As the Equipment Editor for The Daily Duffer, I’ve seen countless gadgets and marketing claims come and go. Every year, manufacturers promise longer drives, straighter shots, and more consistency. And every year, my launch monitor and I put those claims to the test. So when I read about Jeeno Thitiful’s new “Dance in the Rain” mantra, my first thought wasn’t about mental fortitude, but about the equipment implications of such an approach.
Thitiful’s recent win at the Honda LPGA Thailand, despite her admitting her “iron play was well below” 100%, raises an interesting point in the world of golf equipment. We often chase the perfect club, the one that promises to correct every flaw and deliver peak performance every time. But what if the real innovation isn’t always in the titanium face or the carbon crown, but in how a player manages their game with the tools they have?
The Equipment Paradox: Chasing Perfection vs. Managing Imperfection
I’ve spent hundreds of hours in fitting bays, watching ball speeds climb, spin rates optimize, and launch angles reach their ideal. My data consistently shows that a properly fitted driver can add 10-15 yards for many amateur golfers, accompanied by a tighter dispersion pattern. We’re talking about increases in ball speed of 3-5 mph, which translates directly to distance. For irons, optimizing lie angle and shaft flex can dramatically improve consistency and shot shape, moving the club’s CG effectively to square up the face at impact.
“The nerves is always going to be there, but you have to beat the nerves,” she said. “Sometime you get more worried about the future, about what next shot I’m going to do.”
This quote from Thitiful perfectly encapsulates the mental game. But what does it mean for equipment? When a golfer is nervous, their swing mechanics often falter. They might come over the top, accelerate too quickly, or snatch at the ball. The most forgiving clubs – those with high MOI (Moment of Inertia) and low, deep Center of Gravity (CG) – are designed to compensate for these real-world imperfections. A driver with an MOI above 5,000 g-cm² is going to be significantly more stable on off-center hits, maintaining ball speed and reducing spin deviation far better than an older, less forgiving model. Similarly, irons with perimeter weighting and wider soles are engineered to minimize the penalty for slight mishits, especially with those “below 100%” iron shots Thitiful mentioned.
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The Role of Forgiveness in “Dancing in the Rain”
Thitiful’s mantra, “Dance in the rain,” implies embracing less-than-ideal conditions, both mentally and physically. From an equipment perspective, this speaks volumes about forgiveness. I’ve tested numerous drivers where the marketing hype promises massive distance gains, but the real benefit, especially for a broader range of golfers, is often found in the stability on mishits. My launch monitor data consistently shows that a driver designed for maximum forgiveness (think high MOI, strategically placed weighting) will drop less ball speed and maintain a tighter spin window on a toe or heel strike compared to a low-spin “tour” model.
“I feel like you want just only that day, and then yesterday was like another new day that the trophy wasn’t there anymore,” Thitikul said. “It’s a new week, it’s a new journey, it’s new themes.”
This mindset, of moving on and adapting, is critical. For a regular golfer, this might mean having clubs that don’t punish you so severely when you’re not “100 percent.” If your average ball speed with your driver is 150 mph, a 10% drop on a mishit due to low MOI means you’re losing 15 mph in ball speed, and thus significant distance. A more forgiving driver might only see a 5% drop, meaning you’re still getting much closer to optimal performance even when your swing isn’t perfect. This translates directly to more playable second shots and less frustration on the course.
Reframing “Bad Shots” with Smart Equipment Choices
“Right now, when I have a bad shot, it’s OK, you have another one. I think it’s more relaxing.”
This is where the rubber meets the road for equipment. Forgiveness isn’t about eliminating bad shots; it’s about minimizing their impact. In my experience fitting hundreds of golfers, the biggest confidence booster isn’t always the longest drive they’ve ever hit, but the realization that their “bad” shots are now only “mediocre” shots. That’s a huge psychological win.
Consider wedges, for example. While not directly mentioned, Thitiful’s focus on managing her game suggests that a versatile wedge grind, capable of performing well from various lies and conditions, would be invaluable. A dynamic loft and lie fitting for wedges can ensure consistent turf interaction, even when the swing isn’t perfectly on-plane, reducing the risk of fat or thin shots. High bounce for softer conditions, or a C-grind for versatility, allows a golfer to adapt to their environment – to “dance in the rain,” whether that rain is literal or metaphorical.
Practical Buying Advice: Beyond the Hype
So, who is this approach for, and what’s the buying advice? It’s for everyone. While tour pros might chase every half-yard for an edge, the average amateur will benefit far more from equipment that helps them manage their inevitable “less than 100%” days.
When you’re looking at a new driver, don’t just focus on the peak ball speed numbers from the sweet spot. Ask the fitter to show you the data on mis-hits. Look at the drop-off in ball speed, the consistency of spin rates, and how far off-line the ball still travels. Models boasting higher MOI, often achieved through adjustable weighting moved to the perimeter or back of the clubhead, are generally your best bet. For irons, don’t shy away from game-improvement categories if your ball-striking isn’t always pin-point. The larger heads, wider soles, and lower COG placements are designed exactly for those moments when you’re not swinging your absolute best.
Ultimately, Thitiful’s “Dance in the Rain” philosophy underscores a crucial point: golf is played on the course, not on a perfect launch monitor bay. While my job is to quantify performance, the most valuable equipment isn’t just about pure numbers; it’s about how those numbers translate to real-world playability, confidence, and enjoyment. Embrace clubs that help you manage your game, even when it’s not perfect. That’s how you really “dance in the rain” on the golf course, regardless of your handicap.
