Sounds like the bunkers you are in are similar to the 'drying concrete' type of bunkes that I am in most of the time over here in the Netherlands... and quite a lot of pebble dash thrown in.
Okay, so today was indoor day. My 'new' Wilson fybrid 24 degree was good. In fact, one shot even went 185 yards (total). In general, much easier to hit.
I would love a modern 9 wood. But they are both hard to find and expensive! But if I had gone and bought a good one three years ago I would have probably saved money by now....
I have one of those too. But as you struggle with chipping, my challenge is the 150 yard carry shot. Which is so important for scoring... I have gone through many different clubs over the last 4 years but still haven't found a reliable solution. I have now bought another hybrid... To be honest...
Update: it turns out that this club is a bit too hard to hit consistently for me. So I have put it up for sale. I think people with a higher swingspeed, or myself aged 25, would really enjoy this. I am now trying a Wilson Fybrid, which is a bit of a blend between a 7 wood and a 4 hybrid. Hope...
As someone who uses a Cleveland Smart Sole Chipper, I have to say: it's not a magic solution for chipping - ironically enough.
I love that club, but I get more from it as an approach club from 100 meters or less. I lenghtened the shaft - so basically it's now my attack wedge. I hit it...
Honma uses some kind of sleeve thing with their wrenches. But I have found out that you don't really need it, and any wrench fits. So I think they are universal.
You must go to either Anstruther (9 holes) or Kinghorn (short, Old, fun 18 hole). You will have a blast at either place. For Kinghorn, I recommend just taking a half set and playing some form of matchplay. The greenfee is around 22 quid
Oh, and just crossed my mind: Scotscraig is just 20 min...
My 2026 targets:
Life: get my divorce wrapped up and move to a new home and enjoy life with my daughters there.
Golf: play with my mates, get to a sub 17 handicap. Same set of clubs all year. Play at least 1 comp. Go on a short tour, even if it's just over the border in Germany or Belgium!