Open Championship links golf often means a change of equipment strategy for top players. High-lofted fairway woods get a week off as driving irons come to the forefront as players try to tackle wind and firm links fairways.
This week at Hoylake, that isn’t quite the case. After weeks of rainy weather, the course is lush and soft, so we haven’t seen as much gear tinkering as we might expect. There have, however still been some interesting changes.
Phil Mickelson driver change
Mickelson has been a Callaway staffer for as long as I can remember, and although he is no longer officially with the brand, he has continued to use their kit in recent seasons. This week that is all starting to change as he has been testing a Ping G430 driver.
So what driver does Phil Mickelson use? He has opted for Ping’s low-spinning model, the LST in a 9-degree head, paired with a Fujikura Ventus Blue 6X shaft. He has swapped from the Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond driver that he previously had in play.
Phil also carries a TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver which he uses both as a driver alternative and as a strong lofted fairway wood.
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