Equipment
The 10 hottest equipment stories from The 2022 Open Championship at St. Andrews
If you can’t get fired up about the 150th Open Championship at The Old Course at St. Andrews – the Home of Golf – then what are we even doing here?
Hopefully, you’re as excited as I am about this week. Plus, the course is playing firm, fast, crispy and windy. To me, those are exactly the conditions that make St. Andrews so fun to watch (and play). Bake it out, kick the wind into high gear, and let’s have some fun.
From a historical aspect, 150 is a lot of Open Championships, and the scene at St. Andrews was dripping in nostalgia. On Tuesday, past champions collected to play in the four-hole team event called Celebration of Champions, and all the big names showed up – Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino, Gary Player, Sir Nick Faldo, Tiger Woods, and of course, not Greg Norman.
To honor the unique history, local flavor, and the significant 150th anniversary, golf companies and merchandisers went all out this year with the custom gear. And, to keep things especially interesting on the equipment front, Open Championship competitors were making a TON of changes to deal with the super firm and windy conditions.
GolfWRX photographer Greg Moore and myself, Tour reporter Andrew Tursky, took the pilgrimage over to Scotland to cover both the Genesis Scottish Open and the 150th Open at St. Andrews. Greg deserves a special shoutout for being the designated oppo-road driver; things went almost flawlessly on our roadway travels, aside from our run-in with the local police (Greg relays the full story in our forums, and there’s a driver giveaway involved, so it’s worth checking out). All of our content from the Scotland trip is either on GolfWRX.com, in the forums, on Instagram, on YouTube, on our new TikTok account (no dancing videos, just golf…at least so far), or on the Equipment Report on PGATOUR.com. There’s A LOT more to get released in the coming week, so be on the lookout.
Anyways! Let’s get into why you clicked on this story.
Below are the top-10 gear stories from The 2022 Open Championship at the Old Course at St. Andrews.
Tiger Woods makes four gear changes
Woods revealed at the recent JP McManus Pro-Am that he was testing out a Fujikura Ventus Black 6 X shaft in his TaylorMade Stealth plus 9-degree driver, and he still had the new shaft in the bag at The Open when I followed him for a few holes on Monday. That was change number 1.
No. 2, Woods also changed shafts in the TaylorMade P770 3-iron he used at the PGA Championship. He previously had a True Temper Dynamic Gold MID Tour Issue X100 shaft in the new head, but he since switched back into a regular Tour Issue X100 for a lower flight/spin. St. Andrews is stinger heaven out there, so the lower launch the better.
No. 3, Woods played with two TaylorMade MG3 Raw wedges (56 and 60 degrees) at the PGA Championship, and although he kept the 60-degree MG3 Raw in the bag for The Open, he switched into an MG2 TW Grind 56-degree wedge.
No. 4, he did that thing again. You know, the thing where he adds lead tape to his Scotty Cameron Newport 2 GSS proto putter. The added weight helps Woods’ performance and feel on the slower green speeds overseas. We’ll call it 3.5 changes for Woods this week, since the lead tape addition is essentially a given when he plays The Open.
Tiger Woods 2022 WITB from The 2022 Open Championship
Callaway’s locally designed staff bags/art pieces
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For its 2022 staff bag, Callaway partnered up with St. Andrews and commissioned local artists to come up with their best bag designs. Out of the 10 finalists, 17-year-old Iona Turner’s design was chosen as the winner. The other finalists had their versions turned into large staff bag sculptures that were scattered throughout the city of St. Andrews, easter egg style. Greg Moore captured photos of some of the Callaway sculptures, which you can check out in the forums.
TaylorMade and Cleveland-Srixon also unveiled Open Championship custom bags this week. Titleist did, too, but their’s is a retail version, not likely one that you’ll see its Tour staffers carrying this week.
Titleist Pro V1 150 golf balls
Titleist golf balls have typically always been numbered 0-99, even in its custom programs, but the 150th Open Championship is a special occasion. The custom 150-numbered golf balls are housed in new packaging made special for The Open, and they have The Open logo on the side of the Pro V1 golf balls. Check retail shops near you for a chance to purchase.
Stinger Season
As mentioned before, it’s windy and firm at St. Andrews, making for the perfect conditions for players to experiment with and switch into driving irons rather than using a high-launching fairway wood. And they did. Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Collin Morikawa, Marc Leishman, Joaquin Niemann, Justin Thomas, Mito Pereira, and a slew of others were testing driving irons ahead of the event this week. If you count Woods’ 3-iron as a driving iron, then you can add him to the running list, as well.
Most notably, McIlroy and Morikawa were testing out TaylorMade’s new Stealth UDI clubs, which were only officially launched on Tour last week at the Scottish Open.
Our full story on driving iron switch-ups is over on the PGA Tour’s Equipment Report.
Bounce, bounce
What will be the longest drive this week at @TheOpen? ? (?: @Samburns66) pic.twitter.com/XLrOGpB0FR
— Caddie Network (@CaddieNetwork) July 11, 2022
When you can throw a golf ball at the ground on the fairway and it bounces back up at you, that’s a big clue it’s time to switch into a low-bounce wedge.
Speaking with Titleist Vokey wedge rep Aaron Dill on Wednesday, he revealed that he built up 25-30 (!) of Titleist’s lowest-bounce wedge offering – the T grind, which comes with just 4 degrees of measured loft. Patrick Cantlay, Webb Simpson and Justin Thomas were among the notable names that Dill mentioned who made wedge adjustments/changes for lower bounce.
“It’s really firm here,” Dill said. “This grass, it doesn’t work well with a lot of bounce…Most guys would tell you the fairways are running faster than the greens. Trying to calculate that in these really firm conditions is tricky. A lot of guys have spent their time over the last 3 days figuring that out…you’re seeing guys reduce bounce for the square faced pitches, you’re seeing guys reduce bounce on the trailing edge to allow the ball to pop up easily, but finding the perfect combination that fits these bunkers (the sand is sticky and clumpy) is tricky.”
McIlroy also switched into a low-bounce MG3 Raw custom wedge this week, whereas he typically opts for a HB (high bounce) model.
Tiger’s 1995 replica pullover
@golfwrx Tiger Woods wore a classic St Andrews pullover in the 1995 Open Championship. Since then, The Golf Shop of St Andrews has been selling a replica design, and they want him to stop by and sign it while he’s in town @theopen #tiger #sweater #standrews #fashion #tigerwoods #golf #golftiktok #scotland #beunbxd ? Countless – Official Sound Studio
Back in 1995, when Tiger Woods played his first Open Championship at St Andrews, he wore an incredible Titleist pullover celebrating The Home of Golf. Shortly after the event, The Golf Shop of St Andrews designed what could be considered a replica, and nearly 30 years later, they’re still selling the pullovers. Given Woods’ apparel deals, and the fact he’d get mobbed with selfie seekers and autograph hounders if he walked the streets of St Andrews, it’s probably unlikely that Woods turns up to sign a pullover for the local shop, but I still think it’s a cool design with a fun backstory regardless.
Scotty Cameron headcovers
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Scotty Cameron almost always creates custom putter covers for the major events, and for special tournaments or events throughout the year. The dates on these festive covers showcase the years than an Open Champion won while using a scotty Cameron putter.
Ping i230 irons (finally!)
We first caught a glimpse of Ping’s still unreleased i230 irons in early July, and now we finally have in-hand photos of the irons. Stewart Cink is currently gaming a set (4-PW, UW) in The Open Championship, and we got word from Ping regarding Cink’s feedback on the new designs:
Ping Player Development Manager Spencer Rothluebber said:
“Once Stewart saw that the i230s were smaller heel to toe in the long irons, he was instantly excited to play them. He loved the feel and sound, the i230s have a very solid impact experience. He also found the transition to the new iron very easy as the sole design of the i230 compared to the i210 didn’t change.”
More Ping i230 photos and discussion here
Mizuno releases limited-edition Pro 221 blue irons
This ain’t the Rolling Stones, but we’ve Got the Blues.
Unveiled at The 2022 Open Championship, Mizuno announced that its releasing a limited run of Mizuno Pro 221 blue-plated irons. There will be 1,221 sets produced, selling for $2,210 each (3-PW), and they come stock with True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 shafts.
We have in-hand photos of the entire set here.
FootJoy x Harris Tweed shoes
Ahead of The 2022 Open Championship, FootJoy partnered with Harris Tweed on these Premiere Series Packard shoes, featuring unique pieces of wool cloth that were dyed and spun off the coast of Scotland. According to FootJoy: “Every meter of the fabric must be handwoven in the homes of Outer Hebrides islanders to ensure it upholds the quality standards protected by the Harris Tweed Act of Parliament.”
They sell for $240 a pair, but size options are going fast if you want them for yourself. Check out more imagery of the shoes in our TikTok below:
@golfwrx 150th Open Championship merch, including custom bags, are here in St Andrews. What do you think?! #open #standrews #merch #golf #golftiktok #scotland #balls #fashion #custom ? Calm LoFi song(882353) – S_R
And with those tweed heaters, we say goodbye to Scotland. Greg will be onsite at the 3M Open next week for more equipment photos, WITBs, and the latest equipment releases. I’ll personally be back on the road for the Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit. See you then!
Check out more of our photos from the 2022 Open Championship at St Andrews
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Whats in the Bag
Richy Werenski WITB 2024 (May)
- Richy Werenski what’s in the bag accurate as of the CJ Cup Houston Open.
Driver: Titleist TSR3 (10 degrees, D1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana PD 60 TX
3-wood: Titleist TSR2 (15 degrees, A1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Red 8 X
Hybrid: Titleist TSR3 (19 degrees, D1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei CK Pro White Hybrid 90 TX
Irons: Titleist T100 (4-9)
Shafts: Nippon N.S. Pro Modus3 Tour 105 S
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM9 (46-10F, 50-12F), Titleist Vokey Design WedgeWorks Proto (54-M, 58-L @60)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 Onyx (46-50), True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 Onyx (54-60)
Putter: Scotty Cameron prototype
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x Left Dash
Grips: Golf Pride ZGrip Cord
Check out more in-hand photos of Richy Werenski’s clubs in the forums.
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Equipment
Adam Scott testing green “Masters Use Only” putter + 6 interesting equipment photos from the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Welcome to the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson event at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas, which, for your geographical reference, is about 25 minutes from Dallas.
In early-week equipment news, we saw some interesting putter testing from Adam Scott, a Maxfli golf ball signing on the PGA Tour, a 16-year-old’s WITB, a PGA Tour player using another PGA Tour player’s backup putter, and Jordan Spieth weighed in on why he recently switched out just his 7-iron (and then made a hole-in-one with it).
With so much to report and so little time to waste on the intro, let’s get right into this week’s equipment rundown from the CJ Cup Byron Nelson.
See all of our photo galleries from the week here
Adam Scott’s new L.A.B. putters
Before we get into a couple of the new prototypes Scott has been testing, above is a photo of the L.A.B. Golf Mezz.1 Max prototype putter that he’s been using, and will likely continue to use this week in Texas.
That being said, following the Masters, Scott was looking to try a couple putters with a slightly lighter weight to help with his feel on fast greens.
One of the new prototypes we spotted on Tuesday was a L.A.B. Golf DF3 “Proto 2.1”, custom-built with Scott’s preferred blue colorway, and an Australia-inspired Kangaroo laser engraving…
We also spotted him with a green-colored “For Masters Use Only” Mezz.1 Max prototype…
While it’s unlikely Scott will make a switch this week, it’s certainly something to keep an eye on going forward, especially on courses with faster greens.
We also got a peek into Scott’s full WITB this week, which consists of a super-mixed set of Srixon irons, including a ZX Utility 3-iron, a ZX-5 MkII 4-iron, ZX-7 MkII mid-irons (5-7) and Z Forged II short irons (8-9).
See Scott’s full WITB from the CJ Cup here
An update on Daniel Berger’s Odyssey Jailbird
Last week in New Orleans, we highlighted Daniel Berger’s Ai-One Jailbird Mini putter because of its unique sightlines.
Well, we have an update.
According to Callaway Tour Manager Joe Toulon, who spoke with GolfWRX.com this week, Berger’s Jailbird Mini is actually from fellow Tour player Tom Kim’s stash. Kim is a prolific putter tester, and the exact putter Berger is currently using was actually originally made for and tested by Kim. The putter didn’t make it into Kim’s starting lineup, however, so he gave the putter back to Odyssey, and it eventually made it’s way onto Berger’s gamer roster.
Jordan Spieth’s new 7-iron
As the story goes, Jordan Spieth changed out his Titleist T100 7-iron on Wednesday before the 2024 Valero Texas Open, and then on Thursday, he used the 7-iron to make a hole-in-one from 199 yards on the 16th hole.
Good timing on that switch, Jordan.
On Tuesday at the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson, GoflWRX.com caught up with Spieth to get the full story on why he switched just the 7-iron.
Our full story is over on PGATOUR.com’s Equipment Report, but here’s a snippet of what Spieth had to say:
“I hit my 7-iron a lot, especially on my own. The spin rates, relative to my 6-iron and my 8-iron, were lower, so it was going too far. I was trying to figure out why, if it was something in the makeup of the iron. I got the lies and the lofts checked, and everything was fine. So finally I was like, ‘Can I just get a new one and see if it fixes it?’
“Maybe there was one other time throughout my career where I changed just one iron, so it’s very unusual. I think it’s just because the grooves were worn down from hitting it too much.”
Ben Griffin signs with Maxfli to play the golf ball
At the beginning of the year, LPGA Tour star Lexi Thompson signed a deal with Maxfli to play the company’s golf ball, and now, Griffin has officially joined team Maxfli, as well, thus expanding the company’s Tour presence.
GolfWRX.com caught up with Griffin on Wednesday in Texas for a video interview about his new golf ball of choice, and how he marks it…
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A 16-year-old is playing on the PGA Tour this week, using a 2-iron!
Amateur golfer Kris Kim, at just 16 years of age, is making his PGA Tour debut this week after receiving a sponsors exemption into the event. In 2023, Kim won both the R&A Boys’ Amateur Championship and the European Boys’ International Championship.
On Tuesday in Texas, we got a look into Kim’s bag, which revealed that he’s currently playing a TaylorMade P-770 2-iron, and a bag full of TaylorMade clubs.
Check out Kim’s full WITB here
A smart golf ball stamping
I’m not going to sit here and pretend to be a big math guy, because I’m not. However, I do recognize David Nyfjall’s purple ball marking as a square root symbol.
While I don’t know the particular significance of the square root symbol for Nyfjall, I do know you have to be fairly intelligent to even consider using a marking like that. Pretty cool stuff from the Northwestern alum, and 2023 Byron Nelson Award winner.
And, with that, we say goodbye to Texas and TPC Craig Ranch. We’ll see you next week at the Wells Fargo Championship in Charlotte for more insider equipment news and storylines.
For now, don’t forget to check out all of our photos from the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
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Whats in the Bag
Wesley Bryan WITB 2024 (May)
- Wesley Bryan what’s in the bag accurate as of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson.
Driver: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond Max (9 degrees @10)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana GT 50 TX
3-wood: TaylorMade Stealth Plus (15 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana GT 60 X
Hybrid: TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus Rescue (19.5 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus HB Blue 8 X
Irons: Titleist T200 (4), Takomo 101U (4), Takomo 101T (5), Takomo 301 CB (6-9)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (46-10F, 52-08F, 56-14F), Titleist Vokey Design WedgeWorks Proto (58-A)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400
Putter: L.A.B. Golf DF3
Grips: SuperStroke, Golf Pride Tour Velvet
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
More photos of Wesley Bryan’s WITB in the forums.
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