Expert: Eddie Kilthau - 7/23/2007

Question
what is the stroke basics for a CHIPPER IRON.

Answer
Dennis:

I am not sure what a chipper iron is, however, years ago, they had an iron specifically designed for chipping.  I will assume that is what you have.  It looks like a putter with quite a bit of loft on it, right?  If so, make the stroke like a putt.  I would play the ball back just inside my back foot (right foot for right handed golfers), have the handle slightly forward and then hit it like a putt.  The design of the chipping iron is for exactly that.  People have had so much trouble chipping, many people think that club makes it so much easier.  I will agree, but the one drawback I have with it is you can only use that club for that purpose.  Your other irons offer so much more versatility, but for the purposes of making your life easier when chipping, I say let it rip Dennis.  

Eddie Kilthau
PGA Member