Equipment Adjustments Highlight Preparations for LIV Golf Adelaide
The Grange Golf Club in Adelaide, Australia, is set to host the latest installment of LIV Golf Adelaide, beginning and running through . As players finalize preparations, a series of equipment changes have emerged, offering insights into their strategies and potential performance adjustments for the tournament. Several notable players are tweaking their setups, hoping to gain an edge at this highly anticipated event.
Charles Howell III Seeks Familiar Feel
Charles Howell III is making significant changes to his equipment arsenal. He’s reverting to PXG 0317CB irons, a set he last used at the Korea event in 2025 where he finished tied for second. Simultaneously, Howell III has switched to a Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond driver, marking the second consecutive event he’s utilized this model. Recent performance data suggests a need for adjustment; last week, he lost 0.80 strokes per round off the tee and -0.28 strokes on approach.
Pieters Adjusts Putter for Enhanced Control
Thomas Pieters is making a subtle but potentially impactful change to his putting game. He’s transitioning from a TaylorMade Spider mallet to a Titleist Scotty Cameron Fastback 1.5, opting for a compact mallet blade profile. This shift prioritizes feel and face control, areas where Pieters aims to refine his performance. His putting was largely neutral last week, gaining +0.04 strokes.
Grace Goes All-In on Miura
Branden Grace is fully committing to Miura irons, completing a full-bag setup with the brand. He’s replaced his Callaway X-Forged irons (7-PW) with Miura TC-202 models and also swapped his 7-wood for a Miura TC-202 3-iron. This change aims for a more penetrating ball flight and increased control off the tee. Grace was nearly neutral on approach last week, gaining +0.05 strokes.
Niemann Returns to Proven Driver
Joaquín Niemann is reverting to his PING G440 driver, following a brief experiment with the PING G430 LST model. This marks the second driver change for Niemann to start the season. While he gained 0.41 strokes off the tee last week – a solid performance – it wasn’t at the elite level he typically achieves.
DeChambeau Reinstates LA Golf Shaft
Bryson DeChambeau is returning to his trusted LA Golf driver shaft after testing the True Temper Project X D70 Prototype last week. Despite a strong performance with the prototype – gaining 1.13 strokes per round off the tee – DeChambeau is opting for the familiarity and consistency of his LA Golf shaft.
Looking Back: Equipment Changes and Their Impact
Recent equipment changes have already demonstrated a tangible impact on player performance. Thomas Pieters’ switch to Miura TC-202 irons in Riyadh resulted in his best approach performance since last season’s LIV Golf Adelaide, gaining 1.15 strokes per round and ranking second in the field in that category.
Bold Moves and Mixed Results
Sergio Garcia made one of the most notable equipment changes recently, switching from a TaylorMade TP5 golf ball to an Underground Golf ball and also changing putters from a Scotty Cameron Masterful Tour Type SSS to a Golfyr The Maker Tour. The results were mixed; Garcia gained 0.59 strokes on approach but lost 0.74 strokes with the new putter.
Rahm’s Driver Upgrade Yields Immediate Gains
Jon Rahm’s switch from Elite Triple Diamond to the Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond driver proved immediately beneficial. He gained 1.43 strokes off the tee, leading the field by a significant margin. This demonstrates the potential for substantial gains through strategic equipment choices.
As LIV Golf Adelaide approaches, these equipment adjustments underscore the meticulous preparation and constant refinement that characterize the professional game. Players are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for competitive advantage at The Grange Golf Club. The tournament, running from to , promises to be a compelling showcase of skill, strategy, and the ever-evolving relationship between player, and equipment.
