Tiger Woods has returned to Royal Troon for the first time in 20 years to compete in this week’s British Open. Woods missed the event in 2016 due to injuries, but finished T-9 in 2004 when Todd Hamilton won at the seaside links. On Monday, Woods’ wedges were covered in rust, a sign that they have been in his bag for a long time.
Woods plays with raw steel TaylorMade MG4 wedges with True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 shafts and Golf Pride Tour Velvet Cord grips. The sand wedge has 12 degrees of bounce while the lob wedge has 11 degrees of bounce, both made with 8620 carbon steel. The raw steel wedges are not coated with chrome, offering a different finish and performance compared to traditional wedges.
Raw steel wedges are popular among tour pros for several reasons. They do not reflect light as harshly as chrome wedges, reducing glare. The rust that forms on raw steel wedges can slightly improve performance in wet conditions by providing more surface roughness in the hitting area. Additionally, raw steel hides marks created by hand grinding or polishing, giving a uniform appearance to the club.
Tiger Woods’ rusty wedge at Royal Troon may have been wrapped in an airtight plastic coating when made on May 24, but the salt air in Florida has caused the rust to appear quickly. While the rust may not significantly increase spin, it can affect performance in wet conditions and provide a unique look to the wedges. Woods has been spotted with rusty wedges before at previous tournaments.
TaylorMade offers MG4 Tiger Woods Grind wedges for sale on their website for $199.99. Tiger’s preference for raw steel wedges showcases his unique equipment choices and attention to detail in his game. The level of rust on his wedges may vary over time depending on usage and maintenance, but wipíng them with a towel can help to reduce the rust and maintain performance.
Overall, Woods’ choice of rusty wedges may serve to provide a distinct look on the course while also offering potential performance advantages in certain conditions. The use of raw steel wedges is a common choice among pros for reasons of reduced glare, improved surface roughness, and aesthetic appeal. Tiger’s return to Royal Troon with his unique equipment demonstrates his dedication to finding the best tools for his game.
