Duffers Corner

The long forgotten era of club naming; Brassie, spoon, mashie, jigger, spade. If your grandfather played golf 50+ years ago, you bet he had a brassie or spoon in his tiny little canvas carry bag. The old tools of the game sure have evolved from simple, handcrafted designs of persimmon, plastic and steel to complex works of engineering using aeronautical material like titanium, as well as tungsten & lightweight stainless steel.

I just heard through the grapevine that Cleveland Golf will be introducing in the fall a kind of ‘short-iron hybrid’ called of all things, a NIBLICK.
Click HERE for a high resolution image.

From the British Golf Museum

Definition: The “pitching niblick” was the historical golf club (wooden-shafted, pre-20th Century) whose short shaft made it the club of choice for chipping and short approaches. In the way it was used, the pitching niblick was most equivalent to today’s wedges.

That doesn’t mean the pitching niblick was necessarily a high-lofted club, however. With antique golf clubs, loft could dramatically differ from set to set among the same clubs. That’s why you’ll sometimes see this club also compared to a 4-iron under its alias, the “jigger.”

It’s sometimes not the loft of an antique club that is used to equate that club to modern ones, but how the club was used. And the pitching niblick – a k a jigger or lofting iron – was used to approach and chip.

The Niblick hybrid chippers are the length of a standard putter (35”) and the loft of your typical 8 & 9 iron.

What would the Niblick be used for?
Mainly for chipping around the green. Perfect for pitch shots where the pin is some 30+ feet away. You could also use it for low running shots where you might be stuck under a tree or group of trees.

Is the Cleveland Niblick ‘NEW Technology’? No. The Odyssey Maxman chipper is similar in design.

Is the Cleveland Niblick a gimmick club? A big NO!

When this club comes out in October, for those who struggle with their short game, you need to give this club a try. I mean it. Personally I have used chippers in the past and the Niblick looks like the best design I have seen. The Odyssey Maxman felt great but is limited to just chipping close to the green. The Niblick is built more like a iron due to it’s traditional hosel compared to the putter like hosel of the Marxman, which will open up more possibilities (longer shot range).

If I demo a Niblick anytime soon I will let you guys know.