Equipment
18 players switch to Titleist 917 drivers at Quicken Loans National
Titleist debuted its new 917D2 and 917D3 drivers this week at the Quicken Loans National. After the first tee shots of the tournament were struck, 18 of the 28 Titleist drivers being used in the tournament were one of the new models.
See in-hand photos, and learn more about Titleist’s 917 drivers.
There was an even split between Titleist’s 917D2 (9) and Titleist’s 917D3 (9), with the most interesting model change coming from Justin Thomas (917D2, 8.5 degrees), who was previously using Titleist’s low-spin 915D4 driver. This could indicate that the 917D2 is significantly lower spinning than past D2 models.
See who changed into what driver and what loft in the list below.
Note: Players who made the cut this week are bolded. Webb Simpson and Bill Haas both changed to the new driver this week and are 10-under par, five shots off the pace of Round 3 leader Billy Hurley III.
917D2
- Blayne Barber (9.5 degrees)
- Erik Compton (9.5 degrees)
- Bill Haas (9.5 degrees)
- Charley Hoffman (8.5 degrees)
- Mark Hubbard (9.5 degrees)
- Andrew Loupe (8.5 degrees)
- Peter Malnati (8.5 degrees)
- Justin Thomas (8.5 degrees)
- Tyrone van Aswegen (9.5 degrees)
917D3
- Ben An (8.5 degrees)
- Brendon de Jonge (9.5 degrees)
- Chesson Hadley (10.5 degrees)
- Morgan Hoffmann (8.5 degrees)
- Patton Kizzire (10.5 degrees)
- Ben Martin (9.5 degrees)
- Webb Simpson (10.5 degrees)
- Cameron Smith (10.5 degrees)
- Cameron Tringale (8.5 degrees)
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Equipment
A shocking Backstryke putter appearance + 7 interesting gear photos from the Zurich Classic
Welcome to New Orleans, where TPC Louisiana plays host to the 2024 Zurich Classic. In between breakfast beignets and nightly Creole feasts, PGA Tour players are also competing in the unique two-man format at the Zurich this week.
Although the vibes in Nawlins are a bit lighter-fare than the recent back-to-back competitions the Masters and the RBC Heritage signature event), the gear news was no less serious this week.
We spotted some recent changes from Rory McIlroy, a very rare Odyssey Backstryke putter, dove into the bag of legendary New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, and spotted Patrick Cantlay continuing to test new equipment.
Get your beads out and crack your crawfish, because it’s time for an equipment rundown from The Big Easy (meaning New Orleans, of course, not Ernie Els).
See all of our photos from the Zurich Classic here
Rory’s on-and-off lob wedge
Since the end of 2023, Rory McIlroy has had an on-again, off-again relationship with a Titleist Vokey K-Grind lob wedge. In his last start, it was on, and the wedge is back in the bag again this week. We got a great look at the complicated grind that McIlroy uses.
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A full look into McIlroy’s bag above also shows that he switched out of the TaylorMade BRNR Mini Copper that he used at the RBC Heritage, and he’s back into the Qi10 core 3-wood. As we discussed last week, McIlroy will likely keep the BRNR around as a course-specific club, trading it in and out for the 3-wood.
See Rory McIlroy’s full 2024 WITB from the Zurich here
Turning Back the clock
Unless Tommy Gainey is in the field, it’s unlikely you’ll ever see Odyssey’s Backstryke technology make an appearance on the PGA Tour.
But then, when you least expect it, Russ Cochran shows up.
For more than a decade – since the 2013 Sony Open in Hawai’i – Cochran has been stuck on 599 PGA Tour starts. This week will be his 600th.
Cochran is in the field at the Zurich this week playing alongside Eric Cole, whose regular caddie is Reed Cochran, Russ’s son.
The Backstryke putter was first released back in 2010, and its unique design helps shift the axis point of the putter closer to the CG of the head. And, the putter is getting a nod this week at the Zurich Classic, thanks to Cochran’s 600th career PGA Tour start.
The putter is certainly awesome, but don’t forget to check out Cochran’s full WITB from this week.
Drew Brees with a Super Bowl winning Scotty Cameron putter
Drew Brees, a legendary retired quarterback for the hometown New Orleans Saints, made an appearance at the Zurich’s Wednesday Pro-Am, playing alongside Zach Johnson, Ryan Palmer, and current Saints QB Derek Carr.
Brees’ bag included a TaylorMade Stealth2 Plus driver, a BRNR Mini 13.5-degree, a Stealth 5-wood, a mixed set of P-790 and P-760 irons, Milled Grind Hi-Toe wedges, and a custom Scotty Cameron “New Orleans Saints” putter, which Scotty made for Brees following his Super Bowl MVP-winning performance in 2010.
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It should also be noted that Brees has his Venmo QR code as a bag tag.
If you’re gambling with Brees on the course, just know that not having cash won’t work as an excuse.
Brilliant.
See Drew Brees’ full WITB from the Zurich here
Stricker’s unrecognizable putter
Steve Stricker has made numerous upgrades to his bag recently, including a new TSR3 driver and T100 irons, but his longtime Odyssey White Hot No. 2 putter is still going strong. It’s the most recognizable unrecognizable putter ever.
Here’s a better look at Stricker’s flatstick, which he started using back in 2007.
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Patrick Cantlay has opened the equipment-switching floodgates
Over on the PGA Tour’s Equipment Report this week, we covered Cantlay’s recent switch into Ping Blueprint S irons, and a Titleist TSR2 driver.
Cantlay hadn’t switched irons for about seven years, so the iron switch he made at The 2024 Masters came as a shock to the norm. He simply isn’t one to change gear very often, so anytime Cantlay makes a switch, it’s news.
It seems the floodgates of equipment testing have opened up a bit for Cantlay, who was also spotted testing a custom Scotty Cameron blade putter on Tuesday this week. By Wednesday, Cantlay was back practicing with his familiar Scotty Cameron T5 Proto mallet, but it’s certainly something to keep an eye on going forward.
Daniel Berger’s custom Jailbird site lines
Berger, who’s currently using Odyssey’s Ai-One Mini Jailbird mallet putter, has a unique 3-dot, 2-line alignment on the crown of his navy-white-navy-white mallet putter. Looking down at the putter, it’s easy to see why this alignment system would help; it just seems impossible to set up to the ball off-center, or misaligned to the target.
Also, for anyone worried, you can rest easy. Yes, he’s still playing the 2013 TaylorMade TP MC irons, which we highlighted in our recent “Modern Classics: Old vs. New” video testing series.
FitzMagic teams back up
Brothers Matthew and Alex Fitzpatrick are teaming up once again at the Zurich this year, and Bettinardi Golf hooked them up with some festive “FitzMagic” headcovers to match this week.
See what else is in Alex Fitzpatrick’s WITB here
And, with that, we say goodbye to the Zurich Classic in New Orleans. Don’t forget to check out all of our photos from this week, including 30 unique photo galleries full of equipment photos.
We’ll see you next week in Texas for the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson!
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Whats in the Bag
Alejandro Tosti WITB 2024 (April)
- Alejandro Tosti what’s in the bag accurate as of the Zurich Classic.
Driver: Srixon ZX5 Mk II LS (9.5 degrees @10.5)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS T1100 75 6.5
3-wood: TaylorMade Qi10 Tour
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Black 80 TX
Hybrid: TaylorMade Qi10 Tour Rescue (22 degrees)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX 6.5 100
Irons: Srixon ZX7 Mk II (4-PW)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Mid Tour Issue X100
Wedges: Cleveland RTX6 ZipCore Tour Rack (50-10 MID, 54-10 MID, 58-10 MID, 60-06 LOW)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Mid Tour Issue X100, S400
Putter: Scotty Cameron
Grips: Golf Pride MCC Plus4
Check out more in-hand photos of Alejandro Tosti’s WITB in the forums.
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Whats in the Bag
Drew Brees WITB 2024 (April)
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Driver: TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus (10.5 degrees)
Mini driver: TaylorMade BRNR Mini Copper (13.5 degrees)
5-wood: TaylorMade Stealth Plus (19 degrees)
Irons: TaylorMade P790 (4-8, PW), TaylorMade P760 (9)
Wedges: TaylorMade MG Hi-Toe (52-09, 56-10, 60)
Putter: Scotty Cameron Select Newport 2 Prototype
Check out more in-hand photos of Drew Brees’ clubs here.
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KK
Jun 29, 2016 at 3:58 am
Good question about the Justin Thomas switch from a D4 to a D2….I’m really interested to see what real changes Titleist made with the 917. Anyone here still playing the SLDR and think it’s the best driver they ever hit due to the ultra low spin design? I’ve never hit one, but I’ve heard that the tradeoff with the low spin (and distance) is a not so forgiving head. TM released the R7 Superdeep and that lasted about 6 months. I wonder if Titleist has somehow figured out high launch, low spin, and forgiving….we’ll have to wait until the Fall to see.
On another note, I don’t care about paint color, graphics on the sole or the club face, or what tour pro is playing this club. If it’s the best club for me, I’m gaming it. I’m not really sure why every time a new club comes out, there are so many negative comments about the club before anyone hits it or even sees it in person.
Ron
Jun 28, 2016 at 10:20 am
Hmmm, wonder how long before we see the SureFit CG Bar in Titleist Irons?
Rox
Rarebit
Jun 28, 2016 at 3:24 am
Yeah well, unless they start selling maximum allowable CT and COR, Tour-stamped versions on the retail shelves people will believe Titleist can only make decent balls based on other companies’ ideas on compression
Mark
Jun 28, 2016 at 3:09 am
They really need these to sell. 915’s are still gathering dust in my area. TM and Ping have battered them out of the park.
Jackson Galaxy
Jun 29, 2016 at 10:46 am
Not really. Unless people suddenly stop needing new golf balls they’ll be okay.
cgasucks
Jul 4, 2016 at 2:46 pm
Yeah…their golf balls is their most profitable segment and what is keeping them afloat even if their clubs tanked (which is unlikely).
Marshall Moyes
Jun 27, 2016 at 5:24 pm
I am 69 and now play to a handicap of 10.8. Having tried Callaway and Taylor made drivers, I still find the Titleist drivers longer and straighter. I cannot agree with C and T drivers being more forgiving or longer.
the guy
Jun 27, 2016 at 4:58 pm
D2 made more cuts. Obvious choice.
Steve
Jun 27, 2016 at 9:18 am
Honestly, unless you are a 4 handicapper or less, not sure knowing what the pros are playing means for most of us. Titleist (and I have played them over the years) has been known for making the best looking and purist feeling Drivers in the market. Their failure to challenge Taylor Made and Calloway seems to be rooted in their inability to gain traction in the “big box” retailers and the presumed more forgiving and greater distance offered by TM and C. It’ll be interesting to see if the latest offerings are more of the same. And oh….were they really serious about the new Titanium version priced at $ 1000? Great company, but beyond the Pro Vs….their marketing has been suspect.
300 Yard Pro
Jun 28, 2016 at 7:27 pm
People buy what the pros play.
um
Jun 29, 2016 at 3:24 am
Exactly. They want to buy what the Pros play.
Jack
Jul 20, 2016 at 5:19 am
For sure the low spin options are not for most amateurs who have a SS less than 100. It’s always easy to get on a launch monitor and figure out what really works for you at a big box store.
Pete
Jun 26, 2016 at 6:50 pm
Didn’t Haas get one of those C16’s earlier in the year?
Matt
Jun 26, 2016 at 1:08 pm
Zak would love to know what those guys were using head/loft wise before and if they changed shafts or went to something new.
Zak Kozuchowski
Jun 27, 2016 at 9:20 am
Agreed, Matt. We will get that info as new WITB photos roll in over the next few weeks/months. Still lots of tinkering happening.