Gouge in 9 Iron sole

Depends on how much of a chunk it was. Was it enough to affect the weight? I would take it to a repair shop and have them check the weight. They can always add lead tape to compensate. To answer your question, most likely not, because we hit the ball with the face of the club. But I would have it checked. With respect. Those rock monsters can really mess up clubs.

Nope. As long as it has not gouged the face and cut into the groves it should only impact the way you look at the club. Hard to keep them from scratching up if you play a lot but always sad then they get a significant "field scar". especially if it was not in the act of making a miracle shot. Happens to us all eventually. If it is right on the leading edge, not just the sole, and is sharp, you might want to take a small file and soften the edge of the chip if you think it could contact the ball in any way.

Ouch. Sorry to hear of your misfortune. With use of golf clubs, particularly here in the northeast where the soil is somewhat 'rocky', this happens all too often on golf courses. Usually, these gouges aren't severe enough to affect playability if not on the face. I'd use a file to break any sharp edges, though. For aesthetics, maybe some JB Weld to fill in the gouge, then smooth it? I'm not sure how long it will stay in place, though.

Nightmare when this happens, is it real bad ? Smaller chips can be repaired but bigger ones are 50/50
Take it to a decent club maker & see what they say
Hope you get it sorted