Equipment
Mickelson using Callaway GBB Epic driver, Sub Zero fairway wood at CareerBuilder
Phil Mickelson made the switch to Callaway’s new GBB Epic driver and GBB Epic Sub Zero fairway wood at the CareerBuilder Challenge, his first PGA Tour start in 2017 after two sports hernia surgeries this fall.
Driver: GBB Epic driver (9 degrees)
Shaft: True Temper Project X HZRDUS T1100 (6.5 flex, 65 grams)
3 Wood: GBB Epic Sub Zero fairway wood (15 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Rayon Fubuki J 70X
“In the last three months, I haven’t been able to do much,” Mickelson said, “but the last two weeks I’ve been able to work out, been practicing for a week, game is rusty, but body feels good.”
Because of his limited practice time, Mickelson said he has not changed his other golf equipment. He said he decided to switch the new driver because “the ball speed was so much quicker.”
Tested: GolfWRXers Gain 11 Yards on Average with Callaway Epic Drivers.
In 2016, Mickelson primarily used Callaway’s Big Bertha Alpha 816 DBD and XR ’16 Sub Zero drivers, although he switched to the company’s Great Big Bertha driver at the Safeway Open in October in route to a T8 finish, his last tournament on the PGA Tour. The Great Big Bertha is the direct predecessor of the GBB Epic driver.
Mickelson shot 4-under par in Round 1 and is tied for 25th, four shots behind leader Dominic Bozzelli. He is a two-time winner of the event, and finished T3 last year at the CareerBuilder Classic.
Related
Equipment
Spotted: Titleist GTS USWO headcovers
GolfWRX Tour Photographer Greg Moore was at Riviera Country Club this last week in Los Angeles for the U.S. Women’s Open. While browsing the photos, I spotted a recent major trend in headcovers. That is, the Titleist GTS headcover line expands the majors theme.
Seen on the bag of Natalia Guseva were the red, white, and blue Titleist GTS covers. This is the third time we have seen limited-edition Titleist major covers, the others being at the Masters and the PGA Championship. But with the launch of the GTS line back at the Texas Children’s Houston Open in March, this is the first time we have seen Titleist come out with major themed head covers for the season (driver headcovers through hybrids).
Check out some photos below.

At the Masters, we saw the familiar Masters green, white, and yellow. While the PGA Championship design was colors synonymous with the Philadelphia Eagles NFL team. This shows the season major drops continue full steam ahead for major OEMs. New opportunities for each major for designs and themes, and who knows, maybe a lucky spark for a player and a major championship for their resume. It gets the wheels turning for what major theme headcover you would keep on your bag for the whole season!


Whats in the Bag
Melanie Green WITB 2026 (June)
Driver: TaylorMade Qi4D (9 degrees)
Shaft: Graphite Design Tour AD VF 5 S

3-wood: TaylorMade Qi4D (15 degrees)
Shaft: Graphite Design Tour AD VF 6 S

Hybrids: TaylorMade Qi4D (19 degrees, 22 degrees)
Shaft: Graphite Design Tour AD VF Hybrid 85 S 

Irons: TaylorMade P770 (5-PW)
Shafts: Nippon Modus 3 Tour 105

Wedges: TaylorMade MG5 (50-SB 09, 54-SB 12, 60-SB 10)
Shafts: Nippon Modus 3 Tour 105

Putter: TaylorMade Spider Tour V
Grip: SuperStroke Flatso 2.0

Grips: Golf Pride MCC
Ball: TaylorMade TP5x
Check out more in-hand photos of Melanie Green’s clubs here.
Equipment
Titleist GT280 mini driver after 3 rounds – GolfWRXers discuss
In our forums, one user has announced himself as a believer in the powers of Titleist’s GT280 Mini Driver, and is sharing the good news with other members.
User @dgarland chronicled:
“As the title states I have played 3 rounds with a Titleist GT280 mini driver and here are the results… If you have been contemplating trying one, definitely do. Stock Tensei Blue and set at standard loft and it’s legitimately hard to not put the ball in play with this. It is incredibly straight and even bad swings result in a usable shot. You will give up some distance but you will be in play. I have not attempted to hit it off the fairway yet but I rarely hit my 3 wood off the fairway either. At my home course there are two holes on the front 9 that are a really uncomfortable shot with the driver. One is a slight dogleg right where a draw (my normal shot) can run out of room fast and the other is a dogleg left with trees about 250ish straight off the tee, where a driver that doesn’t draw will get me into trouble. The mini driver has been perfect for both of them. I always step onto those tee boxes uncomfortable about the shot I need to play, but with this it makes it far easier to get the ball in play.
“Update: 2 for 2 again this morning in a 9 hole round.”
Members in the forum shared their thoughts on mini drivers, offering up their favorite models and whether or not they’re a proper fit for their home course/style of play. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- NorthMNgolfer: “I’m curious between this and the new TEC mini that was just released. But I’m waiting a mini that can be used from the fairway as well from time to time. Both look like great options.”
- jLMN: “I played the GT280 last year and it’s a great club. My problem this year is I couldn’t justify keeping it in the bag when I would only use it 2-3 times per round. Perfect club for short par 4 tee shots. I didn’t trust it as well off the deck compared to the tee box.”
- GolferPerson1: “I can only speak to the 280 but I’ve had no issues with it from the fairway. ”
Entire Thread: “Titleist GT280 mini driver after 3 rounds”
If you aren’t a member, join us in the GolfWRX forums today!
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Tom
Jan 21, 2017 at 11:51 am
And hangin’ in there at 10 under
Dave
Jan 21, 2017 at 7:24 am
Did anyone expect Phil to say his new Epics stink? If a thrift store paid Phil millions to tout old Northwestern clubs, he’d say they were the best on the planet.
And I don’t blame him.
Tex
Jan 20, 2017 at 3:40 pm
Awesome to see but you know they are GOOD if Phil keeps them in bag throughout the season…
Chuck
Jan 20, 2017 at 3:14 pm
My goodness gracious what a surprise. Callaway Staff Professional Brand Ambassador Spokesmodel Phil Mickelson is using Callaway’s newest retail offering.
Awright, I admit I should not be so sarcastic. Especially since, if I were an equipment manufacturer, Phil Mickelson is one of the very first guys I’d want to sign, because he is just about the best in the business, at taking care of business. And I certainly don’t dislike anything about Callaway. I’d be happy to consider buying Callaway equipment, right now.
I just have no confidence whatsoever in equipment endorsements, when those endorsements are purchased for millions of dollars.
Tell me what is in the bags of the players at the U.S Mid-Amateur.