In the world of golf, Tommy Fleetwood is making headlines this week for trying something new on the greens. Despite not having a win on the PGA Tour yet, Fleetwood has had a successful year in 2024, with a win on the DP World Tour and a ranking of fifth on the tour this season. Although he missed out on the PGA Tour’s Tour Championship for three consecutive years, Fleetwood managed to qualify for the second-straight season. However, there was a slight dip in his putting performance on the PGA Tour this season compared to previous years. In 2023, he was tied for 14th in Strokes Gained: Putting, but in 2024, he dropped to T87th, gaining just .04 strokes per round, his second worst mark since 2018.
Throughout his career, Fleetwood has mostly used an Odyssey White Hot Pro #3 blade putter, including in his win in Dubai earlier this season. However, he was recently spotted with a new prototype TaylorMade putter in Abu Dhabi ahead of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. This marks a departure from his usual putter choice, as he has been testing the new putter on the greens. Fleetwood mentioned that the new putter felt good and was different from what he was used to, thanks to the design and technological benefits of Pure Roll insert and Truss. The TaylorMade team has been working closely with him to create a putter that aligns with his preferences and needs on the course.
The decision to switch to a new putter comes at a strategic time for Fleetwood, as he has been practicing with the prototype putter during the break between tournaments. He expressed his love for testing new equipment and the challenge of finding the right fit amidst a packed tournament schedule. While details about the new putter are being kept under wraps by TaylorMade, it is clear that Fleetwood is excited about the potential benefits it could bring to his putting game. The shift to a new putter reflects his commitment to seeking improvements in his performance and willingness to explore different options to optimize his game.
As a seven-time DP World Tour winner, Fleetwood’s decision to change putters is significant in the golfing world. It demonstrates his adaptability and openness to trying new technologies to enhance his skills on the course. With the support of TaylorMade, Fleetwood is stepping out of his comfort zone and embracing a new tool that could have a positive impact on his overall performance. The anticipation surrounding the debut of the new putter at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship is high, as fans and fellow players await to see how Fleetwood’s game will evolve with this innovative equipment. The switch to a TaylorMade putter marks a new chapter in Fleetwood’s golfing journey, showcasing his dedication to growth and improvement in pursuit of greater success on the PGA Tour.