Tiger Woods: A Legacy of Changing Drivers Across 82 PGA Tour Wins
As Tiger Woods approaches his 50th birthday, fans and analysts are reminded of his extraordinary journey through professional golf, culminating in an awe-inspiring record-tying 82 PGA Tour titles. Not often known for rapidly switching equipment, Woods nonetheless utilized 12 different drivers across his victories, showcasing a fascinating evolution in his gear choices. This article explores each driver he used, detailing the specifications and achievements associated with each one.
Overview of Tiger Woods’ Drivers
Woods’ driver choices have spanned four prominent manufacturers: Cobra, Titleist, Nike, and TaylorMade. The specifications of these drivers vary significantly, featuring differences in head size, shaft material, and loft angle. Remarkably, Woods secured 23 of his 82 wins with just one driver model—discover which one as we delve deeper.
Summary Table of Tiger Woods’ Drivers
| Driver Model | Shaft Type | Loft | PGA Tour Wins | Major Titles | First Win | Last Win |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cobra King Cobra Deep Face | True Temper Dynamic Gold X100 (Steel) | 9° | 6 | 1 (1997) | 1996 Las Vegas Invitational | 1997 Motorola Western Open |
| Titleist 975D | True Temper Dynamic Gold X100 (Steel) | 7.5° | 23 | 5 | 1998 BellSouth Classic | 2001 WGC-NEC Invitational |
| Nike Forged Titanium | True Temper Dynamic Gold X100 (Steel) | 8.5° | 9 | 2 | 2002 Bay Hill Invitational | 2003 Western Open |
| Nike Ignite | True Temper Dynamic Prototype (Steel) | 9.5° | 2 | None | 2003 WGC-American Express Championship | 2004 WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship |
| Nike Ignite 460 | Mitsubishi Diamana | 8.5° | 6 | 2 | 2005 Buick Invitational | 2005 WGC-American Express Championship |
| Nike SasQuatch | Mitsubishi Diamana | 8.5° | 2 | None | 2006 Buick Invitational | 2006 Ford Championship at Doral |
| Nike SasQuatch Tour | Mitsubishi Diamana | 8.5° | 17 | 4 | 2006 Open Championship | 2008 U.S. Open |
| Nike SQ Dymo 380 | Mitsubishi Diamana | 8.5° | 6 | None | 2009 Arnold Palmer Invitational | 2009 BMW Championship |
| Nike VR Tour | Graphite Design Tour AD DI 6 | 8.5° | 7 | None | 2012 Arnold Palmer Invitational | 2013 Players Championship |
| Nike VR_S Covert Tour | Mitsubishi Diamana | 9.5° | 1 | None | 2013 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational | 2013 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational |
| TaylorMade M3 460 | Mitsubishi Diamana | 9.5° | 1 | None | 2018 Tour Championship | 2018 Tour Championship |
| TaylorMade M5 | Mitsubishi Diamana | 9° | 2 | 1 (2019) | 2019 Masters | 2019 Zozo Championship |
Notable Drivers in Detail
1. Cobra King Cobra Deep Face
- PGA Tour Wins: 6
- First Win: 1996 Las Vegas Invitational
- Last Win: 1997 Motorola Western Open
- Major Titles: 1 (1997 Masters)
This driver underscored Woods’ early dominance on the tour.
Tiger Woods in action during the 1997 Masters.
2. Titleist 975D
- PGA Tour Wins: 23
- First Win: 1998 BellSouth Classic
- Last Win: 2001 WGC-NEC Invitational
- Major Titles: 5 (1999 PGA; 2000 U.S. Open; 2000 Open Championship; 2000 PGA; 2001 Masters)
This was the most successful driver in Woods’ career, contributing significantly to his legacy.
Tiger hitting a tee shot during the final round of the 2001 Masters.
A Glimpse into the Future
As Tiger Woods celebrates nearly three decades of competitive golf, the journey and evolution of his equipment choices reflect a deeper narrative of adaptability and innovation in the sport. With his legacy enshrined, Woods remains an enduring figure in professional golf, continuously inspiring future generations.
Conclusion
Tiger Woods’ remarkable use of various drivers serves as a testament to his adaptability and brilliance on the golf course. From the Cobra King to the latest TaylorMade models, each driver not only symbolizes a phase of his illustrious career but also highlights the advancements in golfing technology over the years. As he approaches his 50th birthday, golf fans can celebrate not just his victories but the incredible journey that has defined him as one of the greatest in the sport.
