The gear Tiger and Phil used for The Match
This was not just Tiger and Phil going head-to-head. This was also two of the biggest golf equipment brands up against each other.
Mickelson is the long-time Callaway staffer and Woods is arguable TaylorMade’s prized asset.
So which clubs battled it out in the $9 million showdown? Let’s take a look…
Drivers
TaylorMade M3 vs. Callaway Rogue Sub Zero
Neither players are known for their accuracy off the tee.
In fact, if I had to put my house one player to hit a fairway, Mickelson would probably be bottom of my list.
Tiger has been a bit hit and miss with the big stick in 2018 but I’d expect him to be slightly more accurate with his M3 than Mickelson’s Rogue Sub Zero.
Irons
TaylorMade TW Phase 1 vs. Callaway Epic/X Forged/Apex MB
I wonder what Phase 2 involves?
Getting Tiger a set of irons was one of TaylorMade’s big priorities when they signed him at the start of 2017.
And they seem to have done a pretty good job. Solid iron play has been a feature of Tiger’s resurgence this year, so he must be happy with his Phase 1 models.
Mickelson is also a fine iron player and put a the new X Forged and Apex MB models in play ahead of his WGC win in Mexico earlier this year.
He also has an Epic model which he uses as a driving iron off the tee – and has an X Forged UT driving iron as well.
This one is too close to call.
Wedges
TaylorMade Milled Grind vs. Callaway Mack Daddy PM Grind
While Tiger’s chipping woes seem like a distant memory, there’s no contest here.
Mickelson is still the best wedge player in the game and in an exhibition match of this nature I’d expect him to have a few special tricks up his sleeve.
Tiger has a very simple wedge set-up with a 56 and a 60˚.
Mickelson uses the PM Grind wedges, obviously, with 56, 60 and 64˚ models in play.
Putters
Scotty Cameron Newport 2 vs. Odyssey Versa #9
Tiger has experimented a bit this year but it was only right he found his way back to the winner’s circle with his trusty Scotty Cameron.
Mickelson is very streaky on the greens but when his putter heats up he can hole them from everywhere.
But I’d have Tiger as slight favourite for the putts-per-round side bet.
Balls
Bridgestone Tour BX S vs. Callaway Chrome Soft X
What a great shout it has turned to be getting Tiger tied down to a ball deal.
With Bryson DeChambeau, Matt Kuchar and Lexi Thompson also having success with the Bridgestone Tour BX franchise, it has been a great year for the brand.
Callaway will have been pleased to see Danny Willett land a recent victory with the Chrome Soft X ball but they haven’t had much success in the majors.
These two golf balls are probably Titleist’s biggest challengers when it comes into eating their huge market share.
Want more?
Click here to see Woods’ full what’s in the bag rundown, while Mickelson’s can be found here.
More information can be found on the TaylorMade and Callaway websites.
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James Savage
Former equipment editor of NCG. Inconsistent ball-striker and tea-maker.
