When it comes to gear some players are quick to change while others like to take their time. In the case of U.S. Open contestants and previous major winners, Matt Fitzpatrick and Sergio Garcia, they generally aren’t the ones to make quick decisions, which is why their new club choices on the eve of the first round at Pinehurst No. 2 are so interesting.
Matt Fitzpatrick
Well known for being meticulous about every element of his game, thanks to his appearances on Netflix’s Full Swing series, Matt is not one to make equipment changes lightly. But, after recently talking about his need to add spin and control to his iron game, this week at Pinehurst he has moved into a fresh set of Titleist T100 irons from his previous Ping Blueprint S irons.
He is still using Ping i230s for his longer irons but his mid and short irons have been swapped out just this week since he was seen last week at the Memorial — where he finished in a tie for fifth place, with the Blueprints still in the bag.
When comparing the two models, the T100s have a degree more loft through the set than the Pings, which should help produce the extra spin Matt has been looking for.
It could also be that the thin soles of the T100s are helping Matt get through the firm sandy turf on Pinehurst No. 2 better and a combination of the extra spin and ground interaction are what led to the change.
Sergio Garcia
On the other hand, former Masters champion Sergio Garcia has made a career out of changing putters, and this week he was seen using a Never Compromise Reserve Model 4.
Even with putter changes occurring fairly frequently, this marks one of the first times a new Never Compromise Reserve putter has arrived at a major championship. The brand was relaunched in the spring after years on the shelf. Garcia has his putter fitted with a BGT Stability graphite putter shaft.
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For consumers, the Never Compromise Reserve putters come in both a tour satin finish and contrast look which offers extra alignment and nostalgia for golfers who remember the original putters from the 90s and early 2000s that had a contrasting grey and black finish.
The big question for both of these players is how these changes will help their game once the first round starts tomorrow, meaning we don’t have to wait long to see if they pay off.
Check out our latest Fully Equipped podcast for more on the latest gear news and information. Want to overhaul your bag for 2024? Find a fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.
