Akshay Bhatia, a young golfer participating in his first Tour Championship, is considering some equipment changes that could potentially enhance his game. One of these changes includes adding a Callaway Ai Smoke Paradym Ti340 Mini Driver to his bag, which he believes will provide him with more options and consistency off the tee. Bhatia, who typically struggles with the inconsistency of his 3-wood, sees the mini driver as a valuable addition to his arsenal.
The Callaway Ai Smoke Paradym Ti340 Mini Driver that Bhatia is considering has 13.5 degrees of loft, making it similar to a strong-lofted 3-wood, but with a larger head size of 340 cubic centimeters. This unique combination of loft and head size is designed to help elite golfers like Bhatia hit tighter and more consistent ball flights, which is essential for his game. The mini driver’s shorter shaft length of 43.75 inches also makes it easier for Bhatia to hit draws, a shot shape that he prefers.
In addition to the potential equipment change with the mini driver, Bhatia is also considering switching to a softer golf ball for the Tour Championship. He typically plays with a Callaway Chrome Tour X, but plans to use the Chrome Tour at East Lake Golf Club due to the firmness of the greens. Bhatia believes that using a softer ball will help him achieve the higher and softer ball flights needed for major championships and events with firmer playing conditions.
Callaway’s Chrome Tour and Chrome Tour X golf balls, which were released in January, are four-piece balls featuring a large rubber core and a dual-mantle system wrapped in a soft urethane cover. The unique construction of these balls provides players like Bhatia with the optimal combination of distance, control, and feel on the greens. The switch to a softer ball for the Tour Championship marks a strategic decision for Bhatia as he prepares for major championships and other significant events in his career.
While pros often make course-specific changes to their equipment, Bhatia’s decision to modify both his driver and golf ball for the Tour Championship showcases his dedication to improving his game. By adding the Callaway Ai Smoke Paradym Ti340 Mini Driver and switching to the Chrome Tour golf ball, Bhatia is taking proactive steps to enhance his performance on the course. These equipment changes highlight the young golfer’s adaptability and willingness to experiment with new gear in order to achieve his goals.