GPS V Chippers

[Slab]

Posted this at the tail of the GPS thread but possible worth its own:

I've enjoyed reading the GPS/Gimmick thread

What struck me is how passionately some will defend their right to use GPS (despite alternatives being available)
I do wonder if all those posters have defended the right to use belly putters & chippers with the same fervour, as it seems opinion in those threads are very much weighted against the use of these two products to the point of ridicule!

What's the difference?

Why do those threads (with many of the same contributors) seem to suggest that a chipper is akin to satans walking stick, while a GPS is a DMD to selecting the right club to lay up at the pearly gates?

 

[Imurg]

I think many consider a chipper to be a waste of a club - most clubs in the bag could be used to play the same shot so having one specifically for it uses one of your 14.
I don't like them but if anyone wants to use one (and that goes for Bellys and Brooms too) then carry on.
It's a legal club

My CHOICE is to not use a chipper/Belly/Broom.........

 

[ArnoldArmChewer]

Chip away if it rocks your world.

 

[MashieNiblick]

I think the anti chipper thing is mostly a bit of fun, like having to be old to use Ping, or using a hydrid rather than a long iron, as it suggests you can't play a proper chip shot hence opens you up to a bit of ribbing. The view is they are unnecessary if you can play "properly". Personally I have no issue with them (or hybrids) they've been around a long time and it's just that they aren't fashionable. Legal so long as they only have 1 striking face and a perfectly sensible and reasonable club. No different from using a 460cc titatium driver because it's easier to hit than a 220cc lump of persimmon.

Belly putter debate is a bit more about what the fundementals of golf are - i.e. should you be allowed to anchor the club against your body. Personally I think that you shouldn't as then it isn't a golf stroke but there are other views, and a golf stroke has never been defined in such as way as to make this illegal.

I feel the DMD debate falls between the 2 with some feeling they are unnecessary, others that they are against the spirit of the game, but I know this thread isn't intended to open that debate again.

 

[Birchy]

GPS - A quicker version of yardage book, cant see how anybody would have problem with them.

Chipper - A club which is used like any other but pretty pointless with the other clubs in the bag able to do same job. No problem with them.

Belly putters - It shouldnt be allowed as anchoring a club to your body is clearly not what golf is about.

 

[Imurg]

Belly putters - Imo its cheating as anchoring a club to your body is clearly not what golf is about.

Fortunately a person's opinion on the Rules doesn't matter much.
They are legal so the word "cheating" can't be used whether you agree with their use or not.

 

[BTatHome]

Fortunately a person's opinion on the Rules doesn't matter much.
They are legal so the word "cheating" can't be used whether you agree with their use or not.

I agree with you Imurg, unfortunatley if people can't use that word they start quoting 'spirit of the game', and the like. Which is just as bad, as it's a totally mythical term used to try to discourage anyone from doing things that they are against but have no rules to back them up.

 

[Birchy]

Fortunately a person's opinion on the Rules doesn't matter much.
They are legal so the word "cheating" can't be used whether you agree with their use or not.

Thats just my opinion. I think they shouldnt be allowed may of been the correct phrase as to not upset anybody that uses one.

 

[MashieNiblick]

"Spirit of the Game" isn't entirely mythical and is referred to explicitly in the Rules of Golf which say

"Spirit of the Game

"Golf is played, for the most part, without the supervision of a referee or umpire. The game relies on the integrity of the individual to show consideration for other players and to abide by the Rules. All players should conduct themselves in a disciplined manner, demonstrating courtesy and sportsmanship at all times, irrespective of how competitive they may be. This is the spirit of the game of golf."

I agree though it is often used in a much broader way than that set out by the R&A. Perhaps we ought to be more careful in using it when maybe "traditions of the game" or some other phrase (e.g. "my personal beliefs about how the game should be played") might be more appropriate. I'll fess up to being as guilty on this as anyone.

 

[Wildrover]

I think it was Ernie Els who said that while it was legal to cheat then he would do it but he thought that long/belly putters should be banned and I have to agree with him.

GPS I can't think of a problem with, speeds up play and is just a digital yardage book.

Chippers, evil tools that should be banned. I'm not going into why as I've posted it on the numerous chipper threads in the past and can't be bothered to rake over old ground.

 

[Deleted member 1147]

If it's legal I would gladly defend your right to use it, no matter what it is.


But I'd probably laugh at you if you used a chipper

 

[duncan mackie]

I think the anti chipper thing is mostly a bit of fun, like having to be old to use Ping, or using a hydrid rather than a long iron, as it suggests you can't play a proper chip shot hence opens you up to a bit of ribbing. The view is they are unnecessary if you can play "properly". Personally I have no issue with them (or hybrids) they've been around a long time and it's just that they aren't fashionable. Legal so long as they only have 1 striking face and a perfectly sensible and reasonable club. No different from using a 460cc titatium driver because it's easier to hit than a 220cc lump of persimmon.

Belly putter debate is a bit more about what the fundementals of golf are - i.e. should you be allowed to anchor the club against your body. Personally I think that you shouldn't as then it isn't a golf stroke but there are other views, and a golf stroke has never been defined in such as way as to make this illegal.

I feel the DMD debate falls between the 2 with some feeling they are unnecessary, others that they are against the spirit of the game, but I know this thread isn't intended to open that debate again.

couldn't have put any of it better....:clap:

 

[Snelly]

A GPS is fine. A chipper is for those with special needs. A belly putter is wrong. The R&A got this wrong and I think as golfers we should not buy belly putters as they are simply not right. Not golf. Els is right. So am I.

 

[Swinger]

I use a belly putter and I love it.

I just can't get enough of the thick grip and the long shaft! I also really like my belly button being touched.


I can't stand chippers and GPS though as I don't feel they are in the spirit of the game.

 

[Deleted Member 1156]

I don't get this whole belly/broom putter debate. What is everyone's problem? The argument seems to revolve around the point that they give the user an advantage.

Fine, if that is what you think, go out and buy one!! Personally, I've tried the things on putting greens, absolutely awful contraptions and IMHO, hats off to anyone that can actually use one. I'll be sticking to my conventional flatstick thank you very much.

 

[ScienceBoy]

So what about a belly chipper hitting a shot measured by GPS?

 

[Mattyboy]

To add more to this thread - what about Mickelson and the square grooves? Another one within the rules, similar to long putters, but wasnt he called the 'C' word by a fellow pro?

I do not use any of them fortunatley - but if they would help me, I am sure I would.

 

[Dave3498]

Is there a chipper with a built-in GPS on the market? I've been looking for one.

 

[GreiginFife]

I would never try to measure distance with a chipper or hit a chip with my GPS...
Is that not what a versus statement is getting at?

 

[chrisd]

Chippers are a device, spawned of the devil, to help lazy gits from learning the art of the short game!

Belly putters are a device, created in heaven, to allow fatter peple to push their stomachs in whilst bending over, so as to appear more attractive to the lady members.!