Scottie Scheffler’s Winning WITB at The American Express 2026
Scottie Scheffler, the world No. 1 golfer, has become synonymous with a winning formula that includes a unique blending of his golf clubs. At The American Express, where he clinched his first victory of 2026, Scheffler showcased an interesting twist in his bag — a Qi4D 7-wood. Long-time followers of Scheffler know that he often alternates between a Srixon utility iron and a high-lofted wood in the strategic gap between his 3-wood and 4-iron.
Why the 7-Wood?
At The American Express, Scheffler identified the need for a club that could consistently carry the ball around 240 yards—a distance he struggled to achieve with his 3-iron except for his best hits. The introduction of the 7-wood provided an effective solution to this problem. With a trajectory that launched nearly two degrees higher and a spin rate about 1,500 RPM more than his previous club, the 7-wood proved its worth:
- Launch Angle: 14.9 degrees
- Spin Rate: 5,175 RPM
- Carry Distance: 245 yards at a 160 mph ball speed
This performance delivered the necessary height and soft landing required for Scheffler’s strategic play, filling a crucial spot in his bag.
Customization for Performance
Adrian Rietveld, TaylorMade’s senior tour manager, played a pivotal role in fine-tuning the 7-wood to meet Scheffler’s specifications. Rietveld adjusted the club’s build, aiming for a squarer address and enhanced distance, essentially transforming a 5-wood specification into a 7-wood head:
“We fit his 3-wood shorter, so it did not go further than his desired distance with that club. When you fit a standard 5-wood, it goes too far. You don’t want to add loft to a 5-wood because it closes the face, so we built a 5-wood spec in a 7-wood head. It has the dynamics of a 5-wood but with the spin and launch conditions of a 7-wood to produce the carry number he wants with that club,” Rietveld explained.
Specs of Scottie Scheffler’s Qi4D 7-Wood
Here are the detailed specifications of Scheffler’s 7-wood:
- Finished Loft: 20 degrees
- Lie Angle: 60 degrees
- Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 9 X
- Tipping: 2 inches
- Length: 41 3/8 inches
- Cut Swingweight: D4
- Grip: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Rib 58
- Wraps: 6 wraps of double-sided tape
Conclusion
Scheffler’s victory at The American Express underlines the significance of having the right tools in a golfer’s arsenal. His innovative use of the Qi4D 7-wood not only met his distance requirements but also showcased the importance of custom fitting in professional golf. This winning combination reaffirms why Scheffler continues to dominate the golf scene.
For a closer look at his entire set of clubs, check out Scheffler’s complete WITB.
