It’s a club that has almost become as famous as the golfer himself. And it’s fitting that Henrik Stenson’s 3 wood played such a key role as he was crowned Champion Golfer of the Year at Royal Troon.
So what’s the story behind Henrik Stenson’s 3 wood?
It’s the Callaway Diablo Octane Tour which was released in 2011. Quite rare for tour pros to have five-year old product in the bag but if it ain’t broke…
Lee Westwood is another player who takes a long time to switch into new product but he told me that was often more to do with the shaft than the head.
Stenson has an extra-stiff Graffaloy Blue shaft in his 3 wood. It might not be straight- forward to get that exact shaft, which is glued to the head, in a newer model.
With 13 ̊ of loft it’s very much what you would call a ‘strong’ 3 wood.
Why is Henrik Stenson’s 3 wood used so frequently?
Well, he carries it 280 to 290 yards and hits it very straight or with a soft draw. Yes please. He can trust it implicitly so feels relaxed over the ball.
Think back to Sunday at the Open where he had a two-shot lead on the 18th tee.
He had a bunker at about 320 so could confidently come up short – although he went a bit too close for his liking!
Stenson’s technique is well suited to hitting a 3 wood. He likes to crush down on the ball rather than hitting it on the up like Rory McIlroy does with his driver, for example.
