Equipment
Phil’s Secret Weapon: The “Phrankenwood”
Here is the photo of the “secret club” Phil Mickelson said was being built especially for Augusta National this week, the “X Hot Phrankenwood.”
The Phrankenwood appears to be an even larger version of Callaway’s X Hot Pro 3Deep, probably with even less loft to make the driver/fairway wood longer than the 3Deep but still more workable than a standard driver.
Notice the slots cut in the rear of the sole, which we’re assuming makes the club usable off the short grass.
The club has no loft stampings, but has been spotted on the USGA’s List of Conforming Drivers this morning.
This story will be updated with more information as it becomes available.
Click here to see what people are saying in this forums.
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Equipment is accurate as of the 2018 Houston Open (3/27/2018).
Driver: Callaway GBB Epic Sub Zero (10.5 degrees)
Shaft: Aldila Rogue Max 75X
3 Wood: Titleist 917F3 (15 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana White d+ 80X
Irons: Mizuno MP-Fli-Hi (2, 3), Piretti Limited Edition (4-PW)
Shaft: Aerotech SteelFiber hls880 (2), Aerotech SteelFiber i80 (3-PW)
Wedges: Callaway MD3 Milled (50-10S, 54-10S), Callaway Mack Daddy PM (60-10)
Shaft: KBS Tour 125 S+
Putter: Piretti 801 CU
Grip: Piretti Pistol
WITB Notes: We spotted Cabra with 15 clubs in the bag ahead of the 2018 Houston Open. We’ll update this post when we confirm the 14 clubs we used in competition.
Discussion: See what GolfWRX members are saying about Cabra’s clubs.
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We first spotted TaylorMade’s new TP Black Copper putters at the 2018 PGA Show, but the company wasn’t saying anything about specs, release date, pricing, technologies, nothing.
Then, we all saw Rory McIlroy switch to a TaylorMade TP Black Copper Soto proto putter ahead of the 2018 Arnold Palmer Invitational, which he won by 3 strokes. Of course, Rory’s specific Soto putter was made with a special insert. Click here for all of the info and specs on Rory’s putter.
Now, TaylorMade is releasing retail versions to the public in four models — Juno, Soto, Ardmore 3 and Mullen 2 — which will hit stores on 4/20 selling for $199 with a standard Black Lamkin Crossbone Pistol grip, and $219 with a SuperStroke Pistol 1.0 GT grip.
The putters have a triple-plated finish; nickel, then copper, then black chrome, according to TaylorMade’s Bill Price (Senior Director of Product Creation for Wedges and Putters). They’re then hand-polished to achieve the antique and non-glare finish. Overtime, and especially on the sole, Price says the copper will tarnish or oxidize to unveil a gradually more antique and rustic look. Rory McIlroy himself actually had a hand in inspiring the new finish.
“Rory was talking about certain finishes,” Price said. “He wanted something non-glare, with an antique type finish…. he wanted to be reminded of something old school.”
Thus, the TP Black Copper finish was born.
Also, the putters are machined from 303 stainless steel, they have adjustable sole weights and have the company’s familiar Pure Roll inserts in their faces. Check out more info about each of TaylorMade’s TP Black Copper models below.
Juno
- Hosel: #1 L-Neck
- Dexterity: RH/LH
- Toe Hang: 36 degrees
- Offset: Full shaft
- Length: 34 and 35 inches
- Head Weight: 346 grams
- Loft: 3.5 degrees
- Lie Angle: 70 degrees
Soto
- Hosel: Long Curve
- Dexterity: RH
- Toe Hang: 47 degrees
- Offset: Full shaft
- Length: 34 and 35 inches
- Head Weight: 346 grams
- Loft: 3.5 degrees
- Lie Angle: 70 degrees
Ardmore 3
- Hosel: #1 L-Neck
- Dexterity: RH/LH
- Toe Hang: 12 degrees
- Offset: Full shaft
- Length: 34 and 35 inches
- Head Weight: 350 grams
- Loft: 3.5 degrees
- Lie Angle: 70 degrees
Mullen 3
- Hosel: Double Bend
- Dexterity: RH/LH
- Toe Hang: Face Balanced
- Offset: 3/4 shaft
- Length: 34 and 35 inches
- Head Weight: 355 grams
- Loft: 3.5 degrees
- Lie Angle: 70 degrees
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We spotted new shallow-faced CF218 fairway woods (15 and 17 degrees) from Fourteen Golf on the range at TPC San Antonio on Tuesday at the 2018 Valero Texas Open, each equipped with Graphite Design TS918 shafts. Also on the range from the company were new FH “Future Heritage” Forged V1 wedges with a different, more raw look than the ones we saw in October at the Shriners Open.
Check out more photos below, and see what GolfWRX Members are saying about the clubs in our forums.
Fourteen Golf CF218 fairway woods
Fourteen Golf’s new FH Forged V1 wedges
Click here for more photos and discussion.
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George Cap
Jun 2, 2013 at 7:59 pm
Where can I purchase a Callaway X Hot Prankenwood 8.5 degree 3 wood?
Brouster
Oct 21, 2014 at 12:21 am
How can I purchase phrankenwood driver
Steve
Apr 10, 2013 at 2:03 am
I guess he’s not going to use that black-painted TM RBZ 3-wood that he snuck into his sack a few months ago!
Leif
Apr 9, 2013 at 11:19 pm
He is still using the Razr Fit Xtreme driver too! This is his “3w”
David
Apr 9, 2013 at 6:44 pm
When Phil won a few years back with the two drivers I stopped questioning his decisions.
lance
Apr 9, 2013 at 6:11 pm
You never know what phil the thrill will have in the bag! !
Im thinking phil will cary this new stick along with the razr fit extreme!
Phrankenwood for a draw, and the fit extreme for his cut shots!
Jeffrey
Apr 9, 2013 at 5:51 pm
I was wondering if anyone knows if Phil’s club is a new creation or an 8.5 loft version of the new xhot 3deep being released April 19th. I heard that the 3 deep was a tour release to the public like the utility x prototypes.
Don
Apr 9, 2013 at 4:35 pm
I WANT ONE!!!! Put me on the list callaway.
Jeffrey
Apr 9, 2013 at 3:23 pm
The loft is 8.5 degrees with a 45 inch driver shaft.
Brad
Apr 9, 2013 at 3:03 pm
This club’s specifications are probably close to Cobra’s “Long Tom” 2 Wood (45 inches and 12.5 degrees with the head being quite a bit larger than a fairway wood but smaller than a driver). The 2 wood is as old and good a concept as one can get with golf equipment.
Randall
Apr 9, 2013 at 2:43 pm
I think he’s bored of golf. Has to do these things to give a reason to go play when you know you are aging, already extremely wealthy, and love your home life (ehh Tiger). It’s just a hobby for him now
Clay
Apr 9, 2013 at 1:00 pm
The club is misspelled, you have to take the “h” out. It should be named “Prankenwood”.
JEFF
Apr 9, 2013 at 12:31 pm
WEIRD….. KINDA DUMB…… WHY?
gery katona
Apr 9, 2013 at 11:59 am
I’m always a bit surprised when guys experiment and put new stuff into play just before a major, especially something as critical as a driver. When the pressure is on, the last thing you need to be concerned with is doubt in your equipment. I realize Phil is trying to optimize his bag for the situation and I guess some guys can get away with it while others keep the stuff they are comfortable with.
Edmond Brooks IV
Apr 9, 2013 at 11:53 am
Phil the thrill he just makes the Masters for me I love Tiger but Phil is always my favorite all around true Professional. Phil and Phrankenwood you just know you’re going to see another Phil shot!
Stephen
Apr 8, 2013 at 3:25 pm
I would buy a Phrankenwood if they make a 12 degree LH..Callaway should have a drawing for a Phil Mickelson series Phrankenwood!!
Putty
Apr 8, 2013 at 1:23 pm
Rocketbladez, are you not satisfied with your Razr Fit Xtreme?
RocketBladez
Apr 8, 2013 at 11:37 am
So what happened to the RAZR Fit Xtreme driver that he was raving about when he won in Phoenix earlier this year? Was that just marketing hype for his sponsor so we would all go out and buy one?
Double Mocha Man
Apr 8, 2013 at 12:08 pm
And by this Sunday it’ll be time for all of us to go out and buy a Phrankenwood!
Yohanan
Apr 8, 2013 at 10:28 am
It’s alive!
andietaylor
Apr 9, 2013 at 1:20 pm
Grandstanding Phil…always doing something to make headlines. It’s all about Phil. Loves the controversy…good, or bad. Maybe he can write off the new clubs on his tax return?
Todd
Apr 9, 2013 at 8:41 pm
What happened to that driver that was such “a dream”? You know, the one he raved about after Phoenix? Phil, if you haven’t figure out how to make a swing yet, no souped-up #2 wood is gonna save you now.