My chipping has been so horrific lately that I was looking at getting a chipper. Yes, I know people will make fun of me, but if it shaves strokes off my game...
So are they legal?
I couldn't find them in the USGA equipment database, but I don't believe that's conclusive. I found this on the equipment FAQ:
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. See Part 2, Sections 1 through 5 of the Equipment Rules.
I browsed the sections referenced above, and the noteworthy parts are listed in the examples in italics above.
I looked at three different models, and here's what I found:
Ping Chipr - This seems to be the high end chipper. And from what I could find, I believe that it's conforming. I'll need to go back to double-check the grip. Golf Mart had it for $119, which seems to be below list price. Maybe it was a demo.
Pinseeker Chip 'n Run - The head appears to be conforming, but I'm pretty sure that there was a putter grip on the one I tried. This would make it non-conforming. Obviously the grip could be replaced, but that would take it beyond the $39 price tag.
Rezults Chipper - The head of this model had a protrusion for aiming purposes, so this one is non-conforming. This one was also $39.
I have a gift card for Golf Mart, so I may have to invest in one of the first two and report back.
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