By Ed Travis
PING understands the issues average golfers face when attempting to hit delicate chips. Shots with a wedge that require less than a full swing and lots of touch. The company had previously addressed the problem with the original Chipo over 40 years ago. The new ChipR, part putter and part wedge, borrows from that previous experience with the Chipo. This new club, however, is different and easier to hit.
It’s not a putter with lots of loft, nor is it a funny looking wedge, it’s a bit of both. The ChipR is designed to use a putting stroke to hit shots traveling a minimum distance in the air with lots of roll out. It solves the problem of chunked, bladed, or shanked shots around the green.
The ChipR has added weight around the perimeter with an offset shaft. The loft at 38.5 degrees is similar to a nine iron, but the 35-inch length and 70 degree lie angle, are comparable to a putter
To further smooth turf interaction during the stroke, ChipR’s sole has a decided camber to promote a clean impact, even when hitting from long grass. The hosel is notched to reduce both the overall weight, shifting the center of gravity to the center of the clubhead and also to facilitate customization. The grip is longer with less taper than a normal club.
John K. Solheim, President and CEO of PING told us,
“Golfers who fear chunking or blading their chip shots are really going to benefit from the new PING ChipR. We’ve learned a lot since my grandfather, Karsten Solheim, invented the Chipo, but his insights were spot on as always. Our research indicates 1/3 of all golfers who tested the ChipR saw better results compared to a traditional wedge. We’ve engineered a lot of technology into the ChipR to help golfers avoid the poor chip shot and save strokes around the green. It represents another score-lowering option from our engineers for golfers in search of game improvement and more enjoyment on the golf course.”
Fast Facts PING ChipR
-Cast 431 stainless steel head
-Cavity back, shallow face
-Weight adjustment screw in toe
-Loft: 38.5°, bounce: 8°
-Stock shafts: Ping Z-Z115 steel, Ping Alta CB graphite
-Stock grip: 360 Dyla-wedge Lite
-MSRP: $180 per club steel, $195 per club graphite
