The Ladies - What's Really in Their Bag?

[SPY ZINGER]

So the LPGA is in Carlsbad this week playing the Kia Classic.  I am not sure why I haven't noticed this before, but I am really surprised to see how many of them had previous generation equipment in play.  I saw a lot of R1's RBZ & RBZ Stage 2 woods, and a lot of old irons in play.  Many of them will have a TaylorMade bag for woods, but Callaway irons, etc.  Each year, when the 3M Championship, a Champions Tour Event, comes to my area, I notice the same trend.  It's interesting to see equipment selection on a couple tours where full bag or head to toe deals seem to be less common.  Players on these tours seems to be playing with what works, what they're confident in, rather than what they are pressured to put in play.

 

Photo From: Getty Images

[jpcgolf]

That's interesting, I wonder why. 

[mr_divots]

Less lucrative bag contracts, fewer required clubs.

Uber low spin is also not likely a good match for a lot of the ladies or the seniors.

Lotta guys on the PGA probably shoot their career in the foot chasing a few more hundred thousand in equip deals each year when maybe they'd play better and win more if they didn't switch? You see plenty of new gear on the ladies' tour as well, and some we may not recognize as much being they are often Asian brands.

 

Finally, there is something to be said for sticking with what works. (Yes, this 'ho even admits as much!)

[whiskey golf]

One thing I find interesting is that it's common for people to say that low speed players shouldn't play blades yet there are plenty of LPGA players who are gaming them, just an observation.

[jpcgolf]

One thing I find interesting is that it's common for people to say that low speed players shouldn't play blades yet there are plenty of LPGA players who are gaming them, just an observation

 

some of them can hit the ball 270, that would not be a slow speed player

[whiskey golf]

some of them can hit the ball 270, that would not be a slow speed player

I realize that but that's a small percentage of players. It's not just those who can hit that distance playing blades.

[mr_divots]

Not to argue, but I don't really see many "blade" sets on the LPGA. Lots of cavity backs. Many of these ladies are hitting hybrids as they need shot height, which doesn't jive with blades and their COG and ball flight.

Stacy Lewis has/had the Miz 825 Pros in the bag. Saw Kristy Kerr with the new i25's the last tournament.

Mostly slight GI style clubs that I have taken note of.

[jpcgolf]

I realize that but that's a small percentage of players. It's not just those who can hit that distance playing blades.

I guess so, but if you are a plus handicap, you can play pretty much anything

[whiskey golf]

I guess so, but if you are a plus handicap, you can play pretty much anything

 

I think it would depend on what your strengths and weaknesses are. Some tour players or plus handicap golfers may not be as good with blades versus a player's CB or something more game improvement like. 

[jpcgolf]

I think it would depend on what your strengths and weaknesses are. Some tour players or plus handicap golfers may not be as good with blades versus a player's CB or something more game improvement like. 

Thats true, I have seen Zack Johnson with the ap1 irons

[revkev]

Not to argue, but I don't really see many "blade" sets on the LPGA. Lots of cavity backs. Many of these ladies are hitting hybrids as they need shot height, which doesn't jive with blades and their COG and ball flight.

Stacy Lewis has/had the Miz 825 Pros in the bag. Saw Kristy Kerr with the new i25's the last tournament.

Mostly slight GI style clubs that I have taken note of.

Because they are smart.

[BIG STU]

I was watching the Kraft/Nabisco last night on the tube. Judy Rankin made a crack about that one manufacturer (TM though she did not say such) was promoting loft up but that Stacy Lewis was hitting a 8* lofted driver with an x stiff shaft and Michelle was hitting stinger shots with her 3 wood. Judy said "so much for lofting up" I do know those ladies especially Lewis played some amazing golf

[HighFade]

My take is, the ladies don't generate the club head speed to land them high and soft on those slick greens, so the GI irons help them launch higher. Watching the Nabisco, the only player I saw with blades was Wie. But they were all shaping the ball really well. Saw some cool shots. Was really rooting for Wie. When she gets that putter going, she'll win a big one.

[RoverRick]

My take is, the ladies don't generate the club head speed to land them high and soft on those slick greens, so the GI irons help them launch higher. Watching the Nabisco, the only player I saw with blades was Wie. But they were all shaping the ball really well. Saw some cool shots. Was really rooting for Wie. When she gets that putter going, she'll win a big one.

 

I was rooting for her also.  The difference in that match was 3 putts.  Best closing round play by leaders I have seen all year, and the first time I ever watch a complete round of LPGA.  Normally, I have a limited amount of golf I can watch but the wife was away, and it rained, so I watched 10 hours of golf yesterday.