Welcome to another edition of the Fully Equipped Mailbag, sponsored by Cleveland/Srixon Golf, an interactive GOLF.com series in which we field your hard-hitting gear questions.
I’m going to watch as much golf as possible this weekend. And being a gearhead, what should I look out for when it comes to the players’ equipment? – Ryan R., Texas
The Masters is already underway and based on what we’ve witnessed in the first day and a half, the stage is set for one of the most spectacular and captivating weekends of golf-watching in years. As die-hard green jacket fans ourselves, we not only relish Major competition but like you we’re also excited to see what equipment the players are using and how they intend to navigate Augusta National.
Since you’re an equipment enthusiast like us, we’ve compiled a list of six things we think you should look out for at this year’s Masters. It may be difficult to discern some of these things on broadcast TV, but we know some eagle-eyed viewers out there will find a way to keep track of every player’s gear and attire.
Take note of the players’ footwear.
At Augusta National, you can rest assured that the players aren’t donning their backup shoes or their second-favorite pair of kicks. They’re likely sporting the newest and best in shoe technology, sometimes in Green/Yellow colorways exclusively for this week. Observe how many opt for athletic-style shoes, as this seems to be the prevailing choice these days.
Some players may adjust their drivers to favor a draw.
We can’t confirm how many players will do this, but it’s common knowledge that Augusta National tends to favor a draw (for right-handers) more than a fade. While this may not matter to some players who hit the ball a mile, adjusting the clubface angle closed by a degree or shifting the weight towards the heel can assist others in hitting a draw with greater ease.
Srixon ZX5 MKII irons
Low-bounce wedges reign supreme
This is also no surprise, but the fairways at Augusta are once again cut tighter than a Persian rug. The fairway turf is a mere .375″ tall, and we can’t imagine using a high-bounce model anywhere on the course. Take note of how many players can nip their chips and pitches with extraordinary precision, often taking a deeper divot than we’re accustomed to seeing on other courses on the PGA Tour. Low-bounce wedges position the leading edge closer to the ground making them more challenging to use, but they’re a must here for crisp shots that produce much-needed backspin. Consequently, Augusta is where you might see more players flub, chunk, or thin shots.
Spin is NOT the enemy off the tee
It’s not unusual for a PGA Tour player to prefer a driver with a low-spin/high-launch trajectory to maximize overall distance. However, while distance is a significant advantage at the Masters, driving the ball with a low-spin launch so it rolls out once it lands is a dangerous proposition considering the multitude of fairway undulations. Some players will want to switch to a higher-spinning driver to force a softer landing and keep the ball in the extremely short stuff.
More players might use hybrids
This point is a continuation of the previous one: hybrids are likely to be adopted by more players to hit the ball higher and with more spin, resulting in a gentler landing on the green, especially from the rough. For those curious, hybrids launch the ball higher and with more spin than both long irons and utility irons.
Skinny putter grips add more feel.
To triumph at Augusta, players must sink putts. To do so, they must accurately read the green and make a perfect stroke in the proper direction with precise distance control. Rarely does a player need to take a mighty swing at it—instead, the greens at Augusta necessitate greater finesse and control. A skinny grip will aid players in feeling the putter head more and executing smoother, more dexterous strokes.
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