There is a lot of debate surrounding the legality of golf chippers. Some people believe that they are illegal because they give an unfair advantage to the player. Others argue that golf chippers are legal because they do not change the fundamental way in which the game is played. In this blog, I will explore both sides of the argument and provide evidence for each position.

What is a golf chipper?

A golf chipper is a type of club that is used to hit the ball in a high arc. It is similar to a putter but has more loft, which makes it easier to hit the ball in the air. Chippers are often used from just off the green, as they are not designed to travel very far.

So, are golf chippers legal? 

Yes, according to USGA, a chipper is a legal stroke in golf but have some rules that limit how and when they can be used.

A chipper is a special golf club designed to hit the ball with a low trajectory and little or no backspin. This shot is often used when a golfer is just off the green and needs to get the ball up and down quickly. Chippers are also sometimes used from the tee box.

The USGA defines a chipper as “a club used to make a shot that rolls along the ground for a short distance before coming to rest.” There are no restrictions on how far the ball can travel or what kind of lie you can have when using a chipper.

A Screenshot from USGA website showing that golf chippers conform to USGA rules
A Screenshot from USGA website showing that golf chippers conform to USGA rules

Rules of chipping golf:

  1. You can’t use a two-way chipper or a long chipper.
  2. You can use a chipper on any lie, including in the rough or fringe.
  3. You can use a chipper off the tee, but only if the hole is under 150 yards long.You are not allowed to ground your club in a hazard when using a chipper.
  4. Your caddie cannot line you up for a chipper shot.
  5. You cannot use a chipper in a tournament if the governing body of that tournament (such as the USGA or PGA) has banned them.

Now that we know the definition of a chipper and what the rules are, let’s explore the two sides of the argument. Some golfers believe that chippers are illegal because they offer an unfair advantage to the player. The logic behind this belief is that chippers make it easier to get up and down around the green. Chippers also allow golfers to hit the ball close to the hole without having to worry about hitting it too far or landing in a bunker.

Do Chippers conform?

Below is an excerpt from USGA’s FAQ post explaining why chippers conform;

“Yes, chippers are iron clubs not putters, and therefore must conform with the requirements for woods and irons. For example, chippers may not have a putter grip, two striking faces or appendages for aiming purposes.”

In other words, as long as the chipper meets the same specifications as other clubs, it is considered legal.

It is crucial to follow the rules set forth by the USGA. You may be disqualified if caught using a two-way chipper, long chipper, or chipping from the tee box on a hole that is over 150 yards long. If you are unsure about whether or not a particular chipper is legal, it is always best to consult with a professional before using it in a tournament.

What makes chippers different from other clubs is that they have a flatter face, which gives the ball less backspin. This makes it easier to control the ball and get it close to the hole. Chippers also typically have a shorter shaft, which makes them easier to control.

Who makes rules of golf:

Golf is a sport with a long and storied history. The game has been around for centuries, and the rules have been developed over time by various organizations. The most important governing bodies in golf are the USGA (United States Golf Association) and the R&A (Royal & Ancient). These organizations create and enforce the rules of golf.

The USGA is the primary governing body for golf in the United States. The organization was founded in 1894 and is based in Far Hills, New Jersey. The USGA is responsible for setting the rules of golf, conducting national championships, and working to grow the game of golf around the world.

The R&A is the primary governing body for golf outside of the United States. The organization was founded in 1754 and is based in St. Andrews, Scotland. The R&A is responsible for setting the rules of golf, conducting international championships, and working to grow the game of golf around the world.

While the USGA and R&A are the primary governing bodies for golf, there are also a number of other organizations that play a role in the game. These organizations include the PGA (Professional Golfers Association), LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association), and the European Tour.

The PGA is an organization that represents professional golfers. The PGA was founded in 1916 and is based in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The organization is responsible for conducting major championships and working to grow the game of golf.

The LPGA is an organization that represents professional female golfers. The LPGA was founded in 1950 and is based in Daytona Beach, Florida. The organization is responsible for conducting major championships and working to grow the game of golf.

The European Tour is an organization that represents professional golfers who compete in Europe. The European Tour was founded in 1972 and is based in London, England. The organization is responsible for conducting major championships and working to grow the game of golf.

Should I use a golf chipper?

Now that we have explored both sides of the argument, it is up to you to decide whether or not you want to use a chipper. If you are struggling with your short game, using a chipper may help you improve your scores. However, if you are comfortable with your current clubs and do not feel like you need an extra helping hand, then there is no need to switch to a chipper.

If you are looking for a golf club that will help you send the ball in an upwards trajectory using a putting stroke, then you want to choose a chipper. However, due to the angle of the face and shorter shaft, it is more difficult to control the spin of your ball. As your skill level increases, you may find that Pitching Wedge or Approach Wedge works better for you.

Are Double-Sided Chippers Legal in Golf?

As of January 1, 2019, the USGA has banned double-sided chippers. This means that you cannot use a chipper that has a different loft on each side.

Let’s get some more details of why double-sided chippers do not conform to the rules of golf.

The main disadvantage of two-way chippers is that they have two club faces. The USGA’s rule book states that a piece of equipment is legal as long as the clubfaces are less than 10 degrees in loft. As a result, a putter with two clubfaces is legal. Because the clubfaces on a two-way chipper exceed the ten-degree restriction, they are not legal.

They are also not legal because they offer an unfair advantage to the player. The main reason for this is that two-way chippers make it easier to control the ball. When you hit the ball with a two-way chipper, you are less likely to send it flying off in a random direction.

The other disadvantage of two-way chippers is that they can be difficult to control. If you are not careful, you may end up hitting the ball too hard or too soft. This can lead to some frustrating shots.

A two-way chipper is great for both left- and right-handed players because it allows them to chip and hit shots. In addition, a two-way chipper is far superior equipped to deal with barriers than other kinds of clubs, making your chances of hitting the shot considerably greater. This is why i like two-way chippers, and they are my preferred choice when it playing in a course with obstacles.

How Far Can You Hit a Golf Chipper?

The chipper wedge is good for shots from around 30 yards and closer. Occasionally, you can use it from a greater distance but, in general, it will be utilized from just off the green’s edge. They are designed to have a lower trajectory than other clubs and, as a result, will not travel as far.

This is the main reason why most golfers use a chipper from just off the green. They are trying to keep the ball from going too high in the air and landing too far away from the hole. By using a chipper, they can keep the ball close to the ground and get it close to the hole.

One of the main benefits of using a chipper is that you can use it from a variety of lies. If the ball is sitting up in the rough, you can still use a chipper to hit it close to the hole. This is because the club’s loft will help you get the ball up in the air and avoid hitting it into the ground.

Can You Putt With a Chipper?

You can putt with a chipper, but it is not recommended. The main reason for this is that chippers are designed to hit the ball high in the air. When you putt, you are trying to hit the ball low so that it will roll along the ground and into the hole.

If you use a chipper to putt, there is a good chance that the ball will not go into the hole. In addition, using a chipper to putt can be difficult because you have to be very accurate. If you are not careful, you may end up hitting the ball too hard or too soft.

Should You Use a Chipper or a Putter?

If you are trying to hit the ball in an upwards trajectory using a putting stroke, then you want to choose a chipper. However, due to the loft on the club, you will not be able to hit the ball as low as you would with a putter. As a result, the ball will not roll along the ground as much and may end up going off in a random direction.

If you are trying to hit the ball low so that it will roll along the ground and into the hole, then you want to use a putter. Putters have less loft than chippers and, as a result, will allow you to hit the ball lower. This will make it more likely that the ball will roll into the hole.

Get a golf chipper if:

  1. You are mid to high handicapper (18 to 36)
  2. You want a club to help you get the ball up and down
  3. You need a versatile club that can be used from different lies
  4. You are looking for a club to use from just off the green
  5. If you are a senior and struggling with wrist issues that makes using other wedges difficult. Here are some of the best Fairway woods for seniors

Don’t get a golf chipper if:

  1. You are a low to mid-high handicapper(0 to 18) as per ProjectGolfAu.com
  2. You like spins and low trajectory
  3. You want single figures or lower in your golf game

Disadvantages of golf chippers vs others:

  1. Not as versatile: A chipper is not as versatile as other clubs and can only be used from close range.
  2. Difficult to control: Chippers can be difficult to control, especially if you are not used to using them. This is because they have a lot of loft, which can make the ball go in a random direction if you are not careful.
  3. Less distance: Chippers do not travel as far as other clubs, which can be a problem if you are trying to hit the ball over a long distance.

Read about golf chippers vs wedges here.

Advantages of golf chippers vs others:

  1. Easy to use: Chippers are easy to use and are a good option for beginners or those who are not used to using other clubs.
  2. Good for getting the ball up and down: Chippers are good for getting the ball up and down, as they have a lot of loft. This makes them ideal for hitting the ball over obstacles or from difficult lies.
  3. Can be used from a variety of lies: Chipper can be used from a variety of lies, which makes them a versatile option.

How to use a golf chipper correctly:

The best way to use a golf chipper is to stand close to the ball and make a smooth swing. Chippers are not designed to travel very far, so you should only use them from close range.

It is also important to be careful when using a chipper, as they can be difficult to control. This is because they have a lot of loft, which can make the ball go in a random direction if you are not careful.

You should also avoid using a chipper from a tee, as this can be difficult and may result in the ball going in a random direction. Instead, you should use a different club from the teeing ground.

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