Two-Way Chipper Golf Club: How It Works and When to Use One

A two-way chipper golf club has a different face on each side, usually a traditional loft for chips and a flatter or more lofted face for a different trajectory. If you understand how each side behaves, you can cover more short-game shots with one club and spend less time changing clubs on the green. This guide explains how the design works, how to set up for each face, and how to decide whether a two-way chipper golf club belongs in your bag.

What a Two-Way Chipper Golf Club Is

A two-way chipper golf club is a short-game club with a head that is shaped differently on its two faces. Most designs pair a standard chipping loft on one side with a second loft, sole shape, or face texture on the other. The idea is simple: instead of carrying a separate chipper and a utility wedge for tight lies and fairway chips, you flip the club to change the shot.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 6 Best Golf Chipper Clubs for Short Game Control (2026).

Manufacturers vary the specifics. Some put the second face at a higher loft for softer, higher pitches. Others use a lower loft and a slightly different bounce to run the ball out. The name describes the concept, not one standard spec, so always check the stated loft on each side before you buy.

How the Two Faces Differ

The two faces typically differ in three ways:

• Loft: The primary face is usually in the chipping range, often somewhere around the mid-30s to low-40s in degrees for the standard side. The secondary face may be lower or higher, depending on the design.
• Bounce: Bounce is the angle between the leading edge and the ground at address. A higher bounce angle helps the club skip through softer turf and thick grass, while a lower bounce suits firm lies.
• Sole grind: The shape of the sole affects how the club interacts with the turf. Some two-way designs use a wider sole on one side and a narrower sole on the other.

Read the manufacturer’s loft and bounce numbers for both sides. Those figures tell you more than the marketing language does.

Why Golfers Use Two-Way Chipper Clubs

The main benefit is fewer clubs in the short-game area. Many players carry a lob wedge, a sand wedge, and a chipper, then struggle to choose quickly between them. A two-way design can cover several of those shots, which helps in three situations:

1. Tight lies where you want the ball to run out more than it would from a lofted wedge.
2. Fluffy or uneven lies where a higher-lofted face gets the ball airborne with less risk of a thin strike.
3. Quick decisions around the green, when you do not have time to walk back to the bag or consult a yardage book.

The trade-off is that a two-way club is a compromise. It rarely matches a dedicated lob wedge for high, soft flop shots or a dedicated putter-style chipper for pure roll. Think of it as a versatile option, not a replacement for every specialized tool.

Step-by-Step: Setting Up for Each Face

Using both faces well starts with setup. The stance and ball position should match the shot you want, and the club face must be square at impact. Work through these steps the first few times you practice.

Step 1: Choose the Face Before You Address the Ball

Decide which face you will use before you step up to the ball. Changing your mind over the ball often leads to a rushed, poorly set up stroke. Pick the face based on the lie and the trajectory you want. Lower and rolling shots usually call for the lower-lofted side. Higher and softer shots call for the higher-lofted side.

Step 2: Set the Ball Position

• Standard chip: Place the ball slightly back of center, roughly in line with the middle of your stance.
• Higher pitch: Move the ball a touch forward, toward your lead heel, to help the club pick the ball up.
• Lower run-out: Keep the ball back, closer to center or slightly behind it, to deliver a more descending blow with a lower launch.

Step 3: Adjust Your Weight and Hands

Set about 60 to 70 percent of your weight on your lead side for most chips. Keep your hands slightly ahead of the ball at address so the shaft leans toward the target. This forward shaft lean keeps the leading edge from digging, especially on the higher-lofted face.

Step 4: Make a Smooth, Controlled Stroke

Use a pendulum motion from your shoulders with minimal wrist action. Keep the length of your backswing similar to the length of your follow-through. For a longer chip, increase the swing length rather than swinging harder. A common guideline is to match the backswing and follow-through distances, adjusting both to control carry and roll.

Step 5: Check Your Contact

After each shot, look at the ball’s track and where it landed. A crisp strike leaves a small, clean divot after the ball, or none at all with a bounce-driven club. A fat strike leaves a deep divot, and a thin strike sends the ball past the target. Use the feedback to adjust ball position or weight distribution next time.

Choosing the Right Face for the Shot

Match the face to the lie and the target. The table below gives a general starting point. Actual results depend on your swing, the turf, and the wind.

Situation	Face to Use	Ball Position	Expected Flight
Tight lie, firm turf	Lower-lofted face	Center to slightly back	Low, with more roll
Fairway chip, normal lie	Standard face	Center	Medium launch, moderate roll
Fluffy lie or rough	Higher-lofted face	Forward of center	Higher launch, less roll
Short carry over a bunker lip	Higher-lofted face	Forward of center	Soft landing, minimal roll

Before you rely on this on the course, hit a dozen shots from each lie on a practice green. Track the carry and roll so you know what to expect.

Practice Drills for a Two-Way Chipper Golf Club

Good practice makes the change between faces feel natural. Try these drills:

• Alternating faces: Chip five balls from the same spot using one face, then five with the other. Note how each one lands and rolls.
• Target distance ladder: Place markers at 5, 10, and 15 feet. Hit three balls to each marker with each face and record your results.
• Random lie drill: Have a friend set different lies or nudge a ball into light rough. Choose a face in under five seconds and hit the shot.

Common Mistakes

• Mixing up the faces mid-shot: Choose before you address the ball. Switching your mind at the last moment creates tension.
• Forgetting ball position changes: A higher-lofted face needs the ball forward. Leaving it in the center can produce a thin, low shot.
• Ignoring bounce on soft turf: A low-bounce face on thick grass can dig. Use the higher-bounce side when the ground is soft.
• Trying to replace a lob wedge: A two-way club will not hold a steep, soft flop as well as a dedicated lob wedge. Know its limits.
• Overswinging: Most chips are decided by the length of the swing, not by speed. A longer, smooth swing beats a hard, short one.

Tips for Getting the Most from Your Club

• Mark the face you intend to use with a small dot of paint or tape on the grip end so you can glance down quickly.
• Keep the grooves clean. Dirt in the grooves changes spin and launch, especially on the higher-lofted side.
• Use a consistent grip pressure around 4 to 5 on a 10-point scale so your strike stays repeatable.
• Practice on the same turf you usually play. Practice mats and real fairways behave very differently.

Recommended Gear

A few items can make practice with a two-way club more productive:

• Chipping practice net: A small target net lets you rehearse short shots in a backyard or garage, where you can focus on contact and ball flight without walking after every shot. View on Amazon
• Ball marker and alignment aid: A simple alignment stick or flat line on the green helps you keep your stance and face square to the target during drills. View on Amazon
• Practice chipping mat: A rubber or turf-style mat lets you hit real chips with the club’s sole interacting with grass-like texture, which helps you read bounce and turf interaction. View on Amazon

Related reading: Alignment Sticks Golf Drills: 8 Setup Drills to Fix Your Stroke and How to Use Golf Alignment Sticks: A Step-by-Step Guide for Straighter Putts both cover setup routines that transfer well to short-game practice.

FAQ

What is a two-way chipper golf club used for?

It is used for chips, pitches, and short runners around the green. The two faces let you choose a lower-running shot or a higher, softer one without changing clubs.

Is a two-way chipper better than a regular chipper?

It depends on your game. A two-way design adds versatility by covering more lies and trajectories. A traditional chipper may suit players who want a simpler, more consistent roll on the green.

Can a two-way chipper replace a lob wedge?

For most players, not fully. A dedicated lob wedge is better for high, steep shots over obstacles. A two-way club works well for lower and medium-trajectory shots.

How do I know which side to use?

Choose the lower-lofted side for firm lies and rolling shots. Choose the higher-lofted side for fluffy lies, rough, or when you need the ball to stop quickly.

Does ball position change with each face?

Yes. Move the ball forward for the higher-lofted face and keep it center or slightly back for the lower-lofted face. These adjustments help the club strike the ball cleanly.

How much practice do I need before using it on the course?

Plan on at least a few practice sessions covering different lies and distances. Confidence grows quickly once you know how each face carries and rolls.

Should I check with a golf professional before buying?

If you have a specific swing issue, such as heavy contact or a consistent tendency to dig, a golf professional can recommend the right loft, bounce, and shaft for your swing. A fitting session can help you avoid a club that works against your technique.

Conclusion

A two-way chipper golf club gives you two short-game options in one head. Learn how each face behaves, set your ball position to match the shot, and practice switching faces until the choice feels automatic. Used well, it can simplify your short game and cover more lies with fewer decisions on the green.

Related reading

• Top 5 Left Handed Chipper Golf Club Picks for Better Short Game
• Odyssey Chipper Golf Club: What It Is and How to Use One Well
• Chipper Golf Club for Sale: 7 Best Picks for Short Game (2026)

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