The Latest in Tour Equipment: Insights from the PGA Circuit

Welcome to the latest edition of GOLF’s Fully Equipped weekly report, where we dive into the most crucial updates surrounding golf clubs on the PGA Tour. This series, managed by GOLF equipment editor Jack Hirsh, covers significant equipment changes, tweaks, and exciting launches that players are utilizing during tournament weeks. In this article, we’ll explore notable gear shifts, including Viktor Hovland’s recent transition to Ping’s G440 K driver and the growing popularity of game improvement hybrids on Tour.

Viktor Hovland’s Switch to the G440 K Driver

In the heart of Scottsdale, Arizona, Viktor Hovland has made headlines with his impressive switch to Ping’s G440 K driver, replacing his long-time G425 LST driver. Despite being known for his reluctance to change equipment—continuing to play with the same i210 irons and Glide 2.0 wedges from previous seasons—Hovland found the new G440 K driver to offer intriguing performance characteristics. During his testing, he remarked, “The spin consistency off the face is remarkable.”

One highlight was the driver’s ability to maintain tighter spin rates, ranging only from 2000 to 2600 RPM, compared to the larger discrepancies he experienced with the G425 driver. This increased consistency at impact is a noteworthy advantage for any player on the Tour. However, Hovland did note that the G440 K had a slightly higher launch, prompting him to collaborate closely with Ping’s Tour Rep Kenton Oates to find the perfect configuration for his swing.

The Technical Aspects of the G440 K Driver

The G440 K driver is engineered with unique properties, featuring a larger profile alongside a deeply-set center of gravity (CG). This design strategy assists golfers in squaring the clubface more effectively, an essential aspect for players still looking to draw consistency from their tee shots. While early testing showed that the G440 K didn’t veer as far right as the G440 LST performance-wise, it still didn’t meet Hovland’s expectations initially, leading him to begin the season using the trusty G425.

Oates mentioned a significant alteration in terms of shaft length, as they decided to experiment with a shorter 45-inch shaft to help control the launch trajectory. The customization didn’t stop there, as Hovland ended up fitting the driver with a Mitsubishi Whiteboard 73 TX shaft, which has proven effective for maintaining speed while optimizing launch parameters.

Performance Results: Hovland’s Transition

Despite being only .75 inches shorter than his previous driver, Hovland retained remarkable ball speed, achieving between 173-175 mph, while also finding a consistent launch angle in the 9-10 degrees range. This is critical for maximizing distance and control off the tee. The perfect setup also allowed Hovland to hit just the right spin rate of approximately 2300 RPM over the week.

Occasionally, the interplay of factors such as shaft graphics and player preferences can have surprising influences. Hovland’s shaft had originally been made for fellow golfer Ben Griffin, indicating a collaborative effort among players to optimize gear for each other’s unique styles.

The Appeal of Game Improvement Hybrids

Interestingly, another trend emerging on Tour is the uptick in hybrid usage, particularly the Titleist GT1, which has made its way into the bags of players like Cam Young and Tom Kim. Young’s transition from the GT2 hybrid to the 20-degree GT1 hybrid equipped with a Mitsubishi Diamana PD 80TX fairway wood shaft underscores this trend, especially in handling deep rough conditions at Torrey Pines and TPC Scottsdale.

Titleist’s approach with the GT1 hybrid, characterized by an oversized profile, caters to players looking for versatility in their game. Unlike other hybrids, the GT1 allows for customization with fairway wood shafts, offering an adjustment that appeals especially to higher ball-flight players aiming to control trajectory and spin.

Tony Finau’s Putter Switch

Also noteworthy in this week’s gear updates is Tony Finau’s unexpected switch to the Ping Scottsdale Tec Ally Blue Onset putter. Known for his meticulous approach to club choice, this new mallet-style putter diverges from the PLD Milled Anser 2D he’s used for a significant period. After struggling with his putting performance early in the season, Finau made a calculated choice to shift to a model that provided improved alignment features and a soft feel, which has proven effective with his contact.

Finau’s focus on reducing torque in his putting stroke highlights a broader industry trend towards choosing equipment that enhances performance based on individual stroke characteristics. The Scottsdale Tec version differs from the previous milled putter in terms of optics and performance features, and Finau has responded positively to this change as he seeks to regain his edge on the greens.

The Rising Popularity of New Equipment Brands

As seen with Hovland’s and Finau’s recent gear transitions, brands like Ping and Titleist are continuously evolving their product lines to meet the specific needs of professional golfers. This adaptability is reflected in the equipment showcased on the Tour, where players are more willing to embrace innovations that promise enhanced performance.

The importance of feeling comfortable and gaining confidence in new equipment cannot be emphasized enough. For players, trial and error with various models, lengths, and specifications is essential to perfecting gear that will make significant impacts on the outcome of their plays.

Notable Gear Changes This Week

In addition to the standout shifts featuring Hovland and Finau, numerous other players are experimenting with notable gear changes heading into tournaments. Collin Morikawa’s change to a TaylorMade Spider Tour X putter and Jordan Spieth’s switch to the new Titleist SM11 wedges signify the fluidity of equipment dynamics as professionals aim to achieve their best potential on the course.

Moreover, the movement of players such as Brooks Koepka to upgraded putters reflects a mutual practice among professionals to evaluate their current gear critically. As they assess performance metrics, many may find that minor tweaks can lead to a substantial impact, aligning their equipment with their evolving playing styles.

What’s Next in Tour Equipment

As this week’s tournaments unfold, the anticipation revolves around how these equipment changes will reflect on the course performance of the players who have made adaptations. The interplay of gear, player adjustments, and course conditions will be pivotal in shaping outcomes for top athletes. Furthermore, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how the results of these equipment alterations manifest in both scoring and overall strategy as the season progresses.

Keeping abreast of gear advancements on the Tour not only enriches our appreciation of the game but also provides invaluable insight for golfers of all skill levels. As technology continues to evolve, the landscape of professional golf becomes a fascinating study of the interplay between human skill and technological enhancement.

In conclusion, stay tuned for more updates in the coming weeks as we continue to analyze the latest in gear and how it’s influencing play at every level of golf. Whether you’re a casual player or an aspiring pro, understanding the tools of the game is essential for enhancing your performance on the course.