6 Best Golf Chippers: 2023

As an intermediate or high-handicap golfer, using a wedge for shots very close to the green can be intimidating at best and down-right panic-inducing at worst. Why? A wedge requires a painstakingly high level of precision to get the ball near the hole, which only ever comes with a multitude of experience and practice.

Here’s the not-so-big secret: there’s an excellent solution that will not only allow you to save face but also build confidence and precision on the course. Yes, a chipper club is the golfing lifeline that might just make all the difference to your play.

We’re going to list and summarize all of the best golf chippers available on the market in 2023. After that, we’ll provide you with some more information about the importance of a chipper golf club. Not bad for a five-minute read, we’ll think you’ll agree.

Now, on with the list…

The Best Golf Chippers for 2023

So, without further ado, let’s look at the best golf chippers on the market in 2023. We’ve compiled a list that includes several of the top manufacturers. We’re pretty sure we can provide some insight for you in your quest to isolate the one golf club you regard as the best golf chipper for your specific needs.

1. Best overall: Cleveland Smart Sole 4 Wedge

The Smart Sole 4 high-lofted golf chipper is specifically designed to help golfers play higher and longer chip shots around the green. If you’ve got a larger obstacle between your ball and the putting surface, but are too close to play an effective wedge shot, this club is exactly what you’ll need.

This chipper’s weight is distributed favorably towards its toe, meaning the center of gravity is moved more to the center of the chipper. This gives the club a better feel.

The three-tiered smart sole of the Cleveland wedge minimizes fat shots by offering immaculate interaction with the course’s turf.

The result? The club provides better control and contact, which will especially assist golfers with medium to high handicaps. Due to its top-class feel and forgiveness, players with slower swing speeds will also benefit from using this golf chipper.

The Cleveland Smart Sole 4 wedge comes with either a graphite or steel shaft and has 42 degrees of loft, comparing favorably to other chippers. That’s just one of the reasons it came out on top as our best buy overall!

Specifications

• Shaft material: Steel or graphite
• Flex: Wedge
• Loft: 42, 50, 58 degrees
• Grip type: Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360

Pros

• Sole with three tiers
• Easily controllable
• Good interaction with the turf
• Milled grooves
• High loft allowing maximum lift

Cons

• Only available in the 42-degree loft for left-handers.

Price

• With both graphite and steel shaft options, this chipper is a little more pricy than other options. Its many wedge-like qualities make it well worth the extra outlay – it’s the perfect option when your wedge will be a touch too much club. Either shaft option is available at under $130.

2. Best for multiple lofts: Mazel Golf Chipper and Pitching Wedge

Image Source: Golf Monthly

The Mazel golf chipper was created to address many of the short-game problems commonly faced by golfers and has many wedge-like qualities.

For one, its extra-wide sole means it glides smoothly through the turf. This prevents divots when pitching and offers pristine forgiveness on strikes that are off-center. What does this mean for you? Improved shot control, which hopefully means better chances of getting on the green.

The golf chipper’s 330-gram club head allows for a more balanced feel by keeping a low center of gravity, with skilled golfers likely to appreciate this extra weight to improve their chipping. The 35-inch steel wedge flex shaft provides more fluidity and smoother strokeplay through the inclusion of a rotational weight configuration.

Where this club really shines is the choice of four loft angles available (you can choose between a 35, 45, 55, and 60-degree loft), So, you can be pretty sure there’s a Mazel chipper that will cater to your individual requirements.

This Mazel golf chipper wedge comes with a CNC-milled face that improves both the club’s durability and shot consistency.

The best bit for us? Mazel Golf Pitching Chipper will help you if you’re at odds with your short game, minimizing thin and fat shots off the fringe and directly around the green. For this reason alone it qualifies as one of the best golf chippers around in 2023.

Specifications

• Shaft material: Stainless steel
• Flex: Regular
• Loft: 35, 45, 55, and 60 degrees
• Grip type: Putter grip

Pros

• Wide sole
• Anti-slip grip for improved performance
• Increased ball speed
• Choice of four different lofts
• Comfortable and balanced feel
• Durable and premium materials used in the manufacture
• Two colors – black and green

Cons

• Weighty shaft and bulky compared to some other options
• Only available in the 45 and 55-degree options for left-handers

Price

• The Mazel Golf Chipper & Pitching Wedge is an affordable option offering a range of lofts. At under $90, you’ll get a versatile but slightly weighty club that won’t cost you the earth.

3. Best for around the greens: Wilson Harmonized Golf Chipper

Image Source: Wilson Sporting Goods

Even newcomers to the world of golf will have heard of our next brand. Wilson is a reputable name in the sports market and has produced top-class golfing equipment for over a century. As such, it’s no surprise that the Wilson Harmonized Golf Chipper makes our list as one of the best golf chippers for 2023.

Its distinctive design incorporates both a blade putter and a mallet putter. You’ll find this very useful if your close-in chipping isn’t as good as it could be. The easy-to-use golf chipper improves chipping accuracy and affords you greater consistency – even with off-center shots.

If you’re a golfing beginner, you’ll also find the included alignment aid extremely useful for lining up your putts better. The Wilson Harmonized chipper comes with either a 34- or 35-inch steel shaft and a firm Golf Pride grip, not unlike one you’ll find on a decent iron.

This grip enables more controlled swinging and extra comfort through its groundbreaking vertical seam. Amazing, isn’t it?

With 32 degrees of loft, the club is perfect for escaping a hazard or getting out of a soft lie. This Wilson chipper is durable and scratch-free, with its premium steel polished to add an elegant finish to a still-affordable product. With no face insert included, you’re able to control the distance and flight of your shots more effectively.

In short, the Wilson Harmonized Golf Chipper is a notable option, especially if you’re fighting with your short game. We’ve all been there once or twice.

Specifications

• Shaft material: Alloy steel
• Flex: Regular
• Loft: 32 degrees
• Grip type: Golf Pride grip

Pros

• User-friendly
• Club head design replicates a blade or short mallet putter
• Offers exceptional control
• Accurate chipping due to included alignment aid
• Perfect for bump-and-run chipping

Cons

• Only produced for right-handed golfers.
• Only one loft option
• Spin limitations

Price

• At around the $50 mark, this golf chipper offers exceptional value at a very affordable price.

4. Best on a budget: Intech Golf EZ Roll Chipper

Image Source: Amazon

The Intech EZ Roll Chipper is a first-rate option for golfers wanting an affordable and stylish golf chipper, and it’s durable as well.

With a 35-degree loft and pushed-back weight, it is a perfect option for novice golfers with high handicaps. Plus, the modest price point makes it an excellent choice for those without a huge budget to blow on the latest gear. The positioning of the weight also affords you the chance to strike your golf ball at a decent pace without too much effort.

Another prime feature of the Intech EZ Roll Chipper is the top lines for advanced alignment. With this feature, you’re able to better aim the golf ball toward a target to improve your accuracy. Between this, a 35-inch shaft, and the 35-degree loft, you’ll be able to execute a putting stroke for the best possible results. The chipper also has a gooseneck hosel design to give you a better view of your golf ball, which assists with aligning your shot.

The Intech Golf EZ Roll Chipper is manufactured with a satin, non-glare finish. This feature cuts out reflection off the club face, preventing unwanted distraction.

Specifications

• Shaft material: Steel
• Flex: Regular
• Loft: 35 Degrees
• Grip type: Putter grip

Pros

• Gooseneck hosel for easier visibility and alignment
• Anti-glare satin finish prevents reflection and distraction
• A comfortable and balanced feel
• Available in pink and black
• Made for both left- and right-handers

Cons

• Potential durability limitations
• Only one degree of loft is available

Price

• The positive elements that this chipper has makes the $20 price seem like nothing at all.

5. Best for forgiveness: Square Strike Wedge

We’ve included the Square Strike Wedge as the best golf chipper available in 2023 from a forgiveness standpoint. This exceptional forgiveness applies to the whole face but is most noticeable if you strike your golf ball toward the toe of the club.

The Square Strike comes with three loft alternatives – the 45-degree option is the closest one to a standard chipper. This chipper is designed to assist those golfers who battle with using their wedges close to the putting surface.

It performs extremely well, even from worse lies, with its beveled leading edge and wide sole cutting down the chances of hitting shots far.

Specifications

• Shaft material: Stainless steel
• Flex: Wedge
• Loft: Standard 45 degrees, with 55 and 60-degree options depending on availability
• Grip type: Putter grip with 1″ extra length

Pros

• Exceptionally forgiving
• Three different loft options
• Bad lies don’t give it problems
• Chunking is nearly impossible
• Left- and right-handed choices

Cons

• It could be difficult adjusting to the weighty head

Price

• The Square Strike Wedge will cost you around $100 from the manufacturer, which makes it a middle- to high-priced chipper option.

6. Best for seniors: Money Club Golf Chipper

Image Source: Amazon

The Money Club Chipper is one of the more cost-effective golf chippers, but it doesn’t come as cheap as the Intech Golf or Wilson chippers.

It’s extremely well suited to senior golfers who might need more stability while playing their shots. The chipper is adept at avoiding digging into the turf or snagging, making it a great option for playing shots from the side of the green.

It is a somewhat heavy steel golf club with a rounded sole, meaning smooth gliding across the turf and clean contact, even in the rough. The club face has several grooves allowing for controlling distance and providing reasonable spin.

The Money Club Chipper comes with an alignment guide behind the club face which measures the ball’s width, providing an aid for you to visually line up your shots. This chipper’s standard shaft is 35 inches, around the same length as a standard putter.

Simply put, using this shaft length provides a modicum of symmetry to your clubs which makes the consistency of your shots better.

In general, the Money Club Chipper is economical, stable, and performs reliably, making it our top choice as the best golf chipper for seniors in 2023.

Specifications

• Shaft material: Alloy steel
• Flex: Regular
• Loft: 37 Degrees
• Grip type: Rubber grip

Pros

• Putter-style shaft for symmetry
• Perfect control with a 37-degree loft offering arcing shots
• Alignment guide on back cavity for improved accuracy
• Two color choices – red and green
• Seven different shaft lengths ranging from 31 to 37 inches, with the standard length being 35 inches.

Cons

• Downswing could be slowed by the weighty, bulky club head speed
• Less control due to spin reduction, as there is no milling on the club face
• Only a single loft option
• No left-handed alternative

Price

• With a price tag of close to $70, you could do worse than investing in the Money Club Chipper.

Buyer’s Guide: What You Should Consider When Looking for a Golf Chipper

Before you spend a single dime on golf equipment of any type, it’s vital to ensure what you’re buying is suitable for your specific game. Unlike a driver, for example, it may not be imperative that your chipper fits your golf swing like a glove. Nonetheless, there are certain factors you’ll want to consider before you make any financial commitment to a new golf chipper:

Length

Golfers are all physically different, so you want to buy a club with the best shaft length for you. When selecting a chipper, find one where your arms are relaxed and comfortable while addressing the ball. If you’re too compact in your stance or feel like you’re stretching to reach the ball while holding the club, you should try a different shaft length.

Your golf game will always be better if you feel comfy! Plus, this only adds to your confidence, too.

Loft

Forgive us for assuming, but it’s likely that you, like most golfers, started playing golf using your eight iron for bump-and-run shots near the green, right? These shots, played with between 37 and 45 degrees of loft, are precisely what golf chippers are designed to execute.

Try out a few different lofts before you invest in a chipper. Speaking frankly, it’s the only way to find out which chipper enables you to play the specific shots that you’ll mostly need before you swipe your credit card.

Lie angle

It might appear obvious to some, but it’s worth stating: your chipper’s lie angle is important. If the angle of your golf chipper is too upright when positioned behind your ball, you may end up toeing the golf ball.

Alternatively, an angle that’s too flat could mean hitting the ball with the club’s heel. It’s best to have your chipper club head sitting evenly on the playing surface when you address your ball.

Feel, look, and sound

All golf clubs you own should feel, look, and sound right when you use them. It’s pointless heading onto the course with a set of clubs that you’re uneasy playing with. The mental element of your golf game is every bit as important as how well you’re physically swinging or putting, so you want to feel comfortable.

Golf can be a stressful enough game as it is, after all!

If you’re not confident in your weapons of choice, including your golf chipper, your round will likely not be as good. Should you find a chipper that’s physically perfect for you but you’re not happy with its grip, it’s not going to encourage productive golf.

Cost

It’s obvious that buying a new golf chipper doesn’t have the same financial implications as investing in a new driver. You’ll still do well to consider the chipper’s price, though. If you spend more, you’ll likely get a better quality product as the cost and the product’s quality are generally linked.

With that said, it doesn’t always make sense to pay a premium rate for a golf chipper if you’re a sunshine golfer who plays three or four times a year. If you’re a regular player intent on improving your handicap, spending extra on a durable club that’s the right fit makes perfect sense.

Why Golf Chippers are Necessary and What They’re Used For

It must have happened to you. You’re close to the green with a little rougher terrain between you and the smooth stuff. You pull out your putter, as a wedge shot might be a little too much for the position and you don’t want to end up overhitting the green. You hit a firm putting stroke but the ball catches the rough grass and veers off, overrunning the green anyway.

If only you’d had a chipper.

Golf chippers are designed exactly for this kind of situation. These highly specialized clubs are used to lift the ball slightly off the ground, allowing it to clear any initial hazards before rolling out like a putt.

What to Use – Your Wedge or a Golf Chipper?

As you become more accomplished, you’ll know instinctively which is the right club for the situation at hand.

To begin with, though, keep in mind that a wedge is a versatile club that is generally used for a lie that is further away from the hole but not far enough to use a longer iron effectively. It’s also useful for playing out of the rough or from certain positions in the sand.

On the other hand, your golf chipper is perfect to use from a good lie on the fringe of the green or slightly off the putting surface. Usually, this is where there’s too much longer grass between your ball’s position and the hole to use your putter effectively.

Use the following factors to assess whether your chipper is the right club to use in any given scenario:

How much height do you need for the shot?

Wedges are designed to provide elevation and spin to your golf ball, meaning you can land it on the green softly without too much risk of it overrunning the putting surface. They’re also very handy clubs to use out of bad lies in the rough and let you safely find the fairway for a subsequent approach shot.

A wedge shot can also be played with enough power and spin to backtrack a ball landing on the green beyond the hole.

Chipper clubs are there to carry out short bump-and-run chip shots. They lift the ball slightly on contact but allow it to remain on the surface for the most advantageous amount of time. So if you’re looking for height on your approach to the green and don’t want any overrun, use a wedge or even a sand wedge if you’re close enough and need elevation.

From what type of lie are you playing?

Chippers usually have a club face far shallower than that of a wedge, with the face likely not much greater than an inch. They come in mallet or blade shapes and are not designed to give a golf ball much lift; instead, they’re used for flatter golf shots.

As such, you don’t want to use a chipper if there is too much on the surface that will provide interference with the travel of your golf ball.

Wedges have far larger club heads, giving a larger surface area at impact. You’ll pull out your wedge if you’re in a tough lie and need to elevate your ball to generate enough spin, especially on long-distance shots of up to about 100 yards.

How far is your golf ball from the green?

You’ll use a chipper for golf shots within 20 yards of the pin, but there may be times you choose to use it for longer yardages. 30 yards is probably the maximum distance to use it, but only if the conditions are right. These longer chipper shots do have risks though, and they could result in a loss of ball control.

Conversely, the adaptability of a wedge means you can use it for a variety of shots with different lofts. Ideally, you should consider a wedge if your ball is between 30 and 150 yards from the green. Wedges can also be customized to cater to more precise yardages.

FAQs

How do you use a golf chipper?

Use your chipper by setting up with your feet close together and position your golf ball in the center of your stance. Using a short backswing, follow through with a putting stroke while keeping your club face square to where you’re aiming and your wrists firm.

What are the different types of golf chippers?

Golf chippers come with different loft angles and various shaft lengths. Some chippers are designed to carry out specific shot types on a golf course, like flop shots or bump-and-run chip shots. Depending on the manufacturer, golf chippers can be made for left- and right-handed golfers.

Can golf chippers be used as putters?

While there are a few makes of chipper that can carry out chip shots while also fulfilling putting functions, they’re not generally designed as putters. Although similar in design, a chipper’s lofted face makes a putt using one more difficult to control.