Should You Put a Chipper in the Bag? Honest Review of the Ping Chipper

Should You Put a Chipper in the Bag? Honest Review of the Ping Chipper

Do you struggle with golf short game?

Hands up if this sounds like your short game: duffs, chunks, skulls, and total fear around the greens...

If that’s you, maybe it’s time to ask—should you put a chipper in the bag? I took the Ping ChipR for a real-world spin to find out who it’s for, where it excels, and whether it could actually help your game.

👇 Watch the full test and on-course footage here:

What Is the Ping ChipR?

The Ping ChipR is a chipper-style club built with 38.5° of loft—very similar to a 9-iron—but it sets up more upright like a putter and features a super-wide sole for forgiveness. That means you can use your putting stroke with confidence and let the club do the work.

It’s designed to:

  • Sit upright to encourage a pendulum stroke
  • Glide through turf (even when you hit behind the ball)
  • Help golfers struggling with strike and low point

Who Should Consider a Chipper?

This club isn't for everyone—but it definitely has a place:

đź‘Ť Perfect For:

  • Beginners learning the short game
  • Golfers who struggle with strike and low point
  • Those who lack confidence using wedges from bare or wet lies
  • Players who want one go-to option around the greens

đź‘Ž Not Ideal For:

  • Skilled players looking for versatility and multiple shot options
  • Golfers who already know how to use bounce properly
  • Tight situations requiring high loft or spin control

Real Course Testing: What I Found

I tested the Ping chipper from a variety of lies:

🟢 From a Fair Lie:

  • Extremely forgiving
  • Could hit up to 2 inches behind the ball and still get a decent result
  • Putts out consistent low spinners with good feel

🟤 From a Tight or Bare Lie:

  • Surprisingly capable if you use the toe down technique
  • Glides instead of digging
  • Definitely easier than a wedge for many golfers in this scenario

🌾 From the Rough:

  • Not enough loft to stop the ball quickly
  • Struggled with short-sided shots
  • Shows the limitations of being a one-dimensional club

🟡 From a Greenside Bunker:

  • Surprisingly useable!
  • Wide sole helped pop the ball out
  • But definitely not a preferred option for deep sand or precise spin control

🎯 Versatility: Limited, But There’s Some Spin

I was able to shape spin slightly (cut and draw spins) using subtle changes to setup and path. But let’s be honest—this club is made for simplicity, not shotmaking.

💬 Final Thoughts: Should You Use a Chipper?

If you're new to golf or just want a stress-free short game option, the Ping ChipR could be a solid addition. But if you’re willing to learn the fundamentals of bounce, release patterns, and shot selection—you’re better off spending that £130–170 on a few short game lessons.

I personally won’t be putting the chipper in the bag—I still trust my wedges. But I get the appeal.

 

What Do You Think?

Have you tried a chipper? Are they cheat clubs or game-changers? 

đź“Ś Pro Tip:

If you’re not ready to commit to a chipper, try using your 9-iron or PW with a putting motion and weight left. It’s a great way to bridge the gap before going full chipper.

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