By Peter Heydecker, Schaumburg, IL
Store Manager & Teaching Professional – GolfTEC Schaumburg
Driver: I currently have a TaylorMade Burner TP 9.5 degree driver. I’ve used this driver for the past 2 seasons and don’t see anything being released that can knock it out of my bag. Check with your pro to make sure you have the correct driver in the bag. This is the one club that you will want to change every 2-3 years to stay up with the technology.
Fairway Woods: I carry a Tour Edge Exotics 15 degree stiff flex shaft. I’ve had this 3 wood in the bag for about 3 years. I would go to a 16 degree or 17 degree 4 wood to replace this club to make it easier to hit off the ground or in the rough, however playing left handed there are not a lot of options out there.
Hybrid: I have an Adams Idea PRO 20 degree with an Aldila VS “by you” stiff flex shaft. This is the perfect club! If you have not tried these Adams hybrids you are missing out on a club that is extremely easy to hit and feels great. I purchased this club for full retail—I had to have it
Irons: I carry Taylormade RAC LT 2 (4 iron through PW). These have also been in my bag for about 2 years. This is only the third set of irons I’ve had in my life and I have been playing for almost 20 years. I took my 3 iron out after doing some testing that my hybrid will always get better results than my 3 iron. If I am replacing my 3 iron you should too.
Wedges: I carry two wedges in my bag – a 54 degree Titleist Vokey & a 60 degree Titleist Vokey (spin mill). This is where I see my students making mistakes in their bag set-up. Most pros carry a 54 and 60 degree wedge or a 52 and 58 degree in addition to the PW. There is also a trend to carry 4 wedges (pw, 52, 56, 60). It seems like more and more pros and good players are using this set-up. Talk to your pro and see what the best wedge set-up is for you.
Putter: I use a Coutour Dornoch putter that’s 33.5 inches long. At almost 6 feet tall even I had to have my putter length shortened. Almost 90% of the time I give a putting lesson the putter is too long for the student. If you have not heard of Coutour Golf ask your pro. I know most of the pros in Chicago are using them and for good reason.
Balls: I see very little difference in any of the balls now, they are all so good. Usually I will play the Pro V or Callaway Tour ix.
*I know I only have 13 clubs in the bag. I am currently testing if I should carry another wedge or an 18 degree hybrid. I should have it figured out by the time there is snow on the ground.
