1997Three major takeaways from Tiger Woods’ equipment setup at The British Open Championship

Tiger Woods’ Surprising Equipment Choices for The 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon

Tiger Woods has arrived at Royal Troon Golf Club, gearing up for his third appearance at the venue for The 152nd Open Championship. Reflecting on his previous performances, Woods secured a T24 finish in 1997 and a T9 in 2004, but missed the 2016 championship due to injury.

As Woods began his preparation with practice rounds on Sunday and Monday, his equipment choices have become a focal point, sparking intrigue among fans and analysts alike.

Unexpected Addition: The 5-Wood

In a move that has caught many by surprise, Woods included a 5-wood in his practice round setup. Traditionally, Woods favors a driver, a 3-wood, and a 2-iron for links courses like those at The Open. The 2-iron, known for its lower ball flight, has enabled Woods to deploy his famed stinger shot, which is highly effective in the windy conditions typical of links golf.

However, early reports and photos from the practice sessions indicate that Woods is considering using his TaylorMade M3 5-wood instead of the 2-iron for this year’s Open. This is a notable shift from his choice at the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst, where he opted for a TaylorMade P-770 2-iron. The decision to use the 5-wood may change based on evolving course and weather conditions, particularly if the winds intensify.

Heavier Putter for Slower Greens

In a more expected equipment adjustment, Woods has added strips of lead tape to his iconic Scotty Cameron Newport 2 GSS prototype putter. This modification is familiar territory for Woods, who prefers a slightly heavier putter on the slower greens found in Scotland. The added weight helps provide stability in windy conditions, ensuring a steadier stroke.

Rusty Wedges Spark Social Media Buzz

Woods’ TaylorMade MG4 wedges have also attracted attention for their visibly rusty appearance. Unlike most retail wedges, which are plated to enhance durability, Woods’ wedges feature a raw metal finish. This aesthetic choice, popular among many Tour pros, does not impact performance but lends a distinctive look to his clubs.

 

Current Equipment Lineup

To summarize, as of now, Woods’ bag includes the following:

– Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 LS (Graphite Design Tour AD-VF 6X shaft)

– 3-Wood: TaylorMade Qi10 Tour

– 5-Wood: TaylorMade M3

– 3-Iron: TaylorMade P770

– Irons (4-PW): TaylorMade P7TW

– Wedges: TaylorMade MG4 Raw (56 and 60 degrees)

– Putter: Scotty Cameron Newport 2 GSS prototype

Keeping an Eye on the Week Ahead

As the week progresses, it will be interesting to see if Woods maintains these equipment choices or makes adjustments based on the conditions at Royal Troon. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching to see how these changes impact his performance in the championship.