On the golf course, hybrid chip-and-run clubs, or "chippers," come in handy around the greens. These clubs are not traditional nor common in professional bags, but can provide amateurs with an added advantage because of their consistency and easy-to-hit design. Chippers are commonly used for short pitch shots that must travel along the ground. The clubs tend to start the ball with a true roll and take some of the guesswork out of pitching the ball close to the hole.
Pitching Close
Getting the ball up and down from the side of the green is one of golf's most important elements of scoring. The hybrid chip and run golf club directly helps in that regard. A traditional wedge can be hard for a beginner or intermediate golfer to hit. Without perfect technique, wedges are difficult to control and hard to produce consistent results. The chipper is easier to hit thanks to its design. The club is build with the body of a putter and face of a wedge. Golfers can swing the club like a putter, one of the easier motions in golf, and still achieve results of a pitch shot.
Low Shots Only
With its design and proper chipping technique, the chipper produces low, bump-and-run shots that travel along the ground and roll to the target. It is virtually impossible to hit lofted shots with the chipper. This can be useful in windy conditions where you want to avoid the shot being affected by the elements. Also, chip-and-run shots are generally safer than lofting the ball into the air. Elevating shots can be risky for amateur golfers because of the advanced technique. Hybrid chip and run golf clubs provide a safe alternative.
Available And Affordable
Hybrid chip and run golf clubs are available at most major golf retailers and at some pro shops. Online retailer Golfsmith lists several available models from major manufactures, including the Adams a7OS, Tour Edge Geomax, Odyssey Marxman X-Act, and the Zevo Chipper. These clubs typically cost less than the average wedge, making the club a cost-effective alternative that can also be easier to use on the course.
Practice First
Practicing with the chipper is imperative before using the club in tournament or casual play. Before taking the hybrid chip and run club to the course, you must understand the principles behind the design. The club is shaped like a putter but incorporates a wedge face. The club is not meant to be swung up and down like a wedge but rather with the sweeping motion of a putter. Using the proper motion will create consistent shots that skip off the face and roll close to the hole.
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