Tommy Fleetwood and Adrian Rietveld are a true one-two punch.
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The absolute best thing about my time on Tour is being a fly on the wall whilst the best fitters in the world dial in the best players in the world.
The job itself is a far cry from what you might see at your local fitting spot. What I mean by that is that all of these players hit the middle of the face almost every shot and their shot patterns stay pretty consistent.
In my experience, the overall the needs of the Tour player and the strategy to optimize them can really help you as well. How? Well, put simply, the tactics of all these fitters are around consistency, efficiency and risk mitigation — never hitting it further. In all my time on the trucks I have never heard a player ask to gain distance. On Tour its all start line, launch and spin.
The other great thing about my time on Tour is the friendships I’ve made with OEM reps like Kellen Watson (Callaway), Adrian Rietveld (Taylormade), Kenton Oates (Ping), Aaron Dill (Vokey), Cody Hale (Odyssey) and Ben Schomin (Cobra). All are masters at their craft and all have very distinct relationship styles with their players.
The best Tour fitters are good at the art of saying “no.” Yes, there are players that will sort out bad play via changing clubs well to week. It rarely works, and only the unicorns K.J Choi can do it at will and still win. Good reps know when to say no to a player and let the technique evolve with the proper gear.
This six part series addresses each part of the bag as we’re going to ask the reps on Tour their best secrets to help you. Today, we are starting with TaylorMade’s Adrian Rietveld.
In part one, he walks us through the importance of the golf ball and how he gets that part of the bag dialed for the likes of Tommy Fleetwood, Rory McIlroy, Colin Morikawa and a bunch others. He’s a master of his craft and I’m sure you’ll learn a lot. Enjoy.
The Ball
Adrian Rietveld, Sr. Manager TaylorMade Tour
Rory McIlroy switched to TaylorMades TP5 earlier in 2025 and has since won the Players and the Masters. TaylorMade
My philosophy in fitting a golf ball for a Tour player centers on selecting a ball that enhances a player’s strengths while addressing their weaknesses, all while minimizing performance tradeoffs. For instance, if a player struggles with generating sufficient spin, I prioritize a golf ball with flight characteristics that promote higher spin rates, targeting middle-ground numbers that optimize control without sacrificing distance. In essence, the goal is to fit a ball that compensates for a player’s limitations, enabling them to perform at their peak. A golf bag can be divided into distinct areas — driver, fairway woods, hybrids, irons, wedges and putter — and my aim is to find the best ball to maximize overall performance across these segments with as little compromise as possible.
Process: A systematic approach from extremes to the core
My fitting process begins at the ends of the bag — the top end (driver and fairway woods) and the bottom end (wedges for short-game shots like pitching and chipping) — before addressing the middle (mid-irons, long irons, hybrids and 5- and 7-woods). I conclude with putting, which is heavily influenced by feel. This sequence is deliberate. At the top and bottom of the bag, the variables for optimizing launch characteristics are limited due to club design and shot demands. For example, with drivers, the focus is on ball speed, launch angle and spin rates for distance, while wedges require spin and control for precision. By dialing in these areas first, I establish a foundation for the golf ball’s performance.
Once the top and bottom are optimized, I move to the middle of the bag. Here, club geometry and loft offer more flexibility to fine-tune performance through equipment adjustments, making it easier to complement the chosen golf ball. This contrasts with the top and bottom, where the ball itself is the primary driver of performance optimization. By working from the extremes inward, I ensure the ball supports the player’s game holistically.
Consistency: The ultimate validator
Consistency is king in golf-ball fitting. A high-quality golf ball delivers reliable launch characteristics — ball speed, spin and trajectory — shot after shot. The proof of a successful fitting lies in the consistency of these numbers, which builds the player’s trust in their equipment. When a player knows exactly how the ball will perform, they can swing with confidence, knowing the outcome is predictable.
The overlooked factor: Cover and aerodynamics
One often-overlooked aspect of golf ball performance is the cover and dimple pattern, which significantly influence aerodynamics. Players with different swing speeds and launch profiles have unique needs. For instance, some players, particularly those with lower swing speeds, benefit from a ball that helps get the ball airborne or sustain lift. Conversely, high-speed players often need a ball that reduces drag to prevent excessive height and maintain consistent flight. Selecting a ball with the right dimple pattern and cover design is critical to optimizing flight consistency and tailoring performance to the player’s specific needs.
Conclusion
Fitting a golf ball to a Tour player is both an art and a science, blending data-driven analysis with an understanding of the player’s unique game. By focusing on their weaknesses, systematically addressing each area of the bag, prioritizing consistency, and fine-tuning aerodynamic details, I aim to provide a ball that unlocks the player’s full potential. The result is a setup that inspires confidence and delivers performance under the pressures of professional.
What to learn
Go into the fitting process with an open mind. We all have our eyes on a certain golf ball for whatever reason. Yes, some are long, some spin a bunch, some go low, high etc. The trick is finding the balance of it all for your game. It all comes down to being honest on what you have vs. what you lack. The golf ball can solve a ton of problems if fit properly. When a new player signs with a company, the biggest hurdle to jump is always the ball because it’s so personal to that player. It’s a trust thing you don’t find as much with other parts of the bag.
Whether it’s a TP5, Pro V1, Chrome Tour, or a Kirkland, put your energy into getting this part right. If you have to lose a yard or two to become efficient, so be it. In many cases you will get longer and more efficient if you know what to look for.
Johnny currently serves as the Director of Equipment at Golf.com, contributing to platforms like Fully Equipped Golf. Prior to this role, he was the Content Marketing Manager at Callaway Golf, where he led “Callaway Golf’s World of Wunder,” a platform dedicated to in-depth golf equipment content. Before joining Callaway, he was the Director of Original Content and host of “The Gear Dive” podcast at GolfWRX.com. Beyond his professional endeavors, Johnny is an avid golfer with a deep passion for the game, having played since his youth in Seattle, Washington.
