Odyssey re-invents the chipper

Credible chipper: Odyssey validates the chipper with its 'putting wedge'

Never been a fan of the chipper - the purpose-built club that looks like a putter but with the face loft of a 6- or 7-iron. In my world using this club instead of a lofted wedge or a medium iron to play the ball from the fringe, is a form of cheating.

Call me old fashioned, but like the broomhandled or belly putter, it defies the spirit of the game to get the ball closer or often into the hole using equipment that effectively bends the rules.

Long ago, I convinced myself that 'real golfers' never used chippers because they identified a weakness, tended to be made by smaller brands and were 'cheap and nasty products' aimed at the entry level golfer. Some golfers 'of mature age' used them to great effect but they rarely competed in the competitions I entered so I paid little heed .

Now Odyssey, one of the top brands in golf equipment, part of the Callaway stable with major champions like Padraig Harrington, Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els using their putters, have blown my theories out of the water by revealing the Odyssey Marxman X-act 'putting wedge' at the Golf Europe Trade Show in Munich this week.

Chip shock: The 37-degree Marxman X-act from Odyssey

My first impression was that I was appalled by Odyssey's validation and endorsement of a type of club that eliminates the skill-factor of the delicate chip from the fringe.

I would even be inclined, from the comfort of my my favourite TV armchair, to heckle Messrs Harrington, Mickelson and Els if I ever saw their respective caddies handing them the Marxman X-act in a professional tournament.

I'd even question its legality on Tour, such is its simplicity to use in the right hands, though I'd doubt its lack of 'street cred' would allow any pro to be seen with one - even in a practice round.

At a recommended price of £89, it's a far cry from the bargain bucket price of most chippers and it will be fascinating to see if, when the club is released in November, whether Odyssey's authentication, suddenly makes it the must have club of 2008.

By the way, when I get chance to try one under competitive conditions - as Odyssey has promised - I may well forget my principles if it knocks shots of my score!

New look: Marxman mini mallet out next month

And look out in February for the introduction of Odyssey Black Series putters (£189), designed for accomplished players with a heavy flange, the White Hot XG Sabertooth and the White Hot Tour (£109) with weight ports in the sole to optimise shorter-length putters with 33- and 34-inch shafts.

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