Remember the Ping Chipo? Well, it's back (but different). Say hello to the Ping ChipR, which combines elements of a putter and wedge to help golfers around the greens.
The investment-cast, 431 stainless steel ChipR is inspired by the Chipo, introduced in the late 1970s for golfers who struggled around the green with blading and chunking.
With the length of a putter (35 inches) and a loft closer to a 9-iron (38.5 degrees), the ChipR is designed to be used on shots of 40 yards or less with a putting-like stroke to create bump-and-run shots. According to Ping research, one-third of ChipR testers saw improvement compared to a traditional wedge with chip shots. The idea is that taking the variability of the chipping motion out of the shot should be more comfortable for many golfers.
The ChipR is fairly compact, with a shallow face and a cambered sole with 8 degrees of bounce to offer versatility from the rough and fringe. The milled MicroMax grooves with a hydropearl 2.0 finish help control trajectory. There's tunsten weighing in the toe and shaft to help with forgiveness and promote a consistent stroke.
The Ping ChipR is available now in the Ping Z-Z115 wedge steel shaft ($195) and the Ping Alta CB Slate (R) graphite shaft ($210).
