Your digust at the playing of chippers is really misplaced. Certainly on parkland courses they not needed, on links they are indispensible either in their own right or in their alter ego the 5 iron. The traditional run-up, or our friends across the pond call the "knock down" shot, is the difference, between the two types of golf where the greens are holding and a four iron will stick, or they are brick hard and adjustment of distance of the shot is the premium requirement. Where the later is the case the run-up is crucial.Too many golfers nowadays crowd their bags with too many clubs ie 3or 4 wedges without the ability to play them accurately enough to justify their inclusion. A chipper would do-a-way with alot of that,when I started golf I was told if there is nothing between you and the pin take the straightest club you have,the theory being even if you duff it you are likely to be somewhere near the pin, the chipper answers that situation.

I agree with your friend. There is nothing on the score card that says "how", it just says "how many". There is no credit for using a specific club. I once played in a scramble and won closes to the pin on a par three. My three partners all hit good shots landing on the green. My tee shot missed the green. It hit the edge on the wood used for the cart path. The ball bounced to a mound on the back of the green, rolled down and ended up 9 inches from the pin. I took a ribbing but gladly accepted the prize. The bottom line was it didn't matter how the ball got there, it was where it ended up that counts. This is true on any course and on any of the pro tours. I remember on the PGA a tee shot on a par 3 hit a fan standing around the green. The ball rolled in the hole. The pro was allowed to write 1 on his score card for that hole. If it works for them it works for me.

I am a fan of the Jigger.I aquired my old steel shafted club second hand in 1973. It has become my favourite club, used from 140 yds,to the fringe. Always straight.I have a golf day at our club for the seniors. It is a 'fun day' only using three clubs and a putter. Driver, rescue 24 degree, and my jigger.Last competition I had 46 stableford points. It is a most versatile club. This is not because I am unhappy with my wedges.My partners all say that it should be banned. I just quote like previous messages,'it is not how, but how many'.

I think the point being that why have a club that does nothing that the other clubs can already do ? You said about using the 5 iron, why not the 7 iron, 8 iron, 3 wood or 60 deg wedge ? Doesn't using the other clubs give you more versatility terrain depending.....
Some of the chippers look like putters and others rescue clubs... why not use those clubs in the first place ?

My jigger being very old has a curved base, very heavy, and much shorter shaft than my wedges. The loft is similar to a 9 iron. There is no way that it can be swung at speed, thus eliminating forcing

further to my posting above, I use a Kro-Flite Twix approach putter made by AG Spalding Bros, it is plain faced which gives it a spinless ball.I think it dates from about the 1930's, perhaps someone can tell me if that is correct.

Why do some golfers wear a glove and some don't? Why do some golfers use a blade putter, some a mallet, or any other kind? Why do some wear white shoes and some wear black or brown? Why do some carry a Ping golf bag but do not play Ping clubs? Why, because they like it. If someone wants to use a chipper so what? I concentrate on my game, not what club someone else is using.

Chippers are excellent clubs for newcomers to golf, and those that are really struggling with their chipping.
If you want to shoot in the 70's then you really have to lose the chipper and learn the techniques, but if not then use one if you like to!

Personally I think that any club has to earn its place in the bag and that is decided by how often you use it. Therefore if you regularly use a chipper it has earned it's place in the bag.

For me personally virtually every club is in the bag is a 'chipper' according to the lie and shot required.

I agree. I don't use a chipper either. I use many clubs depending on the shot required. You should use whatever club you feel confident with. If that is a chipper so be it. If it helps your score then it is the right club for you. Amen!