Phil Mickelson’s Masters prep? He always has tricks up his sleeve

Three-time Masters champion Phil Mickelson is no stranger to taking some wingers with his gear while prepping for a major. In 2005 at Baltusrol it was the two-driver strategy that paid off, in 2006 he went with a 64-degree wedge to combat the fast greens at Winged Foot. And we all remember the 47.5-inch driver built to hit “bombs” in 2020.

He also has opted for the “higher handicap” Callaway Epic forged irons to compensate for Augusta National’s into-the-grain mowing technique, giving him an easier time launching the ball high with a softer landing.

In a nutshell, Mickelson will do anything to find a small advantage. But how can you blame him? He’s won major championships doing it.

During the LIV Miami press conference this week I asked Mickelson if he had any tweaks in store for Augusta.

“I remember back in the ’80s when, I guess the ’70s when Ray Floyd won and Curtis Strange in ’85 when they were playing the course, they were putting a 5-wood in the bag for the par-5s, and now that the tees have been moved back on some of the holes, that’s actually a club for me that is going to come into play, so I’ve been working on a 5-wood in the offseason,” Mickelson said. “I’ve got one I really like and that I anticipate hitting into 13 and 15 based on the last couple of years where my ball is ending up off the tee and the yardage I have left. That’s one club that I’ve been working on.

“I tried to get a 7-wood in the bag. It didn’t quite work out for me,” he continued. “Some of these guys hit that 6- and 7-wood incredible. I over-spin it, so it’s not really a great club for me, but the 5-wood is a club I anticipate hitting like a high cut into 13 and 15.”

There’s actually two clubs in question here: a 5-wood at 7-wood length (the club Mickelson mentions) and a 4-wood build. The shorter build is ideal for what Phil was discussing in the presser — when fairway woods are cut shorter, it allows the player to stay more on top of it and control it almost like an iron. Cutting fairway woods down are also an effective speed governor for players.

Anything is in play here, and I think it makes a ridiculous amount of sense.

If a switch is made, a hybrid would swap in for the shorter 5-wood.

The Masters 5-wood:

Ping G430 18° at 18° (STD Setting)
Shaft: Graphite Design AD VF 9x (tip 2” 41.5” D4)

and

Ping G430 18° at 16.25 (Flat minus setting)
Shaft: Graphite Design AD VF 8x (tip 1, 42.25, D4)

Ping G430 Max Custom Fairway Wood

Sizing up your approach into a long par 4, going for the par-5 in two, you want 100% confidence that your fairway wood will give you the solid contact, speed and higher ball flight to get you home. In the G430 fairways, we’ve developed Carbonfly Wrap to deliver more distance by positioning the CG closer to the force line to maximize ball speed, resulting in higher, longer carries. The PING G430 MAX Fairway Wood fits the widest range of golfers with four options (3W/15°, 5W/18°, 7W/21°, 9W/24°). CARBONFLY WRAP The lightweight composite crown wraps into the heel and toe sections of the skirt, creating weight savings of 10 grams which are reallocated to achieve the lower the CG and increase ball speed. The composite also plays a role in the pleasing sound. FACE WRAP TECHNOLOGY FaceWrap Technology, a variable-thickness, high-strength maraging steel face wraps into the sole and crown of the stainless steel head, generating more flexing for faster ball speed and higher launch for greater distance. SPINSISTENCY The variable roll radius of Spinsistency improves performance across the face (especially on thin shots) by reducing spin to increase ball speed from the maraging steel face. TUNGSTEN BACK WEIGHT A tungsten back weight extends the perimeter weighting to ensure maximum forgiveness. TRAJECTORY TUNING 2.0 Trajectory Tuning 2.0 provides eight hosel positions, adjusting for loft (+/- .5°) and lie (up to 3° flatter than std).

$349.99 from Fairway Jockey

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ALSO AVAILABLE AT: PGA Tour Superstore, Ping

Another new-ish edition to Phil’s bag leading into Augusta is a brand new Callaway Elyte (core model) driver and the highly coveted Forged JPN irons (with a fun PM grind). Phil told me that the higher MOI profile at a low loft seemed to give him the best of both worlds. It had the speed and lower spin profile of a Triple Diamond head with the launch and forgiveness of the core head — a two for one.

Driver: Callaway Elyte (Core) 9 at 7 (N/-2, 46 EOG, D5, 19GB, 2GF)
Shaft: MCA White Board 63TX (Tipped 1)

Callaway Elyte Custom Driver

FEATURES & BENEFITS The Future of Composites The Elyte driver features an all-new Thermoforged Carbon crown. This aerospace grade carbon fiber enables fast head speeds while optimizing launch and spin. Ai Advancements for Optimal Distance, Control, and Launch Our most advanced Ai face to date, the new Ai10x Face delivers 10x more control points than the Ai Smart Face™. Designed to produce exceptionally fast ball speeds, tight dispersion, and optimized launch across the face Modern Shape with Adjustability   The new Elyte adjustable perimeter weighting system has utilizes a 13g moveable weight to enable a neutral, draw, or fade setting. The Elyte model features a matte carbon crown, modern shape, and a chevron on the topline to inspire confidence off the tee and easy alignment.

$599.99 from Fairway Jockey

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ALSO AVAILABLE AT: PGA Tour Superstore, Callaway

It’s going to be a fun week ahead. We will be on-site at Augusta, on the trucks and on property. Lots more to come.

Want to overhaul your bag for 2025? Find a club-fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.