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Tommy Fleetwood is making a strong argument as the hottest golfer in the world after winning the DP World India Championship by two shots on Sunday.

It’s Fleetwood’s second win in less than two months after he finally broke through for his first PGA Tour victory in August at the Tour Championship, taking home the FedEx Cup as well.

His golf equipment is nearly unchanged since the victory at East Lake, except for one major swap: Fleetwood played without a driver this week at Delhi Golf Club.

The Englishman was not alone in his decision to remove the big stick. According to DP World Tour equipment surveyer SMS on Tour, 42 percent of the field this week played without a driver and that included several of Fleetwood’s European Ryder Cup teammates like Rory McIlroy and Viktor Hovland.

Rory McIlroy’s superpower about to meet its match

By:

Alan Bastable

Delhi Golf Club features a layout just under 7,000 yards, cut into jungle with dense thickets on either side of fairways that average just 25 yards in width. McIlroy said earlier in the week that he would take out the driver because there wasn’t anywhere that asked him to hit a drive more than 265-270 off the tee and he wanted to remove the temptation.

Fleetwood used primarily his mini driver, 5-wood and 4-iron — a club which he added to the bag this week in place of the driver while keeping his similarly lofted 9-wood in the bag — off the tees.

On Sunday, the strategy worked to perfection as Fleetwood missed just one fairway in his final-round 65, which was enough to make up a two-shot defict to Keita Nakajima to start the day.

Keep reading below for all of DP World India Championship winner Tommy Fleetwood’s specs.

Tommy Fleetwood’s winning clubs at the 2025 DP World India Championship

Tommy Fleetwood’s R7 Quad Mini Driver.

Jack Hirsh/GOLF

Mini Driver: TaylorMade R7 Quad Mini 13.5˚
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 6-X
Actual Loft: 13˚
FCT Sleeve: 1 click lower than STD/UP
Weights: 10 g Toe, 15 g Heel, 2x 3 g back
Length: 43.5″ EOG
Tipping: 1″
Swingweight: D4

TaylorMade R7 Quad Custom Mini Driver

PERFORMANCE FOR THE MODERN PLAYER
Inspired by one of the most iconic models in TaylorMade history, the R7 Quad Mini Driver pays homage to what’s come before, while creating its own modern identity in the same breath. It’s that very modern design that incorporates proven TaylorMade technologies to give golfers versatility and playability.
R7 QUAD WEIGHTING SYSTEM
The new quad weighting system features four movable weights (13g x2, 4g x2) that provide the ultimate in spin management and shot shape control. Forward CG creates a penetrating flight best suited for maximizing distance whereas rear CG helps prioritize control and ease of use from the deck. Shot shape can also be fine-tuned helping create the most optimal flight. Additional weights can be purchased for a wider range of adjustability.
INFINITY CARBON CROWN
A new satin Infinity Carbon Crown has been added to the R7 Quad Mini Driver chassis creating a stunning look while saving weight for better mass optimization. The cosmetic package is clean, elegant, and confidence-inspiring.

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Fujikura Ventus TR Blue Wood Shaft

NEW FOR 2022! Introducing a new profile to the lineup, VENTUS TR. Born from the continuous quest for improvement and backed by enso®–driven analytics and Tour feedback, VENTUS TR builds upon one of the most trusted and best-selling wood shafts in Fujikura history. TR is a new mid launch, low spin profile in the VENTUS line. Welcome to the next level of VENTUS performance.

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Tommy Fleetwood’s Qi35 5-wood.

Jack Hirsh/GOLF

5-wood: TaylorMade Qi35 bonded 18˚
Shaft: Mitsubishi Kuro Kage 80TX
Actual Loft: 17.5˚
Length: 42.25″ EOG
Tipping: 2″
Swingweight: D4

TaylorMade Qi35 Custom Fairway Wood

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Tommy Fleetwood’s Qi10 9-wood.

Jack Hirsh/GOLF

9-wood: TaylorMade Qi10 24˚
Shaft: Mitsubishi Kuro Kage 80TX
Actual Loft: 22.5˚
Length: 41.5″ EOG
Tipping: 2″
Swingweight: D4

TaylorMade Qi10 Custom Fairway Wood

Introducing the Qi10 fairways. Experience TaylorMade speed with Qi10 forgiveness…off the tee and off the deck.
TOUR PROVEN PERFORMANCE
The model most popular with both Tour players and amateurs, the Qi10 Fairway is the ideal blend of distance and forgiveness, while the precision CG location delivers a combo of high launch and low spin.
NEW INFINITY CARBON CROWN

An Infinity Crown provides a clean, uninterrupted view at address while also optimizing performance. Engineers relied on this new design to reshape the club, shifting more weight lower in the clubhead to maintain high inertia with an enlarged face profile to inspire confidence and generate ball speed.

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Tommy Fleetwood’s P7TW 6-iron.

Jack Hirsh/GOLF

Irons: TaylorMade P7TW 4-PW
Shafts: Project X 6.5
Lofts: 22/26/30/34/38/42/47
Lies: 59/59/59.5/60/60.5/61/61.5
Length: +.25″ (37.25″ 7-iron)
Swingweight: D4

TaylorMade P7TW Custom Irons

MILLED GRIND SOLE DEBUT

Milled Grind eliminates variances in sole geometry from head to head and ensures precision in every iron set, while the CNC machined sole geometry and a precise leading edge promote consistent turf interaction.

TIGER’S FINGERPRINT

Each iron has been meticulously shaped to meet Tiger’s discerning eye—longer blade length, thinner topline, progressive face height, and more.

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Tommy Fleetwood’s TaylorMade wedge setup.

TaylorMade and Jack Hirsh/GOLF

Wedges: TaylorMade Hi-Toe 4 (52-9 ATS), TaylorMade MG Proto (56-12 SB, 60-10 SB)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400
Lie: 61.5˚
Length: 35.5″, 35.25″, 35″ EOG
Swingweight: D4

TaylorMade Milled Grind 5 Custom Wedge

FORGED FEEL
Incredible feel is a must for having a great wedge game. MG5 has been forged from soft carbon steel and designed with geometry to provide excellent feel with great feedback.
MAXIMUM SPIN
MG5 uses all-new, more aggressive grooves designed to maximize spin. Saw-milled grooves produce tighter tolerances allowing engineers to design steeper walls and sharper radii intended to maximize spin in both dry and damp conditions.
PERFORMANCE IN ALL CONDITIONS
RAW face with Spin Tread technology channels away moisture to help retain spin. The same way that tire treads help your car stay connected to the road, laser-etched channels redirect water at impact and creates more friction between the club face and golf ball to maintain spin in wet conditions.
CRAFTSMANSHIP MEETS CONSISTENCY 
Crafted by hand and then milled to perfection. Each wedge and sole grind are precision-milled to eliminate the natural human error that comes with hand polishing. Our grinds deliver unmatched consistency and craftsmanship that players can count on every time.
CHARCOAL FINISH
MG5 debuts a sleek, sophisticated charcoal finish that reduces glare and enhances its aesthetic appeal in the bag.

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Tommy Fleetwood’s TaylorMade Spider putter.

Jack Hirsh/GOLF

Putter:Spider Tour Black
Neck: Short slant
Insert: Pure Roll
Loft: 2.5˚
Lie: 69˚
Length: 34″
Swingweight: E0
Grip: SuperStroke 2.0 Mid Slim

TaylorMade 2025 Spider Tour Black Custom Putter

BLACK PVD FINISH The durable PVD coating creates a beautiful high-quality finish with sole plate, back badge and copper accents.
TRUE PATH™ ALIGNMENT The patented alignment system provides visual clarity and helps golfers better envision the line to the hole.
WHITE TPU PURE ROLL™ INSERTMade from a combination of Surlyn and aluminum, the white TPU Pure Roll™ insert creates a softer feel.Grooves are angled at 45° to encourage optimal forward roll as well as better sound, feel and overall roll characteristics. The white insert also creates better symmetry with the white True Path alignment.
THIN WALL UNDERCUT CONSTRUCTION We’ve engineered a super stable structure by removing excess weight to create high MOI and legendary Spider performance.
HYBRAR ECHO®DAMPENER HYBRAR is behind the face to dampen unwanted vibrations, delivering premium sound and feelon every putt with the best possible sensation.
TSS WEIGHTING TSS weights provide balanced weighting and help optimize performance for all various putter lengths.
STEEL WIREFRAME Allows engineers to better control weight distribution and CG location.

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Tommy Fleetwood’s TP5x Pix is easy to find.

Getty Images

Ball: TaylorMade TP5x Pix

TaylorMade 2024 TP5x Pix Golf Balls

The all-new 2024 TaylorMade TP5x Golf Balls are the fastest 5-layer Tour ball-now a ½ club longer-combines enhanced speed for more distance without compromising control around the green.
TOUR DISTANCE WITH NEW SPEED WRAPPED CORE
TP5x is the fastest 5-layer Tour ball, prioritizing ball speed for golfers seeking increased velocity off the clubface. It delivers low-spin performance with driver and long irons for more distance, while maintaining exceptional greenside control. The new Speed Wrapped Core means a ½ club longer while delivering a softer sound and better feel, while promoting a faster and more responsive overall design.

TP5x PIX™ WITH NEW CLEARPATH ALIGNMENT™

The 2024 TP5 pix™ golf ball builds on the groundbreaking visual technology of ClearPath Alignment™, the most played all-over print visual technology on professional tours. Compared to previous generations, the new model features a longer centerline and additional color contrast, offering easier alignment and more precise feedback on the green.

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Tommy Fleetwood has two types of grips in his setup.

Jack Hirsh/GOLF

Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet BCT 58 RD (woods and wedges), Iomic Sticky Blue 2.3 Round set at 11:30 (slightly open, irons)

Want to overhaul your bag for 2025?Find a club-fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.

At first when I heard Rory McIlroy was considering leaving driver in his locker for this week’s DP World India Championship I thought he was speaking figuratively. Leaving it in his locker as in not using it much. But then when he showed up for his first-round tee time it turned out that he had very literally taken driver out of his bag. Second round? Same thing. And it makes sense, when you hear him explain it. But we’ve also never seen this from Rory before. So let’s talk through why this is interesting.

(Let’s talk through some other stuff, too.)

1. Rory has never done this before.

He first teased it in his pre-tournament press conference.

“I’d say the next time I hit my driver will be in Abu Dhabi,” he joked, referring to his next tournament start. But in fact it wasn’t a joke. “I don’t think I’ll hit a driver this week. I just don’t feel like the risk is worth the reward. I’d rather leave myself two or three clubs back and hit a 7-iron into a par-4 instead of hitting a wedge, where if you just get it off-line here, the ball is gone. You’re hitting it into jungle and you’re not going to be able to get it out. You can rack up a very big number very quickly.”

Then came his comments after the first round — his first professional round without his most famous club (and its trademark dog headcover).

“Dog was out of the bag, probably asleep in the locker,” he said. “Yeah, I was sort of thinking about it last night before I went to bed. Sometimes if you’re really conservative off a par-5, you might have like a 5-wood into the green, but I’m never going to hit driver, so I just thought I’ve got to go 2-iron, 3-iron, 4-iron all the way through, and then I’ve got a 5-wood just in case I need to hit it for an approach shot on a par-5. But I just don’t see any hole out there that I hit to hit it more than say 260, 270 off the tee.”

2. My buddy has, though.

I have a close pal who has taken driver out of the bag just because he knows that if it’s in there, at some point he will be tempted to hit it, he will then drive the ball out of play and he will start having a bad time. McIlroy is basically doing the same thing. He just happens to hit his long irons about 80-100 yards past my buddy, who’s a 20 handicap.

3. Then again, he’s never done any of this before.

This is McIlroy’s first time in India and it’s one of the higher-profile tournaments in the nation’s golfing history. It seems like a win-win from each side; McIlroy has for multiple years expressed his interest in playing here and he continues to find joy in new golf tournaments around the world. And because the DP World Tour has a more lenient policy around appearance fees, it’s safe to assume that McIlroy and his high-profile peers are being well-compensated for their time this week.

4. The numbers tell a fascinating story

Through two rounds the average driving distance for the India Championship is just over 265 yards on its measured holes. That is wild when you consider the PGA Tour’s average driving distance is 303.3 yards. McIlroy’s no-driver strategy still has him in the top half, averaging 270.25 yards. But that’s more than 50 yards behind his 323-yard average. There’s a wide range in strategies, though: Thriston Lawrence of South Africa went bombs away en route to a 308-yard average through two rounds, with the average-length Brian Harman just behind him at 299.5 yards a pop.

As for McIlroy’s accuracy? He has hit 75 percent of his fairways, good for T17 in the field and miles ahead of his 51.2 percent PGA Tour average. The tradeoff is pretty clear.

5. The visuals do, too.

If you spend any time watching the India Championship on TV (and I recommend it, particularly if you live in the U.S. and you’re an insomniac) you’ll quickly see why these guys are laying so far back — the course is in the middle of New Delhi, the second-most-populous city in the world, but it’s also essentially cut into a jungle. The corridors are narrow and missing spells doom.

6. For that matter, the sounds tell a fascinating story.

You can hear sounds of the city come through on every minute of the broadcast — and even on the fun social clips the DP World Tour has been posting. We often hear about how courses are in major cities when in fact they’re on the quiet outskirts of quiet suburbs, but not here! It’s worth embracing the extent to which this course is in the mix.

7. He’s still losing to his straighter-hitting pals

It’s no shock that this course would set up well for McIlroy’s two closest friends on Tour, given their statistical profiles; Tommy Fleetwood (who leads at 12 under through 36 holes) has slightly below-average length but is one of the straightest drivers in the world and an incredible irons player. You could say something similar about Shane Lowry (11 under, T2) who is notably straight off the tee and notably elite with an iron in hand from the fairway.

“There’s a lot of holes where you’re not hitting much off the tee and you’re trying to get it in play and that’s why I think it suits me,” Lowry said. “There’s a lot of mid-irons out there which a strength of my game.”

8. This is the golf experiment we’ve been waiting for.

People in and around pro golf think and talk obsessively about distance. Whether pros hit it too far, whether golf courses are too short, what anybody can do about any of it. This week is certainly one example of how to de-emphasize distance as a skill; accuracy off the tee is essential to success, while driver has been effectively outlawed. And the players seem tickled by the test.

“It’s great. We spoke about it quite a bit out there — it’s just such a unique challenge for all of us,” Fleetwood said. “I haven’t hit more than a 5-wood. The one hole where I could hit more is 18, but you get to that and you’re like, ‘Well, I haven’t hit one, and I don’t really feel that comfortable with it.’ It’s such a unique challenge, and the greens are firming out a little bit and the pins have been tricky.

“It’s been very, very enjoyable. It’s a test of patience when you’re not quite on it because like it’s one of those courses, you get a few of them where you feel — if you hit it good off the tee you’re going to have some short irons and wedges and feel like you’ve always got a chance to get it wrong. It’s such a waiting game. You’ve got to be very patient. It’s been a great test.”

9. It’s also a reminder for us.

I live in Seattle, where many courses present as bowling alleys. But I’m so conditioned to seeing the pros hit driver or 3-wood everywhere that I assume if they showed up here they’d do the same. This is evidence to the contrary. Even through analytics have steered pros towards a bomb-and-gauge style of play in recent years, there are limits to that strategy when courses become tight enough and misses become penal enough. So yeah — it’s okay to lay back off the tee if it means you’re going to keep it in play. Not much fun getting stuck in the jungle all day, anyway.

10. Sports rule.

I spent my Thursday night watching Joe Flacco trade punches with Aaron Rodgers in one of the more memorable regular-season matchups in recent NFL history — and then eventually flipped over to catch the sights, sounds and strategies of the India Championship. Sports remain the best thing going because they deliver the unexpected. Let’s go back to McIlroy’s pre-tournament press conference for the final word:

“I would say that deep down at its core, the essence of watching sport, it’s the realest reality show that we have. We don’t know the outcome. We don’t know what’s going to happen, and that’s amazing. There’s very little content on TV nowadays that can actually do that.”

Two more intriguing rounds in this latest episode.

Dylan Dethier welcomes your comments at dylan_dethier@golf.com.

I spent four years watching Xander Schauffele from the front row, and from a gear heads perspective it is a fascinating case study in efficiency. The elite ball striker that Xander has always been was amplified with speed AND consistency in late 2023 due to his work in the gym and with coach Chris Como.

When you study Xander Schauffele’s TrackMan data, the numbers paint a very interesting picture.

In this weeks episode of Fully Equipped, Jake Morrow and I sat down with Trackman Tour representative Harrison Shih who is the man tasked with following, tracking and informing Xander, his caddy Austin Kaiser and Callaway Tour reps on exactly what Schauffele is doing with the golf ball week to week.

Schauffele’s setup isn’t built for chaos. It’s built for repeatability — optimized across every club to create one thing: a predictable window.

The work he has done with Callaway’s Tour Performance rep Kellen Watson rivals any combo in professional golf.

“The work he has done with Chris has changed a lot in terms of delivery and face orientation. At the end of 2020 or 2021 we were focused on trying to elevate the ball even with the lofts he currently and always has played. We were seeing steeper attack angles and lower launches with most clubs. His work with Chris has gotten him into a better position with delivering the club more neutral to the ball. With his 4-iron during that time, he was 8° down on the ball and launches were low with spin rates exceeding 5200 rpm. His team was concerned about the spin, but the numbers were telling me that we needed that spin at those variables to stop the golf ball. He and Chris have done a great job to mitigate that delivery. With that neutralization, the closed face issue reared its head a bit. You would see it more in swing videos than you would in TrackMan numbers, but I would never take the range TrackMan numbers as gospel. I base everything off the on course numbers that are captured because Xander has an amazing talent for hitting the shot that is called for. Very little attention is given to the stock, range shots unless we are trying to tighten or fill gaps.”

Driver: Calm speed, perfect control

Xander Schauffele’s driver.

Johnny Wunder

Club: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke TD (10.5° @ 10.2, 7GF/8GB, 188.2g)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana PD 70TX (45.5”, tipped 1”, D1.7)
Ball: Callaway Chrome Tour Dot

TrackMan Data:

• Ball Speed: 181.1 mph
• Attack Angle: +0.1°
• Club Path: +3.5°
• Dynamic Loft: 11.2°
• Smash Factor: 1.50

As mentioned by Watson, with a neutral attack angle and a 3.5° in-to-out path, he’s creating a piercing flight that lives in that 10–12° launch window, spinning in a window of 2300-2700 up and down the face.

His smash factor of 1.50 tells you everything — center contact, over and over again.

According to swing coach Chris Como, with the new shape to his swing and the strength training, it allows Xander to own impact more efficiently even on the off days. In the past when the action declined he would find himself losing his posture on the downswing causing a fade that didn’t fade and a draw that had a mind of its own.

In terms of ball flight Xanders “shape” from a stock sense is a straight ball that falls slightly left. Over the past few seasons I’ve seen him more comfortably move it left to right especially with the driver.

In terms of the numbers below it must be addressed that due to the rib injury, welcoming a new child to the family and a more or less casual season, Xanders speed is down 4-5 mph than in 2024. Getting fast is tough, holding on to it is no small feat either. So the numbers make look a little light based on what we have seen on TV the past couple of years but hey, give the guy a break.

Life happens as they say.

3-Wood: Distance without the drama

Xander Schauffele 3-wood.

Johnny Wunder

Club: Callaway Elyte TD HL (16.5° @ 15.4, 57° lie)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana PD 80TX (42.5”, tipped 1.5”, D1.7)

TrackMan Data:

• Club Speed: 114.0 mph
• Attack Angle: -2.5°
• Ball Speed: 170.5 mph
• Spin Rate: 3683 rpm
• Carry Distance: 272.3 yds
• Dynamic Loft: 11.5°

Irons: Tour compression, defined

Xander Scahuffeles Callaway Apex TCB

Johnny Wunder

Irons: Callaway Apex TCB 24 Raw (4–PW, Std Length, 1 Flat)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100

TrackMan Data (8i):

• Attack Angle: -8.0°
• Club Path: -0.2°
• Ball Speed: 124.9 mph
• Dynamic Loft: 22.5°
• Smash Factor: 1.36

If you ever wonder what true compression looks like from a numbers standpoint this is textbook.

He delofts a 39° iron down to around 22.5° at impact, which is how a stock 8-iron for X flys roughly 175 yds with 7900-8200RPM of spin.

His 8° downward attack and neutral path yield elite consistency — ball speeds hovering around 125 mph with a tight 1.36 smash. Every rep has that flat, flighted window you see on TV. This isn’t about distance — it’s about flight control, spin hold, and gapping perfection.

This is where the term SPIN LOFT gets brought up. It’s a metric that more or less explains how spin is generated shot to shot.

Spin Loft, in the simplest sense, is the difference between your dynamic loft (the loft the club actually presents at impact) and your attack angle (the direction your clubhead is traveling — up or down — when it hits the ball).

So, Spin Loft = Dynamic Loft – Attack Angle.

What makes Xander’s spin loft so special is that its consistent from club to club. The dude’s not creating spin with effort — he’s creating it with geometry. He’s presenting the face perfectly square, slightly delofted, and attacking from a shallow-steep blend that lets him trap it but still launch it mid-high. Harry Shih explains this in detail in this weeks episode of Fully Equipped.

Pitching wedge: Precision by the numbers

Club: Apex TCB 24 PW (47.8° loft)
Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100

TrackMan Data:

• Club Speed: 76.9 mph
• Attack Angle: -7.5°
• Ball Speed: 102.3 mph
• Spin Rate: 8926 rpm
• Carry Distance: 130.6 yds
• Dynamic Loft: 29.1°

52° wedge: Controlled spin machine

Wedge: Callaway Opus SP (52-10S @ 53°)
Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100

TrackMan Data:

• Club Speed: 74.9 mph
• Attack Angle: -6.7°
• Ball Speed: 90.8 mph
• Spin Rate: 9515 rpm
• Carry Distance: 111.8 yds
• Dynamic Loft: 32.8°

Wedge arsenal and short-game DNA

Xander Schauffele Vokey wedges.

Johnny Wunder

Wedges:

• Callaway Opus SP (52–10S @ 53°)
• Titleist Vokey SM10 (56–10S @ 57°, 60–04T @ 61°)
  Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100

The putter: The finishing touch

Xander Schauffele putter from all angles.

Johnny Wunder

Model: Odyssey Toulon Las Vegas CH Xander Proto (34.5”, 71.5°, 3°, 520g)
Grip: SuperStroke Zyn Pistol 2.0

Final takeaway: Numbers never lie

Bang for your buck is what I call Xander Scahuffele’s whole set up from action to tool. It’s no secret that he’s a phenomenal overall athlete but what hes able to do speed and efficiency wise in a frame that doesn’t scream 340 yard bombs, Xander is considered one of the premier ball strikers in the game.

As Callaway rep Kellen Watson mentioned at the opening, Xander can “out hit” any property on Tour and that puts him in a class of maybe 5-7 players in the world that when they are on, there isn’t a golf course on the planet that can hide from them.

Talent? yes. But this is perfect harmony of talent, technique, tool and team work.

I’m pumped he and Kaiser made it back in the winner’s circle, when these guys are playing well, it’s great for the game and the conversations around it.

There were mumblings all week. Given the tight, tree-lined fairways at Delhi GC, players were expecting to keep their drivers in their bags for most of the 2025 DP World India Championship.

But Rory McIlroy took it one step further. In Thursday’s opening round, the five-time major champion didn’t even carry his driver.

The strategy paid off with a solid start, though not as solid as one of his European Ryder Cup teammates.

Why Rory McIlroy didn’t carry driver at India Championship

The signs were clear ahead of the tournament, when McIlroy first revealed the unusual strategy he was mulling for the week.

“I’d say that the next time I hit my driver will be in Abu Dhabi,” McIlory joked Wednesday. “I don’t think I’ll hit a driver this week. I just don’t feel like the risk is worth the reward. I’d rather leave myself two or three clubs back and hit a 7-iron into a par-4 instead of hitting a wedge where if you just get it off-line here and the ball is gone. You’re hitting it into jungle and you’re not going to be able to get it out. You can rack up a very big number very quickly.”

Rory McIlroy’s superpower about to meet its match

By:

Alan Bastable

And he wasn’t alone. Plenty of other star pros laid out similar plans due to the tough test that is Delhi GC, which you can read all about here.

During McIlroy’s final practice round, his driver could be seen in his golf bag carried by caddie Harry Diamond.

But when McIlroy finally began his round on Thursday, his driver, along with its famed St. Bernard dog headcover, was nowhere to be seen.

After his round, McIlroy confirmed the news with a joke in his post-round chat with reporters.

“Dog was out of the bag, probably asleep in the locker,” McIlroy said.

He continued by explaining that in a final late-night strategy session, he realized that if he wasn’t going to hit his driver, he might as well leave it at home and replace it with something he could use. A 2-iron and 5-wood appeared to be his choices.

“I was sort of thinking about it last night before I went to bed,” McIlroy began. “Well, sometimes if you’re really conservative off a par-5 today, you might have like a 5-wood into the green, but I’m never going to hit driver, so I just thought I’ve got 2-iron, 3-iron, 4-iron all the way through, and then I’ve got a 5-wood just in case I need to hit it for an approach shot on a par-5. But I just don’t see any hole out there that I hit to hit it more than say 260, 270 off the tee.”

Given that he ranked second in driving distance on the PGA Tour in 2025 with a 323-yard average, his driver, often his biggest weapon, was just too much club.

Shane Lowry, Ryder Cup players shine in Round 1 at India Championship

It’s hard to fault McIlroy’s strategy given his results in the opening round. The reigning Masters champion shot a three-under 69 on the difficult course, carding six birdies and three bogeys.

Despite the good start, McIlroy was outdone by multiple other players involved in the 2025 Ryder Cup.

‘Wrong reason’: Rory McIlroy reveals ‘unfortunate’ part of Ryder Cup aftermath

By:

Kevin Cunningham

None more so than European teammate Shane Lowry. Lowry, who secured one of the crucial final half points to help Europe win at Bethpage Black, fired an eight-under 64 to take a one-shot lead.

Lowry’s round came together on the back nine, where he made five-straight birdies from holes 11-15 and then birdied the last for a 30.

Another European Ryder Cup star, FedEx Cup champion Tommy Fleetwood, is one ahead of McIlroy after shooting 68 in Round 1. He finds himself tied with European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald.

They’re among a large group tied for seventh at four under that includes the sole player in the field representing the 2025 U.S. Ryder Cup team: Ben Griffin.

Welcome to I Tried It, a GOLF.com series about golf items — apparel, gear, accessories, etc. — that we’ve recently taken out for a spin. We’re here to give our honest, no-frills takes on the latest and greatest golf or golf-adjacent items. So, scroll down to read about what we love about golf’s newest (or new to us) products.

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I’ve got a confession to make: Over the last several golf seasons, I’ve gotten lazy. I used to be someone who walked almost every time I played. Rain or shine, hot or cold, I was hoofing it. But for the last few years, I’ve slowly reverted to a cart golfer.

The comforts of a buggy are difficult to argue. Having a place to store all of your belongings is a huge plus, and getting off your feet between shots is always nice. That’s to say nothing of the shade the roof affords you on those hot summer days. Suffice to say, the siren song of the golf cart has been impossible for me to ignore. I’m not proud of it, but I’m glad I’ve finally gotten it off my chest.

The 3 best lightweight golf bags for walking the course

By:

Maddi MacClurg

Thankfully, I’m now on the road to recovery — and that’s in no small part thanks to the new Sun Mountain Eclipse E-1.5 bag.

When approached with the opportunity to test their newest line of bags, I had one request: I want the lightest one possible. Suffice to say, the E-1.5 delivered.

At just 3.4 pounds, this bag is light as a feather. The Cordura Nylon Ripstop material is extremely lightweight, but at the same time offers durability and water resistance. And despite its light weight, the bag has plenty of pockets for storage, including a magnetic pocket for easy access to your rangefinder during the round.

Since putting this bag in play, I’ve fallen in love with walking the course again. No longer do I dread schlepping the fairways with my clubs in tow. Thanks to the lightweight design of the E-1.5, sometimes I forget I’ve even got my clubs on my back.

If you’re a golfer that’s serious about walking — or wants to become a walker — give this bag a shot. There aren’t many better lightweight options.

Sun Mountain Eclipse E-1.5 Stand Bag

New for Fall 2025 – The Eclipse 1.5 is a lightweight, full-featured golf bag designed for ultimate convenience on the course – made from ultra-durable Cordura Ripstop. It features a spacious apparel pocket and two velour-lined compartments, including one perfectly sized for a rangefinder. Lightweight, durable, and full-featured, the Eclipse 1.5 is made for the carry golfer.

ALSO AVAILABLE AT: Carl’s Golfland

Steven Fisk just collected his first career PGA Tour victory and with it, his winner’s check would allow him to buy 3,600 of the Mizuno driver heads he used at the Sanderson Farms Championship.

Fisk, a rookie and Mizuno staffer, uses the company’s ST-Z 230 driver, which is now three years old, but still part of their current metal woods line. For the last two years, the driver has been one of the all-time bargains at retail, selling for just $300, $200 off the original price.

And the ST-Z is no budget driver, as proven by a Tour winner’s success with it. Marco Penge also won twice with it on the DP World Tour this season.

For the rest of Fisk’s bag, he uses an interesting mix of older Mizuno gear, like his MP-20 blades and T22 wedges, as well as an Odyssey putter, Ping fairway woods and Titleist Vokey lob wedge.

Keep reading below for detailed specs of Fisk’s bag after his first PGA Tour win.

Steven Fisk makes closing birdie to win Sanderson Farms

In the final round of the 2025 Sanderson Farms, Steven Fisk’s tee shot on the 503-yard, par-4 18th hole travels 333 yards and lands in the left fairway, leaving 151 yards to the hole. His 152-yard approach from the fairway lands on the left side of the green, finishing 3 feet 10 inches from the hole, and he sinks a 3-foot 10-inch birdie putt.

Steven Fisk’s winning WITB at the 2025 Sanderson Farms Championship

Driver: Mizuno ST-Z 230 9.0˚
Shaft: Mitsubishi Kuro Kage XD 70TX

Mizuno ST-Z 230 Driver

A straight bias driver with excellent stability from off centre hits. Similar in look and character to the previous ST-Z. Boosted by the CORTECH Chamber to be faster from the face, spin less and deliver an incredible, solid sensation at impact.

3-wood: Ping G430 Max 15.0
Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K Blue 70TX

7-wood: Ping G430 Max 21.0
Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K Blue 80TX

Ping G430 Max Custom Fairway Wood

Sizing up your approach into a long par 4, going for the par-5 in two, you want 100% confidence that your fairway wood will give you the solid contact, speed and higher ball flight to get you home. In the G430 fairways, we’ve developed Carbonfly Wrap to deliver more distance by positioning the CG closer to the force line to maximize ball speed, resulting in higher, longer carries. The PING G430 MAX Fairway Wood fits the widest range of golfers with four options (3W/15°, 5W/18°, 7W/21°, 9W/24°).
CARBONFLY WRAP
The lightweight composite crown wraps into the heel and toe sections of the skirt, creating weight savings of 10 grams which are reallocated to achieve the lower the CG and increase ball speed. The composite also plays a role in the pleasing sound.
FACE WRAP TECHNOLOGY
FaceWrap Technology, a variable-thickness, high-strength maraging steel face wraps into the sole and crown of the stainless steel head, generating more flexing for faster ball speed and higher launch for greater distance.
SPINSISTENCY
The variable roll radius of Spinsistency improves performance across the face (especially on thin shots) by reducing spin to increase ball speed from the maraging steel face.
TUNGSTEN BACK WEIGHT
A tungsten back weight extends the perimeter weighting to ensure maximum forgiveness.
TRAJECTORY TUNING 2.0
Trajectory Tuning 2.0 provides eight hosel positions, adjusting for loft (+/- .5°) and lie (up to 3° flatter than std).

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Irons: Mizuno Pro 245 (4), Pro 243 (5), MP-20 MB (6-9)
Shafts: KBS C-Taper 130X
Lofts: STD

Mizuno Pro 245 Custom Irons

The Mizuno Pro Irons are the result of a longstanding connection between Mizuno’s club engineers and the legendary Grain Flow Forging plant in Hiroshima, Japan. Every fraction of a millimeter and subtle curve has been meticulously considered, shaping the future of golf club technology.
KEY FEATURES OF THE MIZUNO PRO 245 / TOUR SPEED AND LAUNCH:
Grain Flow Forged HD in Hiroshima, Japan
Hollow body GFF 4135 Chromoly face and neck (2-8 iron)
Internal Tungsten Weighting (2-7) for improved launch
More compact partial hollow scoring irons (9-GW)
Soft Copper Underlay for exceptional feel
Harmonic Impact Technology for a soft muscle-back feel
Traditional blade appearance
Increased bounce angle for optimal turf interaction
Full Satin Brush finish
Available 2-GW / RH and 4-GW LH

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Mizuno Pro 243 Custom Irons

The Mizuno Pro Irons are the result of a longstanding connection between Mizuno’s club engineers and the legendary Grain Flow Forging plant in Hiroshima, Japan. Every fraction of a millimeter and subtle curve has been meticulously considered, shaping the future of golf club technology.
Key Features of the Mizuno Pro 243 / Tour Speed:

Grain Flow Forged HD in Hiroshima, Japan

4120 Chromoly with Flow Microslot (4-7 iron)

Soft Copper Underlay for sensational feel

Harmonic Impact Technology for a soft muscle-back feel

Wrap Around Sole Grind for improved turf interaction

Exceptionally compact players’ profile

Increased bounce angle for enhanced performance

Full Satin Brush finish

Available 4-GW / RH only

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Wedges: Mizuno T22 Raw (46-6S, 50-7S, 55-08D), Titleist Vokey SM10 60.12D
Shafts:KBS C-Taper 130X

Mizuno T22 Custom Wedge

 With more than 50 years of refining, the Grain Flow forging process in Hiroshima, Japan, Mizuno’s wedges are unrivaled for touch and feel around the green. Properties best demonstrated in Mizuno’s T-Series wedges, developed hand in hand with former world #1 Luke Donald. The latest evolution – the T22 refines Mizuno’s player’s shape once again and introduces four different sole grinds for varying techniques and conditions.
One-piece Grain Flow Forged using HD Boron, at Mizuno’s iconic facility in Hiroshima, where Mizuno irons have been produced since 1968, the new T22 wedges feature a microlayer of copper beneath the nickel-chrome delivering an extra split-second of control at impact.The new T22 wedges feature a slightly more compact, ‘modified teardrop,’ profile with an extensively beveled top edge to make it appear thinner. The spin-weighted blade design, created by tapering the upper portion of the blade, helps create a more consistent spin and a more penetrating trajectory.Mizuno’s HydroFlow Micro Grooves deliver great wet weather performance as they are laser etched to release moisture and reduce spin drop off, while the Quad Cut milled, and loft specific, grooves are cut into Boron infused steel to offer a longer effective lifespan.The T22 wedges are available in three finishes; Denim Copper, Satin Chrome, and Raw. The Raw finish comes without the copper underlay, but it will rust over time for a look requested by many of the Mizuno tour players.The expanded grind options include:S Grind – with the minimal sole grind for fuller shots and lower loftsD Grind – with moderate heel and toe relief, allowing gentle manipulation of the clubfaceC Grind – with heavy heel and toe relief for more skilled players and firmer conditionsX Grind – with extreme heel and toe relief for the real short game maestros.Mizuno has strived to “create the best products for consumers” for 115 years, and the new T22 wedges adhere firmly to that original spirit and desire while offering the best performance benefits that modern technology can bring. #ReachBeyond
 
T-22 S GRIND WEDGE SPECIFICATION

Club #
Loft °
Lie Angle
Length (inch)
Bounce

45/05
45
63
35.5
5

46/06
46
63
35.5
6

47/07
47
63
35.5
7

48/08
48
63
35.5
8

49/06
49
63
35.5
6

50/07
50
63
35.25
7

51/08
51
63
35.25
8

52/09
52
63
35.25
9

53/10
53
63
35.25
10

54/12
54
63
35.25
12

55/13
55
63
35.25
13

56/14
56
63
35.25
14

57/15
57
63
35.25
15

58/16
58
63
35.25
16

T-22 D GRIND WEDGE SPECIFICATION

Club #
Loft °
Lie Angle
Length (inch)
Bounce

54/08
54
63
35.25
8

55/09
55
63
35.25
9

56/10
56
63
35.25
10

57/11
57
63
35.25
11

58/12
58
63
35.25
12

T-22 C GRIND WEDGE SPECIFICATION

Club #
Loft °
Lie Angle
Length (inch)
Bounce

56/06
56
63
35.25
6

57/07
57
63
35.25
7

58/08
58
63
35.25
8

59/09
59
63
35.25
9

60/10
60
63
35.25
10

T-22 X GRIND WEDGE SPECIFICATION

Club #
Loft °
Lie Angle
Length (inch)
Bounce

58/04
58
63
35.25
4

59/05
59
63
35.25
5

60/06
60
63
35.25
6

61/07
61
63
35.25
7

62/08
62
63
35.25
8

Dexterity: RH Satin Chrome, Demin Copper & Raw. LH Satin Chrome only.

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Putter: Odyssey White Hot OG Rossie

Odyssey Ai-ONE Rossie S Putter

These Odyssey Ai-ONE putters feature our Ai-ONE insert which delivers more consistent ball speeds, even from off-center hits, leaving putts closer to the hole.
AI-ONE INSERT
Designed using Artificial Intelligence, we’ve created contours on the Aluminum backer of the insert which we co-mold to a White Hot Urethane striking surface to promote consistent ball speed across the face with the classic White Hot feel that Tour players and amateurs love.
Ai WINDOW
Our designers and engineers developed a Panlite window, which is a unique automotive grade polymer, that allows us to showcase the unique topology of the back of our insert.
SL 90 SHAFT
A lightweight steel shaft with 20-30 grams (depending on the grip) of counterbalance weight in the butt end. This is an evolution of our Stroke Lab weighting that will appeal to even more golfers.
UNIQUE NAVY BLUE PVD FINISH
These putters all feature a beautiful navy blue PVD finish that really sets them apart and gives them a premium look.
INTERCHANGEABLE FRONT WEIGHTS
Available in 5, 10, 15 and 20 grams these removable weights allow you to dial in your head weight to your exact preference.

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Ball: 2021 Titleist Pro V1X

Grips: Golf Pride MCC Blackout 58R

Want to overhaul your bag for 2025?Find a club-fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.

• 

  Greg WyshynskiOct 1, 2025, 06:39 PM ET

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  Greg Wyshynski is ESPN’s senior NHL writer.

The NHL’s Utah franchise is facing another trademark challenge to its team name.

Mammoth Hockey LLC, a hockey equipment bag manufacturer based in Portland, Oregon, has filed a motion for a preliminary injunction in U.S. District Court in Utah to “protect its long-established brand against use by the NHL’s new Utah franchise, which adopted the name ‘Utah Mammoth’ on May 7, 2025.”

This motion, filed on Sept. 25, is a counterclaim against the Utah Mammoth’s owners. Uyte and Smith Entertainment Group Hockey filed a motion on Aug. 1 to end any trademark dispute with Mammoth Hockey LLC, which they said had made threats of litigation since the NHL team was officially named. That included a cease and desist letter.

The NHL team was known as Utah Hockey Club in its inaugural 2024-25 season after SEG purchased and relocated the former Arizona Coyotes franchise to Salt Lake City. The franchise was rechristened as the Utah Mammoth after more than 850,000 ballots were cast by fans in multiple rounds of voting to determine the name. Mammoth won the vote over Utah Outlaws and Utah Hockey Club.

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Mammoth Hockey was founded in 2014 by Erik Olson and Lars Huschke. The company said the NHL team’s nickname has created “confusion” and “undermines” their brand’s identity, arguing that online searches for “Mammoth Hockey bags” now lead users to the NHL team’s store first. Mammoth Hockey also sells shirts, hats and water bottles.

Olson declined comment when reached by ESPN.

When contacted about Mammoth Hockey’s latest filing, SEG directed ESPN to its original statement in August: “The Utah Mammoth filed an action in the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah seeking a declaratory judgment that use of the trademark Utah Mammoth does not violate any rights asserted by a third party. Utah Mammoth and the NHL believe strongly that we have the right to use the name Utah Mammoth under federal and state law, and that our use will not harm the defendant or its business in any way. We have taken this action only after careful consideration based on the defendant’s position.”

This isn’t the first trademark challenge Utah has faced during its naming process.

Before Utah’s inaugural season, “Yeti” was one of six potential name options put to a fan vote in June 2024. It was widely considered to be the team’s eventual name, even by Utah players.

But the team announced in January that it would not be moving forward with “Yeti” or “Yetis” after the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office rejected a trademark application for “Utah Yetis” because of the “likelihood of confusion” for consumers to other companies and brands that use the name. Among those parties was Yeti Coolers LLC, which makes drinkware, coolers and clothing.

Mammoth Hockey LLC cited that previous trademark dispute in filing its motion for a preliminary injunction.

“Mammoth Hockey argues that the Utah Mammoth knew of its long-standing use of the mark but never sought an agreement, unlike with other brands whose names were considered, including Yeti, when similar conflicts arose,” they said in a statement.

The team said in May that the names in the final voting group were clear of any trademark issues.

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With so many new options hitting the market the top end of the bag can get muddled really quick. There’s already so many reason to have more head covers in the bag than ever before with players opting out of the long irons in their set, but once you’ve decided what that last iron is how do you fill the rest of the bag up to the driver?

Utility irons? Hybrids? Fairway woods? Utility woods? Not to mention having to ask yourself if you’re the proper candidate for a mini driver. Callaway just launched three new options for the top end of your bag, so let’s dive in to these choices in this installment of Bag Builders.

Where do we start?

The first question we need to answer is where the iron set stops. The more skilled of a player you are the more likely you are to have more irons in the bag. There’s still pros on Tour rocking 3-irons in their set. That’s wonderful for them, but the reality for most amateur golfers is that you’re probably stopping the set at the 4- or 5-iron. Some folks have even started stopping the set at the 6-iron. This is actually something I experimented with this summer, but couldn’t find the right option to replace some of the shots that I’d normally hit so the 5-iron got to stick around. An important note here is that I am not considering utility irons in this question. Only the irons in your set. So if you’re a player who moves to a utility-style iron after your set, that would be considered the start of our long game coverage.

Scottie Scheffler uses two Srixon ZU85 driving irons in his bag

Today’s Golfer

Based on what your longest iron in the bag is, we then need to figure out how many slots are left to fill. This will require you to take another look at your bag and depending on how many wedges you play, the answer is going to vary. Typically if we stop our iron set at the 5 and we play four wedges, we’re going to need three more clubs between the 5-iron and the driver. So now it’s time to do some math. I’ll use my own bag as an example:

What do I need for my game?

My 5-iron carries about 200 yards in the air. My driver carries to about 275 yards. That means that I need three clubs to cover 75 yards worth of distance as efficiently as possible. For me, the ideal setup is going to be two clubs with a great amount of versatility that can split the work between roughly 210 – 240 yards. So for my bag I’m looking for about a 215-yard club and a 230-yard club. And then I would fill in the gap between that longest club and my driver with something that gives me about 250-260 off the tee and off the deck. Likely a fairway wood.

Callaway’s new Apex UT ripping through the turf.

Callaway Golf

So we’ve nailed down what I need. A 215 club, a 230 club, and a 250 club. Now we have to figure out what clubs I need to get to those distances. Playing with flight in the top end of the bag is very important. Knowing that you have versatility allows you to cover more gapping between longer options, and being able to stretch out a long option to increase roll-out and total distance or add spin and take some distance off is the difference between a lethal long game player and a mediocre one. That being said, the faster speeds you’re able to produce the more likely you are to desire more creativity.

Options for slower players

For slower players, the long game area of the bag may still be used for par-4 approach shots, and the emphasis there is going to be an easy to hit club with a tight dispersion that prioritizes landing conditions and consistency over creativity. Typically I would tell any player that they need to be confident in hitting a green from 185 yards. So if wherever you stop your iron set doesn’t provide that coverage, you need to think of your long game options as an extension of the iron set. This may mean going into hybrids which are great tools at performing like an iron would in that slot, while producing more ball speed and launch to make it easier on the player. I would not suggest that slower players look at utility irons. There’s a reason your iron set stops where it stops. There’s so many good options on the market to help assist you after that point, so don’t be afraid to try some options.

I think one of the best options for slower players is the new Callaway Apex Ti Fusion Super Hybrid. Its just so easy to hit. I’ve given two to my dad and it’s completely changed his game. He has a lot of trust in his fairway woods, but moving into the irons can be more challenging as he continues to improve his game. The Super Hybrid has been a great in between for him. The 16º replaces his 5/6 iron and the 22º replaces his 7/8 iron. So he can keep the 8 iron in the bag and continue to improve his strike without feeling like he’s losing shots because of it. He went from hovering around shooting 100 to consistently shooting in the mid 90s just because of the addition of the two Super Hybrids. He’s never worried about the ball getting up in the air, and the Titanium face of the latest iteration produces ball speed regardless of how it’s struck.

Options for faster players

For faster players who may stop their iron set closer to 200-215 yards, there’s a bit more freedom of choice for how to choose the first option after the iron set. The utility iron category has become quite popular in recent years, and these options are great for players still looking for shot shaping and flight control. For players who want to work the ball high, low, and both ways, utility irons are going to be the right choice. Great for players that are tipping out courses and find themselves on 220+ yard par-3s on a consistent basis. It’s nice to have the control and the spin of a utility iron when trying to be as precise from 220 yards as they are from 170 yards.

Roger Steele has ALL the speed, and loves his new Callaway 2025 Apex UT

Callaway Golf

The new Callaway Apex UT has really impressed me. I am not a fan of utility irons. I don’t normally play them. Most of the time they’re overly clunky, they don’t provide tons of confidence behind the ball, and they feel like junk. The new UT’s design is clean, more compact than others, and provides LOTS of ball speed while feeling pretty good considering the category it lives in. Having the face and the sole of the club designed as separate pieces is a really cool way for them to add some more technology to the face, and the new Utility Ai Face iteration has already proven itself in my numbers. Toe hits aren’t as crazy low spin as others and the ball stays in the air. You’ll still lose some speed and some distance, but you won’t be completely boned. To put it bluntly. I’ve got a 22º option built up with a Fujikura Ventus HB Red and it’s an easy addition to my bag in that 4-iron slot. This takes care of that 215 yard club I talked about needing.

Callaway 2025 Apex Custom Utility Iron

Built for better players who demand a precise, high-ball-speed alternative off the tee, the APEX UT delivers control and speed in a sleek, utility iron profile.
FLEXCORE TECHNOLOGY
Our most advanced, multi-material construction ever in a utility iron, this flexible core design promotes more face flexure and faster ball speeds across the face. FLEXCORE Technology unlocks the face from the sole, allowing for more consistent distance even on off-center hits, helping you attack every shot with confidence.
UTILITY Ai FACE DESIGN
Engineered specifically for utility irons, this Ai Face design focuses on superior distance control and spin consistency. Provides advanced precision and responsiveness for shot-shaping and trajectory control.
FORGED HOLLOW-BODY CONSTRUCTION
A multi-piece forged hollow body delivers solid impact feel and sound. Delivers a responsive, solid feel with enhanced vibration dampening, providing the feedback elite players require without compromising the forgiveness expected from a utility iron.

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The Apex UW – It has a cult following for a reason

The new Apex UW is our final new product to talk about, and this one’s the most interesting. It’s a lot of things, depending on the player’s hands that its in. For me, it’s an ultra consistent high draw secondary tee option that goes about 220 yards (using the 23º offering) with a good amount of spin. I can also float in a cut with this to about 205 yards, or flight it down and let it run. It’s proven to be more versatile of the tee for me than I think it may be advertised to do so.

Callaway 2025 Apex Custom Utility Wood

The Apex UW is designed for serious, avid golfers seeking the perfect blend of a fairway wood’s power and a hybrid’s versatility. Engineered with Tour feedback and loaded with performance technologies, it delivers a higher, more neutral ball flight with the control all players demand. 
TUNGSTEN SPEED WAVE
A dynamic, 41g+ tungsten wave structure positions mass low and forward, enhancing ball speed and launch—particularly on low-face strikes where players tend to lose distance.
STEP SOLE DESIGN
A redesigned sole with a stepped geometry reduces turf interaction, helping to maintain swing speed through impact and promoting more consistent contact across different lies.
TRIAXIAL CARBON CROWN
The lightweight carbon construction allows for strategic weight redistribution, creating a more forgiving clubhead while refining launch and spin for greater shot-making control.
TOUR-INSPIRED SHAPING
Designed with input from the world’s best, the compact, refined shape and neutral face angle inspire confidence at address and deliver workability from tee to turf.

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Off the deck I’ll hit it a little bit higher on the face with less spin and it gets closer to carrying about 230 yards. It’s also the easiest club I have to hit out of crappy lies in the rough. Matted down grass, patchy dirt marks, tree roots in the way, the UW doesn’t care. That step sole design really does work and I think that the priority most people should set if they are thinking about putting this in the bag is that its primarily an off-the-deck club. Which for me has been fantastic. This is the 230-yard club I talked about needing. I actually originally thought I was going to have to choose between the UT and the UW for the bag, but turns out… I can put both in! I’ve got my 23º UW built up with a Mitsubishi Diamana RB and it’s quite the tool.

Callaway ambassador Cailyn Henderson swings the new 2025 Apex Utility Wood.

Callaway Golf

I think the UW would also be a great option for semi-decent ball strikers who don’t love hitting fairway woods off the deck. A UW is much easier to mentally stand over and get a little bit steeper on than the longer profile of the fairway wood. For some players this alone may be the difference in playing a UW or a fairway wood. It can be particularly useful when you also want something that’s a little bit more workable than a traditional fairway wood, while still having a better ability to hit from subpar lies than a traditional hybrid. I can shape and flight my UW in ways that would be extremely difficult with the fairway wood equivalent.

So we’ve got my 215 club and my 230 club, but what about that 250-260 club?

For me, it’s about the course I am playing. If I am going to need that distance off the tee, I am 100% going to grab a mini driver. Probably the Callaway Elyte Mini because it’s the one that spins the most for me, and I like having a bit more spin off the Mini. It allows me to ensure that it won’t run out from me. Lots of times where I regularly play 250 carry turns into a max rollout of 265 before you get into trouble. Spin helps me control that confidence.

Callaway Elyte Mini Driver

FEATURES AND BENEFITS
Top of the Bag Versatility

More forgiving and easier to launch than a fairway wood, the Elyte Mini Driver is an excellent alternative when precision off the tee is paramount.
Features neutral, fade, and draw settings for customized ball flight control.

Elyte Speed from Enhanced Shaping

The all-new Elyte shape provides enhanced aerodynamics for Elyte speed throughout the entire golf swing.
The improved shape is designed to maximize swing speed with improved forgiveness and launch conditions.

Ai Advancements for Optimal Distance, Control, and Launch

Our most advanced Ai face to date, the new Ai10x Face delivers 10x more control points than the Ai Smart Face™.
Designed to produce exceptionally fast ball speeds, tight dispersion, and optimized launch across the face.

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If I am playing a course where I think I’ll need to hit a longer approach or have a shot at a par-5 in two, I’ll reach for a fairway wood offering. Usually something in the 16.5º realm works well for me. It helps me personally to see a little bit of loft on my fairway wood. Just makes it mentally easier to get through impact and stay down on the ball just a touch longer.

Where does this all leave us?

It may seem like it requires a lot of work to fill the top end of the bag. And that’s because it is. Gapping this are of the bag is just as important as gapping your wedge set. Knowing what tools you have, how far they go, and the different ways that they can get there is extremely important to higher success on the course. It doesn’t really matter what speed or ability you have, the long game are of the bag is often overlooked. People know that they don’t require as much precision in the top end, so they excuse a lack of performance. In reality, dialing in your long game can have a large and immediate effect on the score card. Particularly if you realize that you need to add more long game options, like my dad.

One of the best ways to figure all this out is to get a fitting. You can find a True Spec location near you and go hit it all. Tell your fitter that you’re coming in to try and dial in the top end of the bag and they’ll get you squared away with the best options for your game. It’s certainly cheaper than buying a ton of clubs and hoping they work out. But I’d be a hypocrite if I told you it wasn’t fun to do.

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