Phil Mickelson’s New Top-of-the-Bag Strategy: What Golfers Can Learn

By Johnny Wunder | June 8, 2025

Phil Mickelson, a name synonymous with golfing innovation, is known for his cerebral approach to equipment choice, especially during major tournaments. As we look ahead to the U.S. Open at Oakmont, Mickelson has once again made headlines with a unique strategy focused on optimizing the top of his golf bag. This article dives deep into his equipment, providing insights that could benefit golfers of all levels.

The Top of the Bag Challenge

The "top of the bag" refers to the woods and drivers that cover considerable distance on the golf course. For Phil Mickelson, this is an area where he has made significant adjustments. He faces a challenge with an approximate 80-yard gap between his 4-iron and driver. To put this in perspective, an ideal gap between irons is generally about 12 yards, which translates to six different clubs. However, at the top of the bag, Mickelson manages this with just three or four clubs.

Heading into LIV Virginia/DC

Mickelson recently showcased his eclectic setup at LIV Virginia/DC, which included a diverse range of head covers concealing his driver, a 3-wood, and two 5-woods. His bag exemplifies a strategic mindset; as he advances in age, Mickelson is shifting priorities away from sheer distance and toward a more calculated approach. Hitting longer shots is no longer a top priority—what matters is precision and strategy.

Understanding His Driver Choice: Ping G440 LST

One of the standout components of Mickelson’s current setup is the Ping G440 LST driver. This club, designed for stability and forgiveness, enables Mickelson to achieve optimal spin retention and accuracy. With a loft of 7.5° and powered by a Graphite Design VF 6X shaft, Mickelson aims to cover distances between 275 and 300 yards. The technology behind this driver allows him to play lower lofts while gaining crucial forgiveness on mis-hits.

The Importance of Forgiveness in Fairway Woods

Mickelson’s choice of fairway woods—Ping G430 Max—demonstrates a focus on launch, spin, and forgiveness. His setup includes a 3-wood, which is set at 13.25° and can cover distances of approximately 255 to 270 yards. Additionally, his 4-wood configuration, designed to cover around 240 to 255 yards, complements the lower-lofted driver. This deliberate selection highlights the evolving strategy where accuracy takes precedence over raw distance.

Analyzing His Iron Setup

Transitioning from woods to irons, Mickelson employs a Rogue ST Pro 5-iron bent to around 23° of loft. This club can achieve roughly 215 yards, logically bridging the gap to his Callaway XF 6-iron, which is bent to about 27°. With such a thoughtful setup, Mickelson emphasizes covering specific yardages effectively rather than simply trying to hit longer shots with conventional long irons.

Shifting Mindsets in Equipment Selection

Mickelson’s decision to use a mix of fairway woods instead of standard long irons is part of a broader trend among elite golfers. Many professionals are swapping long irons for more user-friendly alternatives, making their strategies more focused on managing their score rather than trying to stretch their distance. This shift reflects a growing awareness that precision is often more beneficial than power.

Learning from the Pros: A New Philosophy

This trend necessitates a reevaluation of traditional golfing norms, where long irons were once considered mandatory. Legendary figures like Fred Couples, who carries multiple hybrids in his bag, and Tommy Fleetwood, with his similar setup to Mickelson, emphasize that shooting low scores is the ultimate goal. This evolving philosophy invites amateur golfers to adopt a more strategic mindset, focusing on improving their overall game management.

The Future of Golf Equipment Strategy

Golfers today should look to professionals like Mickelson for insights on optimizing their own bags. Rather than aggressively pursuing distance with every club, the new philosophy encourages creating a configuration that minimizes risk and maximizes performance. Technology has progressed to the point where clubs designed for forgiveness and average distances provide significant advantages.

Conclusion: The Smart Play Wins

In the game of golf, it’s vital to approach each round as a strategy, akin to chess rather than checkers. As echoed by Phil Mickelson’s gameplay, being mindful about your equipment choices significantly impacts your performance. If the world’s elite are recognizing the importance of smart equipment selection, then it’s a worthwhile consideration for players of every skill level. Adopting a strategy that ensures each club plays a role in achieving par—rather than simply trying to hit longer shots—could reshape how golfers think about their game. Whether you aim for birdies or just want to avoid bogeys, a focus on a well-thought-out bag setup can make all the difference.

Author Bio

Johnny Wunder currently serves as the Director of Equipment at Golf.com, with extensive experience in the golfing industry. Beyond his professional endeavors, Johnny is an avid golfer who has been passionate about the game since his youth. Follow him for expert insights into golf equipment and strategies tailored for players of all levels.

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