Sahith Theegala’s recent success at the Tour Championship can be traced back to a unique equipment change he made with the help of Ping Tour rep Kenton Oates. After struggling with his Ping Blueprint S 7-iron during the FedEx St. Jude Championship, Theegala asked Oates to create a new 7-iron without the number “7” stamped on the sole. Despite the unconventional nature of the request, Ping’s Tour department was able to fulfill Theegala’s wish by filling in the 7 stamp with metal, grinding off a portion, and then screenprinting an 8 on top. The result was a new club that Theegala dubbed the “8-Plus” and has since used with great success on tour.
Theegala’s confidence in the new 8-Plus iron was evident during the Tour Championship, where he found himself in contention during the final round and relied on the club for key shots. The subtle change in the club’s numbering had a significant impact on Theegala’s mindset, allowing him to approach shots with newfound confidence and trust in his equipment. Oates, who has received his fair share of unusual equipment requests over the years, noted that accommodating players’ idiosyncrasies is all part of the job as a Tour rep.
The success of Theegala’s 8-Plus iron serves as a testament to the close relationship between tour pros and equipment manufacturers. Despite their elite status, professional golfers often have specific preferences and quirks that can influence their performance on the course. By catering to these individual needs, equipment companies like Ping can help players optimize their performance and achieve success at the highest levels of the game.
Ping’s Blueprint S Custom Irons, used as the base for Theegala’s modified 7-iron, are designed to meet the demands of the best players in the world. With a compact shape, precision pocket forging, and a clean cavity design, these irons offer control, precision, and performance that are essential for tour pros like Theegala. The innovative forging technique used in the construction of the irons allows for optimal weight distribution and trajectory control, ensuring that players can achieve the distance and accuracy they need to compete at the highest level.
The collaboration between Theegala and Ping to create the 8-Plus iron showcases the attention to detail and customization that is possible in the world of professional golf equipment. By listening to players’ feedback and adapting to their preferences, manufacturers can create tailor-made solutions that address specific needs and enhance performance. Theegala’s success with the 8-Plus iron is a testament to the power of individualized equipment choices in helping players achieve their full potential on the course.
As Theegala continues his professional career and competes on the PGA Tour, his unique equipment change will serve as a reminder of the importance of confidence and trust in one’s gear. By making a small adjustment to his 7-iron and transforming it into the 8-Plus, Theegala was able to overcome a mental hurdle and improve his performance on the course. This story of innovation and collaboration between player and manufacturer is a testament to the enduring relationship between equipment and success in the world of professional golf.
