What can we learn from Brooks Koepka’s gear ? | Fully Equipped Mailbag
Brooks Koepka uses a Srixon ZX5 MKII LS driver
Ryan Barath
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.
Is there anything to learn from Brooks Koepka’s club setup? – Shelby H., Colorado
For starters, Koepka’s driver bucks the trend of carbon technology. Despite the prevailing popularity of composite materials, Koepka’s Srixon ZX5 MK II LS driver proves that titanium still offers substantial advantages and performance. The ZX5 MKII LS is meticulously designed with rigid and flexible zones, enabling players like Koepka to launch penetrating drives on flatter trajectories.
Srixon ZX5 MK II LS Driver
Sometimes, old is just as effective.
Fairway woods can be capricious for some players, leading many to retain the same fairway wood for years while frequently changing their driver model. In Koepka’s case, he continues to use a TaylorMade M2 Tour that debuted half a decade ago. We can only speculate why he hasn’t upgraded yet, but our best guess is that he prioritizes predictability and controlled distances over seeking additional yardage with his trusty 3-wood.
His irons present a mixed selection.
Koepka clings to another relic from the past, playing with the Nike Vapor Pro 3-iron. However, the rest of his irons (4-9) comprise Srixon’s ZX7 MK II, forged player’s irons that incorporate impressive technology such as PureFrame vibration dampening for a softer feel and reduced vibrations. Additionally, his pitching wedge is a Cleveland RTX ZipCore 6 wedge, offering enhanced versatility and control. The key takeaway here is that there’s no wrong approach to mixing up your set.
Srixon ZX7 MKII Irons
He carries three additional wedges.
Koepka carries four Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore wedges, but given that he hits them as far as we do our middle irons, it’s important to note that the average player might not require as many specialized clubs on the shorter end of the spectrum. It may be more advantageous for mortals like us to incorporate a hybrid or an additional fairway wood at the opposite end of the bag. Nevertheless, don’t let that dissuade you. If you desire, go ahead and follow Koepka’s lead and carry four wedges.
Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore Wedge
His ball selection prioritizes neither extreme length nor excessive spin.
Koepka opts for Srixon’s Z-STAR Diamond, which, when compared to other balls in the Z-STAR line, doesn’t rank as the longest or highest-spinning option off the tee. Instead, it’s designed to generate extra spin with mid-to-long irons, aiding players like Koepka in sticking the green and maintaining better control from deep in the fairway or on lengthy par-3s.
Srixon Z-STAR
Regardless of the clubs you choose, whether resembling Koepka’s set or otherwise, it’s crucial to base your selection on your own unique skills and abilities, rather than merely emulating another player or succumbing to outside influence.
If you have the opportunity, scheduling a club-fitting session before the summer golf season starts (which coincides with Memorial Day, in our opinion) is a must-do.
Want to overhaul your bag for 2023? Find an industry-leading True Spec Golf fitting facility near you. For more on the latest gear news and information, check out our latest Fully Equipped podcast below.
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