Adam Schenk: His Unique Approach to Gear in the PGA Tour

Welcome to GOLF’s Fully Equipped weekly Tour equipment report. Every Friday of PGA Tour weeks, as well as during notable instances, we delve into significant news surrounding golf clubs on Tour, highlighting changes, tweaks, and new launches. This week, we turn our attention to Adam Schenk, a rising star on the PGA Tour, who has captivated fans and fellow professionals alike with his unconventional relationship with golf equipment.

A Complicated Relationship with Gear

Situated in St. Simons Island, Georgia, during the final week of the 2025 PGA Tour season, players are under immense pressure to secure their playing status for the next year. Amid this tension, Adam Schenk emerged as a new winner, showcasing his distinct gear choices. Known for his “complicated” relationship with his clubs, Schenk’s setup stands apart with minimalism and a penchant for older equipment. For instance, in his recent victory, he competed without a fairway wood and only three clubs released post-2018, including his cherished Odyssey Tri-Hot Rossie putter from the early 2000s.

An Unorthodox Set of Irons

Schenk’s bag is an intriguing mix that tells a story of both nostalgia and strategy. He utilizes an unusual split set of irons comprising Ping i210 2- through 5-irons and Mizuno MP-18 SCs from 6-PW, with an MP-18 MMC 8-iron included. This eclectic mix isn’t merely for the sake of variety; it reflects Schenk’s thoughtful engineering of his game, prioritizing spin and accuracy over sheer distance. Such a unique approach emphasizes his status as one of the most notorious gear switchers on the PGA Tour, even if he often opts for older models.

Insights from the Press Conference

During a recent press conference at Sea Island, I posed a question to Schenk regarding his relationship with gear. His response resonated deeply, revealing the thoughtful philosophy behind his setup: “I generally set up my bag to go straight,” he explained. He prefers to launch his driver lower to achieve more spin, a feature he finds lacking in modern clubs. Schenk exemplifies the adage that sometimes, older is better, as he believes the older models provide the spin he desires.

The Importance of Spin

Schenk’s insight into spin offers a window into the broader conversation among professional golfers. Many players, including the likes of Billy Horschel and Tiger Woods, have lamented the decreased spin rates of contemporary equipment, emphasizing that spin is crucial for shaping shots. Schenk, one of the last users of the 2017 Titleist Pro V1, echoes this sentiment and has become an advocate for incorporating older technology into modern play.

Adapting to Conditions

Flexibility is critical in professional golf, and Schenk understands this well. His strategy involves adjusting his driver setup based on varying course conditions and weather as well as temperature. For example, Schenk confirmed that he would alter his driver choice based on whether he is teeing off at a sweltering 95 degrees or a chilly 52 degrees. His adaptive approach highlights a level of strategy that is often overlooked in the fast-paced world of professional golf.

A Focus on Equipment Sentimentality

Golf clubs carry more than just physical characteristics; they often embody memories and milestones. Schenk’s connection to his Mizuno MP-18 MMC 8-iron grows from history—he made his first PGA Tour cut with that very club. Such sentiments add layers to the competitive spirit of golf, demonstrating how personal equipment choices can have emotional significance.

Debuts of New Drivers

While Schenk’s dedication to older gear is notable, this week also showcased the introduction of new technology on the Tour. The TaylorMade Qi4D driver made its PGA Tour debut this week, finding its way into the bags of up-and-coming players like Karl Vilips and Luke Clanton. These modern clubs are not only noteworthy for their innovative designs but also for the immediate impact they have on the game.

The Rise of the Ping G440 K Driver

Amid the focus on contemporary gear, Ping’s G440 K driver has also attracted attention this week, as its debut saw strong performance from players such as Taylor Montgomery and Trey Mullinax. These players benefited from the G440 K’s advancements, further illustrating the evolving landscape of golf gear where tradition and innovation coexist.

The Buzz Around Scottsdale Tec Putters

Ping’s Scottsdale Tec putters made their Tour debut this week, garnering intrigue from players and gear enthusiasts alike. Featuring a new, more responsive insert, these putters are designed to enhance control and feel, making them a hot topic among players eager to test their capabilities. Professionals like Sahith Theegala have already expressed interest in acquiring these putters for further offseason testing.

The Role of Tour Representatives

The behind-the-scenes work of Tour reps, such as Vokey Tour Rep Aaron Dill, has been paramount this week, especially with players eager to refine their clubs before the year’s end. The RSM Classic provided a unique platform for players to catch up on equipment needs after a hiatus from Tour trucks, further emphasizing the multifaceted relationship players have with their gear.

The Future of Golf Equipment

This dynamic week in the PGA Tour illustrates the spectrum of equipment strategies among players. From Schenk’s time-honored choices to the debut of cutting-edge technology, the conversation surrounding gear remains vibrant and diverse. Golfers continually strive to find that perfect blend of tradition and innovation, and this week serves as a microcosm of that pursuit for players at all levels of the game.

With professional golf steadfastly evolving, one thing is clear: each player’s relationship with their gear is uniquely personal and plays a pivotal role in their success on the course. Whether it’s through nostalgic clubs that have shaped their careers or the latest technological marvels, golf gear remains at the heart of the game’s strategy.

For more insights into the world of golf gear, stay tuned for future reports that will continue to explore the intricate relationship between players and their clubs. Your journey through golf equipment is just beginning!