Although I have a pretty good short game , I struggle a bit in competition. Which shows me that it is mostly a mental problem. I can go out to the practice green and chip/pitch with all clubs and do well; but then take that to the course and sometimes, I'll chunk it or blade it, etc.Many golfers are talking about the Cleveland Niblicks and how easy they are to hit. Many are also using them as a pure utility club and replacing either their 9 iron, pw, gw, sw.
I primarily want to use one for 30 yards and in. This is where I cost myself strokes because of inconsistencies. And I do practice my short game a lot.
I wasn't sure as to which degree to buy, the 42* or the 49*. I felt the 42* would be good for the long run-outs but the 49* would give me more loft, when needed. I ended up getting the 42*. I went right to the practice green and soon discovered what a lot of others have said:
This club is VERY easy to hit. Mis-hits are almost impossible. The ball gets up in the air every single time so it is now easier to concentrate on distance rather than contact. That alone should save some strokes.
It does take some getting use too. The run-out is severe at times. I tried from various distances but this club is good for the longer chips/pitches. You can use it for long chip shots over raised mounds as long as you have green to work with. You can also vary the trajectory by playing off your right or left foot. On longer pitches you will have to use some wrist break to cover the distance but on regular chips all that is needed is a putting stroke.
I practiced with it comparing it to my 8 iron and 9 iron (for chipping). As I mentioned before, while practicing, I can perform like a pro so it was a little difficult to make a good comparison, but the one standout for the niblick was that it was a bit easier to hit it straight, while the others would go off line sometimes.
I like using a 60* for chips also, even if I have no obstructions and lots of green. Reason - I have a bad tendency to shoot for the flag, which usually leaves me over shooting the pin with normal iron chips. Many pros will say to get the ball rolling as soon as possible with chips, but for me, taking it straight to the pin eliminates all those variables such as breaks, undulations, poor green conditions, etc. With the 60*, I can take it straight to the pin and stop it. Of course other problems arise with this type of shot. Chunks/thins, etc. And as mentioned, on the practice green, I hit it almost perfect every time...on the course is a different story.
The more I use this club, the better I am getting. On the course the other day, my first few chips left me within 2 feet of the cup. Although my intentions were to use this for short pitches and long chips, I tried it from 100 yards. Wow, was I surprised. Dead straight and right on the center of the green. One bounce and stop. Tried it a few more times and got excellent results. I will, probably, replace my PW with this club and use it from 120 yards and in.
You must practice with pitches/chips to get the distance down, but this club is very easy to hit. As far as 100 yard shots, just swing.
I am now looking into getting the 49* and 56*.
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Product Description:
Add some improved consistency and forgiveness to you chips, pitches, recovery and even approach shots. The Cleveland Niblick combines a wedge's sole (8° bounce) to prevent fat shots, a putter's length for control, an irons leading edge to hosel transition for a natural address position, and a hybrid's increased heel-toe blade length, perimeter weighting and CG (center of gravity) depth to raise MOI (moment of inertia) and improve stability.
