We all have a favourite club (until it starts going wrong!), and for a long time mine has been a 5-iron. I’ve always been very comfortable with woods, but when it comes to the irons, it’s that one that I’m most happy with.
I’m sure you know that feeling. There are some clubs you pull out of the bag because you know that’s what you should use for a certain distance, but it just doesn’t do it for you. Somehow, it fills you with negative thoughts as soon as you address the ball, or is that just me thinking: "I don’t like this club," or "I never hit it well"?
"There is one club that I’ve recently added to my bag, and it might just overtake the 5-iron in the favourite stakes! It’s a Ping ChipR Le - a club that takes away all the anxiety of those tricky chips from the fringe that I might possibly shank (I know I shouldn’t mention that word!)."
Looking for a Saviour
Then there are those clubs you’re tempted to add to your bag or swap out, hoping they might be the saviour to your game and your score.
As I’ve previously mentioned, I’m not the best bunker player (although vastly improved since my lesson last year with Sarah Bennett), but I do miss my 60-degree wedge. It was stolen a few years ago from the boot of my car along with the rest of my clubs, and unlike the others in the set, I’ve never replaced it – though I think I should.
Trying the Chipper
I must admit, as I’ve written about in this article, detailing how it’s used and its clever design, I’d seen other players using a chipper, but I suppose I saw it as a failing if I had to resort to one for short game shots. But that’s all changed.
It takes a bit of getting used to in terms of distance control, but it’s been a godsend, especially with our golf courses being so dry. The thought of hitting a clean chip off a bare lie fills me with dread just writing about it! That said, I can’t rely on it too much. I don’t want to be scuppered if I need to lob the ball over a greenside bunker, so my wedges still have to come out to play.
Nottingham Golf Trip
Just last weekend, I played two fabulous courses in Nottingham: Sherwood Forest and Wollaton Park. It was my first time golfing in this part of the country, and both offered a great test of golf. As expected, the fairways were as dry as a bone, so I used my chipper to great effect.
A special mention goes to Wollaton Park, where I fell in love with the deer roaming the course. They move with such grace, which is more than I can say for my golf swing at times!
- ✓ Sherwood Forest: A fabulous test of golf in Nottingham.
- ✓ Wollaton Park: Beautiful course with graceful roaming deer.
