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- Aaron Baddeley WITB (29th September, 2024)
Aaron Baddeley WITB (29th September, 2024)
Aaron Baddeley’s choice of the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max driver, paired with the Mitsubishi Tensei AV Raw Blue 65 TX shaft, signals his preference for maximum forgiveness and ball speed.
Driver: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max 9° with a Mitsubishi Tensei AV Raw Blue 65 TX shaft
3-wood: TaylorMade SIM Titanium 15° with a Mitsubishi Tensei AV Raw Blue 85 TX shaft
5 Wood: Callaway Epic Speed 18° with a Mitsubishi Tensei AV Raw Blue 85 TX shaft
Irons: Ping iBlade (3i-PW) with KBS Tour 130 X shafts
Wedges: Callaway Jaws MD5 (52°-10S, 56°-12X, 60°-10S) with True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 shafts
Putter: Scotty Cameron Newport
Ball & Grips: Titleist Pro V1x with Lamkin Crossline Cord grips
Aaron Baddeley is an Australian professional golfer known for his exceptional putting and solid all-around game. Born on March 17, 1981, in Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA, Baddeley moved to Australia with his family and grew up in Melbourne, where he developed his golf skills. He burst onto the golf scene at a young age, winning the Australian Open as an amateur in 1999 and then successfully defending his title in 2000, becoming one of the youngest champions in the tournament's history.
Baddeley turned professional in 2000 and initially gained attention for his talent and strong performances in Australia. He transitioned to the PGA Tour in the United States, where he found success, earning multiple tournament victories. One of his most notable wins was at the 2007 FBR Open (now the Waste Management Phoenix Open), which helped establish him as a serious contender on the PGA Tour.
Throughout his career, Baddeley has been known for his short-game skills, particularly his putting ability. He has frequently ranked among the top putters on the PGA Tour, and his smooth stroke has often helped him save pars and score well even when his ball-striking has been less consistent.
Baddeley's career has seen its share of ups and downs, with periods of strong performance followed by slumps. However, his perseverance and ability to make changes to his game have allowed him to remain competitive. He has won several PGA Tour events, and his experience and skill set continue to make him a valuable presence on the tour.
In addition to his professional career, Baddeley is known for his deep Christian faith, which he frequently mentions as a central aspect of his life.
This driver’s AI-designed face helps reduce spin and increase distance, which can significantly boost Baddeley’s accuracy off the tee. The Tensei Blue shaft offers a smooth feel and mid-launch, which suits Baddeley’s swing, giving him the ability to shape shots while maintaining control. For a player like Baddeley, whose strength has been in ball striking and shot-making, this driver setup will allow him to consistently find fairways, a critical factor in competing at the highest levels of the PGA Tour.
Baddeley’s TaylorMade SIM Titanium 3-wood is designed for powerful, low-spinning shots off the tee and turf. Paired with the Mitsubishi Tensei AV Raw Blue 85 TX shaft, this club gives him versatility. The SIM Titanium’s compact head and V Steel sole make it ideal for tight fairway shots or long approaches, especially on Par 5s. This 3-wood can offer the extra distance that can help Baddeley attack long holes while still maintaining precision.
The Callaway Epic Speed 5-wood in Baddeley’s bag provides high launch and forgiveness. The slightly higher lofted 18° club is perfect for getting the ball airborne on longer approaches. With the same Mitsubishi Tensei AV Raw Blue shaft, this club aligns with the rest of Baddeley’s woods in terms of feel and performance. This 5-wood gives him the flexibility to hit long and controlled shots from difficult lies, rough, or the fairway.
Baddeley opts for Ping iBlade irons, which are known for their sleek, minimalist design, and feel. The iBlade is designed for players who seek precision and control. With the KBS Tour 130 X shafts, Baddeley gains additional stability, making these irons highly effective for tight shot dispersion and distance control. The thin top line and compact blade design offer great feedback, allowing Baddeley to shape shots when needed, making these irons crucial for precision in approach shots on the PGA Tour’s demanding courses.
Wedges: Callaway Jaws MD5 (52°-10S, 56°-12X, 60°-10S) with True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 shafts
For his wedges, Baddeley turns to the Callaway Jaws MD5 models, which are lauded for their aggressive groove design and spin control. The variety of lofts in his bag—52°, 56°, and 60°—provide versatility around the greens, while the True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 shafts enhance stability and feel. These wedges are perfect for all kinds of short-game shots, from full swings to delicate chips and flops. Baddeley’s short-game prowess is complemented by these wedges, helping him get up and down from difficult positions, which is crucial for maintaining momentum during a round.
Aaron Baddeley has always been known for his putting, and his Scotty Cameron Newport putter is designed to enhance feel and alignment. This classic blade putter is one of the most popular on Tour, offering exceptional balance and control. Baddeley’s ability to sink critical putts has often been the hallmark of his game, and the Scotty Cameron Newport is ideal for providing the feedback and consistency he needs on the greens.
Ball & Grips: Titleist Pro V1x with Lamkin Crossline Cord grips
Baddeley’s use of the Titleist Pro V1x ball adds to his precision and control. The Pro V1x is known for its low spin off the driver and high spin around the greens, making it a great fit for Baddeley’s style of play. The Lamkin Crossline Cord grips provide added comfort and control, helping him maintain his grip in all weather conditions.
Influence on Performance and PGA Tour Chances in 2024
Aaron Baddeley’s club choices for 2024 reflect a well-rounded approach to his game. His selection of forgiving yet powerful woods allows him to gain distance while still focusing on accuracy. His Ping iBlade irons offer control and precision on approach shots, which are critical on the PGA Tour, where hitting greens in regulation can make or break a player’s scorecard. Baddeley’s strong short-game focus, enhanced by his Jaws wedges, allows him to excel in scrambling situations, saving par or even making birdies from challenging positions.
Baddeley’s putter is perhaps his most crucial weapon. His exceptional putting, combined with the consistency and feel of the Scotty Cameron Newport, could make him a real contender in 2024, especially in tournaments where greens are tricky and challenging.
As Baddeley continues to compete on the PGA Tour, his equipment will help him maintain an edge, especially when accuracy and short-game skills are paramount. His decision to pair specific shafts with his clubs enhances stability, feel, and control, which will be essential for his success in the upcoming season.
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