Keegan Bradley’s Winning Gear: Let’s Break It Down
So, Keegan Bradley had quite the showing at the Travelers Championship, didn’t he? After a shaky back nine with some bogeys at 10 and 14, it looked like he might slip out of the spotlight. But, hold onto your hats! On the 18th hole, he nailed a 137-yard approach shot right to within five feet and rolled it in. Boom! That’s how you clinch your second Travelers Championship.
But let’s not just drool over that awesome finish; let’s dive into the gear that helped him get there. In particular, we’ll focus on that silent star of the week: his impressive combo iron set. Trust me, you won’t find this kind of setup in just any Tour bag.
Keegan’s Championship Bag Breakdown
Now, let’s take a look at what was in Keegan’s bag during his victory lap:
- Driver: PING G430 LST (10.5) with a Fujikura Ventus Black 6 X.
- 3-Wood: TaylorMade Qi10 HL (16.5) with an Aldila Rogue White 130 MSI 70 TX.
- 7-Wood: TaylorMade Qi35 (21) with the same Aldila Rogue White.
- Irons: A trio of Srixon models—ZX5 Mk II (3-5), ZX7 Mk II (6-9), and Z-Forged II (PW) with True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100.
- Wedges: Cleveland RTX Tour Rack (52-10 Mid, 56-10 Mid, 58-06 LOW) with True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400.
- Putter: Odyssey Ai-One Jailbird with SuperStroke Zenergy WristLock.
- Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Plus4.
- Ball: Srixon Z-Star Diamond.
There’s a lot to unpack here, but let’s focus on that unique three-model combo set that set him apart.
The Approach to Keegan’s Combo Iron Set
Typically, a combo iron set mixes two models—one aimed at making those longer clubs more forgiving and the other optimized for scoring precision. It’s like the best of both worlds! But Keegan went bold and opted for three different models. Yeah, you read that right: three!
He’s using the ZX5 Mk II for his long irons, the ZX7 Mk II for those middle shots, and the Z-Forged II for his short game. That’s a combo you don’t see every day, even on the pro circuit.
Srixon ZX5 Mk II (3-5)
First up is the ZX5 Mk II, designed for consistency and a little forgiveness in those longer irons. This one took home the title of the most accurate player’s distance iron of 2024! It scored a killer 9.6/10 overall and was praised for its clean turf interaction while keeping that sweet forged feel.
Who’s it for? If you’re all about pinpoint accuracy while enjoying a boost in distance, this is your ticket. But if you’re a higher handicapper looking for maximum forgiveness, you might want to steer clear.
Srixon ZX7 Mk II (6-9)
Next in the lineup is the ZX7 Mk II for that sweet scoring zone. This one is made for players who like to shape their shots. In the 2023 Best Player’s Iron testing, it snagged second place for accuracy and was fourth for distance. Let’s just say, testers were raving about its feel and sound!
This iron comes packed with features like the PureFrame design, which keeps vibrations in check, and a sole designed for excellent turf interaction.
Who’s it for? Lower to mid-handicappers who want pinpoint control, listen up! But if you’re looking for that blade-like feel without any forgiveness, you might want to look elsewhere.
Srixon Z-Forged II (PW)
Now here’s where things get a little quirky. Instead of sticking with the ZX7 for his pitching wedge, Keegan opted for the Z-Forged II. This one’s all about feel and precision, built from billet 1020 carbon steel, and designed for those serious about their scoring.
Who’s it for? Low-handicappers craving that tour-level feel will love this one, but mid-high handicappers might find it less forgiving.
Are Combo Sets Right for You?
Now, you might be wondering: Is a combo set the right move for me? Honestly, combo sets are perfect for those wanting the distance and forgiveness of longer irons while still having that touch for scoring clubs. It’s a win-win!
Most brands, though, lack continuity between iron models, which can make a blend of clubs feel awkward or mismatched. Here’s where Srixon stands out. Their ZX line was designed to mesh seamlessly across models, ensuring consistent toplines and logical loft transitions. They even have an online combo set builder to help you visualize your ideal mix.
Final Thoughts
Keegan Bradley’s unique setup might raise eyebrows, but the results speak for themselves. From what seemed like a distant Ryder Cup past to being a potential standout, he’s clearly back in the mix. Whatever he’s doing, it’s obviously working, and his choice of clubs is definitely a part of that formula.
So whether you’re aiming for your next club purchase or just curious about pro setups, Keegan’s gear offers some great insights. Dive into the world of combo sets and see if they could be the game-changer you’ve been looking for!