my go to around the green. Of course, I've been using if for 50 years now, maybe the learning curve on it is a bit steep for the modern golfer.
My dad told me to use a 7 to chip with for years. It’s great for longer shots that require more rollout.
I have become very comfortable using my mizuno hot metal pitching wedge (I think it probably has loft similar to a standard 9 iron) for most of the around the green bump and run type shots. I set up slightly upright. I also have a hot metal gap wedge, and then Vokey 54 and 58. I'm pretty happy with this setup. Since I slightly miss greens frequently (my main course has mostly small greens), I get a lot of practice with these kinds of shots and have become reasonably decent at them. I think the chipper has it's advantages, but a bigger advantage is using the same club for those bump and run type chips and obviously a lot of practice (I play nearly every day) to develop a feel for distance. I'm always perplexed when I see someone 5 feet off a relatively flat green using a lob wedge for a pin 30 feet away.
Excellent video Mark. Thanks for making it. I’m looking forward to using the one I just bought. In a world where people can be judge mental it’s good to see someone go against the stream
After your original videos on the Cleveland chipper, I bought one. It was incredible how easy it was to use! I loved it. But then I convinced myself that I could simply chip the same way with my gap wedge or pitching wedge. So I sold the chipper. Horrible decision! Yesterday I missed 8 greens where the chipper would have been the perfect club. But I had to putt or duff a wedge. I need to get another one in my bag ASAP!
i have a really old and used one and it is my go to club mostly around the green but also for super low running shots, like if your in the trees and you just want to keep it low under the branches and advance the ball into and down the fairway something like 50 yards. if i have a good apron to the green and 30 yards out, guess what club i'm using. i don't think it has anything to do with the perception of someone kinda supposedly cheating. i just want to have fun and make golf a little easier. and yes i can chip with my wedges, when needed and want to. it might be time to get and upgrade my chipper.
Mark, I've just had the chipper epiphany! Although I'm always interested in what you have to say, I've not been interested in having a chipper as I'm good with my 50 & 58, and don't want another club in the bag cause I always carry. But in winter when I don't want to interact with crappy wet lies, I tend to go to that upright, toe in the ground 8 or 9 iron chip n run. Definitely be trying a chipper this winter. No brainer.
I use Cleveland CBX wedges so that chipper is going in my bag...if I can get one. Summer in SE US is brutally hot so my practice time is way down. The chipper will help me for sure and I have a spot for it as I only carry 13 clubs. Great review!
Definitely want to try it and compare it to my Cleveland. I was in Scotland playing golf the last 2 weeks and watching the Opens, used my chipper a ton there and from pretty far out as most courses were hard and dry and I could play it out and let it bounce and roll up. I hit more good chips with the chipper than I have in a long time. Now I have to see if I can carry it over to courses here in the states.
I want one for the winter. Prefer the Cleveland as the sole looks like it will help particularly when it’s a bit wet and muddy.
However, will need to take a club out and that’s when it gets a bit tricky for me anyway. Will find a way though as this will save me shots, no doubt.
I am still gaming the Smart Sole C after I saw your videos earlier this year, and while I am still getting used to it, it ain't coming out of my bag anytime soon. I took out a wedge (I was 45-49-54-59; and now 45-52-58 about to go to a 47-52-58 as I have P790's on order at 2 degrees weaker) and handicap has not gone up, so yes, you might argue that I have made up for it in other areas, I would argue that I have reduced some big numbers because of the chipper! Onward! And thank you!
I'm a 7 handicap I struggle with my chipping, probably causes me 4/5 shots per round so , I would definitely put 1 in the bag. And probably will.
I have used one on and off since I started playing golf at the age of 10, some 45 years ago. I currently play one which is a Powerbilt TPS Bump & Run Chipper. Think I will take a look at this one.
Awesome video the only thing missing out of my game and my bag, took ego out of the equation a long time ago, 5/7 and 9 wood Ping G425 almost like cheating easy to launch, particularly the 7 wood and 9 wood forget the long irons.
Bought the Cleveland chipper. Love it, especially off of tight lies around the green. First chip went in the hole.
Great review, bought one today and I know this will save me 2-4 strokes per round and as a 10 handicap, I see me in single digits soon!
The Srixon Smart Sole 4.0 is still my preference. You were at the forefront of the chipper movement Mark ! Thank you.
We can agree that It is generally easier to chip with the chipper than with wedges / irons, which probably will lead to lower scores for us amateurs. However, In my head I would value a certain score or just a chip more when achieved with the more “difficult” method (not a chipper). It comes down to the question whether we value more just the result or also how the result was achieved.
Couldn't agree more this is exactly how I think....everybody is quick to make the game easier.....i don't want the game to be easier i get more satisfaction from working hard on my game to be as good as I can possibly be and play it for the pursuit of perfection not for the easy route.....its not a ego thing either for me its just personal drive to achieve through making the most of the ability I possess 👍
I have an 11 iron from the 1940's - it is almost identical to this 'new' Ping design. Upright like a putter, around 37 degrees loft, with the same shape. So, golf is just coming around to this idea again. However, Mark, and other TH-cam influencers, are really what is helping to promote less bias against the chipper. My local second hand golf store cannot keep them in stock!
I got pretty excited about the Cleveland chipper Crossy and Locke were going on about earlier in the year. I went out and got the black satin one. Looked great. However, I think I'm the only person on the planet for whom this club is not a cheat. All that ever happened was it blasting through the back of the green, even on uphill rolls, and it'd veer off to the right on longer pitches. I have good touch, so it was really frustrating and confusing. I chip pretty well with my sand wedge for everything, and I sold the chipper within two months of buying it. I really like the idea of a chipper, and maybe this Ping ChipR would be better for me, but I'm going to wait. I've found the regular version of the Cleveland chipper (Smartsole 4) used at Play-It-Again Sports for as low as $30, so at that price, I might revisit the idea. For now, I'll keep getting even better with my wedges. :)
I bought the mazel chipper that looks like a square strike. I tried it for a few rounds and decided I’m better off without it. To be fair, I’m an above average chipper. I saw it has a benefit for those who struggle around the green, but with a little practice you can do the same with your irons. For those who don’t get time to practice though, don’t be ashamed to use clubs that make the game easier for you.
problem is I suck at putting >< better with the wedges from off the green
Use to have a chipper growing up though, was pretty good for the 90 yard shots heh
Love my Cleveland chipper. I can't play it as often as I would like because my home course has 4 inch rough after the 3 foot collar around the greens, but it's my go to club if at all possible.
Ordered one today from Golf Galaxy! It doesn't ship until 7/28, though. It had an option to customize the club...shaft (steel, graphite), ping lie (10 color options), & grip (white, gold).
I bought the Cleveland end of last season. I do like it but I do find distance control is not easy. I was struggling with chip yips last year and it has helped get me confidence back no doubt. Today I’m using the other wedges with pretty good control.
I use a chipper it’s a great addition to my bag and has knocked a load of shots off my score, but this one is very expensive for a chipper my one was only £60 and the ping is more than £100 more but if you are buying the name go for it.
I bought a Tour Edge first, but it did not impress me. Ended up paying the additional for a Cleveland and the Smart Sole makes a huge difference. Worth the extra IMO.
I don’t have a space in the bag at the moment but I guess at the coarse I play I probably only have to hit driver 4 times a round and that was £300+. I chip a lot more than that so I think I could justify it that way. I tend to use my 9 iron for most of the shots mark plays here.
@@jameshopcroft8743 Yeah I took out a 20 degree hybrid I never used. I can get by with my 18 degree 5 wood.
put a chipper in the bag about a week or so ago. chipped in for birdie and got up and down when i used it 2 other times during my league play
Been on board this ship for 18 months and it’s been brilliant, big improvements in strike, chip closer with more confidence, leads to loads more up and downs, and more just ups and ins. What’s not to like. Chumps try to rib me about it from time to time and mostly proceed to fat and skull chips all day which is hilarious.
What did you remove from your bag? For me, it would have to be the club with the closest loft, which would be my pitching wedge, which I hit about 105 metres. So without that, at 105 metres, I'm either smashing my 50 degree, or taking a 3/4 swing 9 iron, neither of which I want to do. I too get great results with the chipper, but that gets offset by less accuracy created by the above dilemma.
@@GreenDistantStar I rejigged the other end and essentially took out 4i. I still have pw, 50, 54 and 58.
@@bdoubleeb3039 Gotcha. My gapping is different, I couldn't remove my 4i without creating too big a gap between my 5i and hybrid. I'd have to drop my 62 degree wedge to keep the 4i.
I play off single hc. I putt with my hybrid at every possibly opportunity. Same idea. 👍
Looks good, but too pricey. I picked up a smart sole c after seeing all the fun you have been having with it, as well as thinking about it for a number of years. I'm not a terrible chipper with my wedge, but the chipper was immediately better. Now, after a few weeks I already have a couple chip ins, and a lot more up and downs. I've also hit some full shots with it and found it goes the same distance as my gap wedge. I'm thinking about dropping the gap for the chipper.
This is good info, James, thanks, I'm thinking I could probably pull my gap wedge if I could land on the green, get a bit of check, not run off the back if you hit it from 70 or 80? Have you found any open it up a little for higher fadey shots, or a bit back in the stance for lower shots? No doubt, it would be awesome for bump and runs...
@@zincfive So far I've only used it from around the green, maybe 10 yds in and less, and a few full shots.I don't have an issue hitting partial wedges, but it might be easier to flight 40, 80, 100 yd shots lower with the chipper. I'll have to try that out.
Great insightful video mark your product tests are night and day compared to other YTers. I have a Cleveland smart sole on order - can't wait.
Put it in the bag? Yes, Yes, Yes. Looks nicer than my old Fazer one!
Hmm. Persuaded myself that I have improved my short game to a sufficient extent I am sticking with wedges. I tried a chipper and was good while practicing but it didn’t work as well for me on the course (and not better than my usual shot). I’m pretty sure that I didn’t spend enough time practicing with it but wonder if the ego thing didn’t creep in a bit as well.....🤔