In the world of golf, the players on the PGA Tour are considered the best in the world. The gear crew at GOLF.com spends a lot of time at Tour events snapping photographs of the tools used by these elite players in order to gain insight into their setups. In this series titled “Bag Spy”, equipment editors Jonathan Wall and Ryan Barath highlight interesting clubs in players’ bags, unique weighting, loft sleeve settings, and more to help weekend golfers understand the reasoning behind a pro’s setup.
As the PGA Tour season winds down, it’s a good time to reflect on the items that have caught the eye of those perusing the golf bags of the tour’s elite. Many finds are obvious, while others require some digging to unearth. One recent discovery is the dominance of Golf Pride grips on the tour. With players like Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele, and Adam Scott utilizing Golf Pride grips, it’s no wonder that the brand has become a staple among professionals. Only a small handful of players use grips other than Golf Pride, showcasing the grip’s popularity on tour.
One trend being observed among professional golfers is the use of a softer flex shaft in their wedges compared to their irons. This setup, popularized by Tiger Woods himself, is now being adopted by many top players in the Official World Golf Ranking. The True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue shaft, with variations in flex like S400 and X100, is commonly found in the wedges of many pro golfers. This setup provides benefits such as lower ball flight, improved feel, and consistent control on shorter approach shots.
Headcovers have become a popular way for pros to showcase their personalities on the course. From unique designs like Rory McIlroy’s onion logo cover from Ohoopee Match Club to Viktor Hovland’s Viking-themed cover, players are expressing themselves through their equipment. Adam Scott’s no-frills leather headcovers by Golden Soul Golf also add a personal touch to his bag. With each cover telling a story or reflecting an interest, headcovers continue to be a fun and unique way for pros to stand out on tour.
Wedge stamping remains a popular way for pros to add flair to their scoring clubs, with many opting for simple designs like initials or song lyrics. While the practice of stamping wedges has evolved over the years, players like Rickie Fowler have brought creativity to the forefront with unique designs. Now, pros are returning to simpler creations on the back of their wedges, showcasing their own personal touch. This trend of personalization is a way for pros to connect with fans and showcase their individuality on the course.
Advances in shaft technology have made it easier than ever for players to try out the latest and greatest equipment. However, there are still pros like Brian Harman who stick to older model shafts that have proven to work for them. Harman’s use of a Fujikura Speeder 661 Evolution II S shaft from 2016 in his Titleist 3-wood is a testament to his confidence in familiar equipment. While newer shaft technologies are available, some pros prefer to stick with what has worked for them in the past, showcasing the importance of consistency and comfort in their equipment choices.
