When it comes to PGA Tour golfers, they’re like F1 drivers in many ways — they show up to events with a whole team waiting to jump in and help out when needed. And, just like an F1 car, a tour player’s gear is finely tuned to fit their needs, and when there is any doubt, there is an army of equipment reps ready to help, just like a pit crew.
On this week’s Fully Equipped podcast, the whole team, including True Spec Golf’s Kris McCormack and Golf Laboratories’ Gene Parente, sat down to discuss a growing trend that has been observed early this year on the PGA Tour — and that is the large reduction in week-to-week equipment changes being made on site.
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As GOLF’s equipment managing editor Jonathan Wall found out this week while attending Bay Hill, the site of the Arnold Palmer Invitational, multiple sources confirmed that gear changes have occurred a lot slower than they have in the past. “Having been out on tour for close to a decade now … you used to be able to hang your hat on equipment changes happening in January and February, but without players like D.J. (Dustin Johnson) and Bryson DeChambeau, it has felt a lot quieter.” Wall said. “This has been the first week that I have talked to three different reps independently and they all told me the same thing, in that it has felt a lot quieter than in years past … and players seem to be testing a lot more at home rather than at events.”
McCormack, who has worked with several PGA Tour players over the years, talked about his experience with how player’s testing habits have changed. “I’ve seen players on all ends of the spectrum,” he said. “Some just want to work with an unbiased fitter, while others will test with what feels like a full entourage, including a swing coach. But, to confirm what Jonathan has witnessed on tour, we have been hearing from more players who want to do independent testing at home, instead of at events.”
Whether this means OEMs will adjust the way they staff PGA Tour events with the large equipment trucks in the future is yet to be seen, but it will be something we will continue to follow.
If you’re looking to check out the entire conversation, head over to GOLF’s Fully Equipped YouTube page for the episode or listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Want to overhaul your bag for 2024? Find a fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.