A chipper golf club does one job, and it does it well: it gets the golf ball out of the fringe, rough, or tight lies around the green and rolling towards the hole with the minimum of fuss. If chipping with a wedge feels inconsistent or nerve-wracking, a dedicated chipping club golf players actually use can be a genuinely practical solution. Clarkes Golf stocks golf chippers from trusted brands, all at prices backed by our price match guarantee. Browse the range below or get in touch with the team if you'd like a hand picking the right one.
What Makes a Chipper Golf Club Worth Carrying?
Golf chippers don't get the attention they deserve. For a huge number of club golfers, they solve a very real problem: inconsistency from just off the green. Here's what they do, who they suit, and what to look for.
What to Look for When Choosing a Chipper Golf Club
Loft is the main variable to consider. Most golf chippers sit between 30 and 37 degrees, with lower-lofted versions producing a more running shot and higher-lofted options giving a slightly higher flight before the ball rolls out. Sole width matters too: a wider sole is more forgiving from thicker lies and rough around the green, while a narrower sole suits tighter turf. Grip style and length are largely personal preference, though many golfers find a putter-style grip more comfortable since you're essentially playing a putting stroke.
What Is a Chipper in Golf?
A chipper golf club looks similar to a putter but is lofted, typically between 30 and 37 degrees, sitting somewhere between a putter and a short iron in terms of design. You play it with a putting stroke rather than a full swing, which makes it far more repeatable for golfers who struggle to control trajectory and distance with a wedge. The result is a low, rolling chip that gets the ball onto the green and running towards the cup quickly. It's simple, effective, and easier to learn than most short game techniques.
Who Should Consider a Golf Chipper?
Golf chippers are particularly well-suited to higher handicappers and casual golfers who don't have the time or inclination to practise wedge play regularly. If you find yourself chunking chips, thinning them across the green, or generally feeling anxious over short shots, a chipper takes a lot of that variability out of the equation. More experienced golfers sometimes carry one too, particularly for tight lies or hardpan situations where a wedge can be a risky option. There's no shame in using the right tool for the job.
Golf Chipper vs Wedge: Which Is Right for You?
A golf wedge gives you more versatility. You can flight it high, spin it, open the face, adjust your trajectory, and play from bunkers. But that versatility comes with a learning curve, and for many golfers it leads to inconsistency. A golf chipper removes most of those variables. You use a putting-style stroke, keep the ball low, and let it run. It won't get you out of a bunker, and it won't stop the ball dead on a firm green, but for the standard chip from just off the putting surface, it's hard to beat for simplicity and reliability..
4. Find the Best Golf Chippers at Clarkes Golf
If your chipping has been costing you shots, a dedicated chipper golf club could be one of the most immediately useful additions you make to your bag. Simple to learn, easy to repeat, and genuinely effective from just off the green. Clarkes Golf stocks golf chippers from trusted names, including Cleveland and Callaway, all backed by our price match guarantee. If you find the same product cheaper elsewhere, we'll match it. Add one to your bag today or reach out to the Clarkes Golf team if you'd like a recommendation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a chipper golf club, and how is it different from a traditional wedge?
A chipper golf club is a specialist club designed for shots from just off the green. It's lofted like a short iron but played with a putting-style stroke, making it much simpler to use than a wedge for most club golfers. A wedge offers more versatility, including bunker play and high-spinning shots, but requires more skill and practice to use consistently. A chipper trades that versatility for simplicity and reliability on standard chip-and-run shots.
Is a golf chipper legal to use in tournament play?
Single-faced golf chippers are legal under the Rules of Golf and can be used in any competition, including club medals and strokeplay events. Double-faced chippers, which have a lofted face on both sides, are not permitted under the rules. If you're buying a chipper specifically for competitive play, check the product listing to confirm it's single-faced and USGA or R&A conforming. The golf chippers stocked at Clarkes Golf are clearly listed with conformance details.
Where exactly should I use a chipper golf club on the course?
Golf chippers are designed for chip shots just off the putting surface, typically from the fringe, light rough, or short grass within a few yards of the green. They work best when you have a clear path to the green and room for the ball to run out towards the hole. They're not suitable for bunker shots, thick rough, or situations where you need height to carry an obstacle. Think of it as an extended putter for when the ball is just off the putting surface.
What's the best golf chipper for a high handicapper?
For higher handicappers, the most important qualities in a versatile chipper are forgiveness and ease of use. A wider sole helps from rough and fringe lies, and a loft around 34 to 37 degrees gives a reliable low flight with plenty of run. If you're unsure which suits your game, the Clarkes Golf team are happy to advise.
