Collin Morikawa’s Game-Changing Gear Revealed at the Truist Championship

Hey golf fans! Buckle up, because Collin Morikawa is making waves at the Truist Championship. Not only is this his first time playing at the Philadelphia Cricket Club, but he’s teamed up with a brand-new caddie, Joe Greiner. Oh, and did I mention he’s brought a 9-wood into the mix? That’s right, a 9-wood! Let’s dive into what this means for Morikawa’s game and why this could be a game changer for him.

The Rise of the 9-Wood

High-lofted fairway woods, like the 9-wood, are taking the PGA Tour by storm. It’s like a breath of fresh air for players who are ditching their 4-irons for something more versatile. TaylorMade’s own Adrian Rietveld, Senior Tour Manager, calls these fairway beauties “basically pitching wedges for a 225-yard shot.” Honestly, who wouldn’t want that kind of power?

It’s wild to see how popular these clubs have become among the tour’s elite—players like Tommy Fleetwood are wielding 9-woods almost every week. It’s not just a fad; it’s a tactical shift that more golfers are embracing.

Morikawa’s Stellar Start

In his opening round at the Truist Championship, Morikawa carded an impressive 63, just two shots off the lead. He only hit the 9-wood once that round, but it was enough to catch everyone’s attention. Sure, he pulled that tee shot a bit left on the 222-yard par-3 8th, but you can bet we’ll see him trying it again on Friday.

The key here is that his new club could add a new dimension to his already exceptional game. When you’re as good as Morikawa—one of the best iron players of this generation—any tool that enhances your ability is worth a shot.

The Caddie Factor

What led to Morikawa bringing a 9-wood into his bag? It’s all thanks to his new caddie, Joe Greiner. While flying to Philadelphia, Morikawa was chatting about 4-irons, and Greiner dropped the suggestion. Initially, Morikawa hadn’t even considered it, but once the idea was out there, he had to try it.

He reached out to Rietveld, asking for a TaylorMade Qi35 9-wood. This setup is specifically designed to give him that distance he craves, especially on those tricky shots. Talk about a little nudge leading to something big!

Distance and Control

So what’s the 9-wood bringing to the table for Morikawa? According to Rietveld, he’s easily hitting that crucial 222 carry number. On top of that, he can really crank it up to 226 or 227 yards if he wants. Even mishits are still performing decently, carrying up to 219 yards.

With the ball launching higher and spinning more, Morikawa can control both its shape and roll-out better than ever. It’s a tool that caters not just to his power but also to his shot-making ability. He’s making a calculated risk that could pay off big time.

Keeping an Eye on the Results

After spending time at the range and testing it out thoroughly, Rietveld presented Morikawa with a hypothetical. If he had to choose between 20 balls of 4-iron or the new 9-wood at the 18th at Torrey Pines, which would he win more tournaments with? The answer was clear—this change in his bag could lead to more victories.

It’s one of those moments when it’s time to forget the looks and focus on what’s actually working. A high-lofted fairway wood isn’t typically in the arsenal of top-tier players, but Morikawa isn’t one to shy away from innovation if it means a competitive edge.

More Changes on the Horizon

While many players keep their gear stable during tournaments, Morikawa is shaking things up even further. He’s switching back to his Qi10 LS driver, despite ranking well in strokes gained off the tee. Sometimes, familiarity outweighs statistical success when it comes to vital gear.

Additionally, he’s returned to his trusty TaylorMade TP Soto blade putter. Just a couple of weeks ago, it seemed he might stick with a Spider Tour V putter after a mixed bag of results. But sometimes, it’s all about sticking to what works for you. With his recent putting practice, the blade felt right, and he went with it.

Navigating the Greens

In his first round at the Truist Championship, Morikawa gained over two strokes on the greens. However, he faced a drop-off in his second round, losing 1.2 strokes. It’s a classic case in golf—conditions can flip on you, but every round is a chance to recalibrate.

Mid-tournament switches are not uncommon for Morikawa, so it’ll be interesting to see if he sticks with the blade putter, especially with better conditions expected in the coming rounds.

The Specs You Need to Know

For those gear nerds out there, here’s the lowdown on Morikawa’s 9-wood:

• Head: TaylorMade Qi35 core
• Loft: 22.5˚
• Lie: 58.5˚
• Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana D+ 90 TX
• Tipping: 2″
• Length: 41″ EOG
• Swingweight: D3
• Grip: Golf Pride Tour Velvet 58R, one extra wrap + one lower hand

This sort of customization tailors his club to his game, ensuring he gets the best performance on every shot.

The Bottom Line

Collin Morikawa is showing us yet again why he’s one of the brightest stars in the golf world. His willingness to embrace new gear and techniques—like the fascinating addition of a 9-wood—means he’s always on the lookout for ways to improve. As we continue to follow his journey through the Truist Championship, let’s keep our eyes peeled for how these changes resonate throughout his game.

So gear up, grab your clubs, and let’s all strive to find that perfect combo that works for our own games—whether it’s adopting new clubs like Morikawa or simply mastering our swings. Here’s to good golf and even better moments on the course!