Analyzing Tiger Woods’ Legendary 2000 Golf Bag: A Look Back at the Greatest Performance in Golf History
Tiger Woods’ golf bag from the year 2000 remains one of the most extensively analyzed equipment setups in the history of the sport. This kit, especially the Titleist set, is often cited as instrumental in what many consider the greatest athletic performance ever witnessed.
In a recent episode of GOLF’s Fully Equipped, I had the privilege to discuss this iconic bag with Larry Bobka, a former Titleist Tour Promotion Rep who was pivotal in its creation. For any golf enthusiast, this conversation was a treasure trove of insights.
Year in Numbers: Tiger Woods’ 2000 Performance
Before diving into the specifics of the bag, let’s recap Woods’ remarkable achievements from 2000:
- Starts: 20
- Wins: 9
- Total Earnings: $9.2 million (equivalent to approximately $57-59 million today)
- Major Championships: 3 (U.S. Open, The Open, PGA Championship)
- Top 5 Finishes: 15
- Top 10 Finishes: 17
- Scoring Average: 68.11
- Rounds Under Par: 60 of 80
- Average Finish: 4th
- Strokes Gained Total: +3.2
- Strokes Gained Tee to Green: +2.6
- Average Driving Distance: 298 yards
- Driving Accuracy: 71%
- Greens in Regulation (GIR): 75.2%
Tiger Woods’ 2000 Bag Configuration
Driver
- Model: Titleist 975D
- Shaft: Dynamic Gold X100
- Loft: 7.5˚ (adjusted to 7˚)
- Length: 43.5"
- Tipping: Tipped to length from 46"
- Swing Weight: D3
3-Wood
- Model: Titleist 970
- Shaft: Dynamic Gold X100
- Length: 42.5"
- Loft: 15˚
- Swing Weight: D3
Irons (2-P)
- Model: Titleist 681T (Endo Forged)
- Shafts: Dynamic Gold X100
- Tipping: 1/4"
- Length: 37.75" (5-iron)
- Lofts: 20/22.5/26/29/32/36/40.5/45/49
- Swing Weight: D3+
Wedges
- Models: Titleist Vokey 258/08 (56˚), 260/06
- Shafts: Dynamic Gold S400
Putter
- Model: Scotty Cameron GSS Newport 2 Tri-Sole
- Length: 35.25 inches
- Loft: 3.5-4 degrees
- Sight Line: Cherry red dot
- Weight: 326 grams
- Swing Weight: D7
- Grip: Ping PP58 “Blackout”
Additional Equipment
- Golf Ball: Nike Precision Tour Accuracy
- Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Cord “Logo Down”
- Glove: Nike Tour Authentic
Key Observations from the 2000 Golf Bag
Woods’ performance in 2000 was nothing short of extraordinary—a benchmark against which all golfers will be measured. Here are some intriguing insights from his gear setup:
- Weak Lofts: Compared to modern standards, Woods played with weaker lofts, making his distance control remarkable. For instance, he used a 4-iron with a loft of 26˚ compared to the typical 22˚ on today’s tour.
- Tipped Woes: Woods’ woods and irons were both tipped for improved feel and stability—a rarity today that highlights how much club fitting has evolved.
- Eyeballed Loft: Bobka recounted how choosing the right driver head relied heavily on visual assessment rather than precise measurements, demonstrating a more intuitive approach to fitting.
- Lightweight Putter: Woods’ Newport 2 was much lighter than current standards, emphasizing his preference for feel over the heavier, modern designs.
Even after decades, there’s still much to discover about Woods’ 2000 setup. The absence of advanced technology, such as launch monitors, forced players to rely on instinct and feel.
Conclusion
As we celebrate Tiger Woods’ legendary career—especially as he turns 50—it’s fascinating to consider how his unique approach to golf equipment contributed to his success. Woods’ use of feel-based tools, coupled with unparalleled skill, crafted a narrative that has yet to be matched in professional golf.
Indeed, Woods would likely still dominate today’s game, much like Michael Jordan in modern basketball. His achievements were not just about numbers but about redefining excellence in sports.
For more insights into Woods’ iconic Titleist 681T irons and the impact of his gear choices, tune into our comprehensive discussion on GOLF’s Fully Equipped.
