• witb.com
  • Posts
  • Erik van Rooyen WITB - (31st January, 2025) - AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am - What's In The Bag?

Erik van Rooyen WITB - (31st January, 2025) - AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am - What's In The Bag?

Van Rooyen’s bag has seen some key changes heading into 2025, particularly in the long-game department.

January 31, 2025

Who is Erik van Rooyen and witb for January, 2025?

Erik van Rooyen is the kind of golfer who looks like he could either stripe a long iron down the fairway or shred a mean guitar solo at a music festival. With his signature mustache, love of rock music, and fearless approach to the game, van Rooyen has carved out a unique identity on the PGA Tour. Born on February 21, 1990, in Bellville, South Africa, Erik was a standout amateur before playing collegiate golf at the University of Minnesota.

After turning professional in 2013, van Rooyen quickly climbed the ranks, starting on the Sunshine Tour before making waves on the European Tour. His breakthrough came in 2019 when he captured the Scandinavian Invitation, proving that his aggressive, high-risk, high-reward style could translate into victories. That win catapulted him onto the PGA Tour, where he has since become one of the most exciting, if sometimes unpredictable, players to watch.

Van Rooyen’s game is built around power and precision, but it’s his mental fortitude that stands out. He’s battled injuries, slumps, and the relentless grind of professional golf, emerging each time with a stronger game and even better perspective. Off the course, he’s a dedicated family man, a lover of good music, and one of the most effortlessly cool guys on tour.

This weekend, he’s teeing it up at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, where he currently sits at T15 at 5 under par. If history tells us anything, expect a wild mix of brilliance, emotion, and maybe even a few ripped drive covers if things don’t go his way.

Erik van Rooyen’s 2025 WITB vs. 2024: What’s New?

Van Rooyen’s bag has seen some key changes heading into 2025, particularly in the long-game department. In 2024, he primarily gamed a standard driver-3 wood setup, but he’s now swapped his 3-wood for a Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Ti 340 Mini Driver, a move that suggests he’s looking for more control off the tee without sacrificing distance.

Another big shift is his decision to go with the Callaway Elyte driver, replacing last season’s Paradym Triple Diamond. The Elyte model is designed for lower spin and workability, meaning Erik is clearly prioritizing control over pure speed. He’s also shifted his fairway wood configuration, opting for a 5-wood over a traditional 3-wood, a sign he’s dialing in trajectory control and approach play.

With irons, he’s sticking to Callaway’s Apex Pro and TCB lineup, but his move to True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue 120 X100 shafts suggests he’s refining feel and shot-shaping capabilities. The wedge game remains consistent, though he’s now rolling with Callaway Opus wedges, which offer improved grind versatility.

Let’s break down his bag in full detail:

Driver: Callaway Elyte (10.5° @9.5) with a Mitsubishi Diamana DF 60 TX shaft

A lower-spin, more workable driver setup for 2025, likely aimed at improving control off the tee while maintaining distance.

Mini driver: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Ti 340 (13.5°) with a Mitsubishi Diamana WB 73 TX shaft

An intriguing addition to his bag, replacing the 3-wood for a better balance between distance and accuracy.

5-wood: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond (18°) with a Fujikura Ventus Blue 7 X shaft

A lofted fairway wood designed to help him with higher approach shots into greens while keeping a solid distance gap.

Irons: Callaway X Forged UT (21°), Callaway Apex Pro (4i), Callaway Apex TCB (5i-10i) with Graphite Design Tour AD DI 95 X (21°) and True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue 120 X100 (4i-10i) shafts

His iron setup remains elite, blending forgiveness in the longer clubs with precise shot control in the shorter irons.

Wedges: Callaway Opus (50°-10S, 56°-12S, 60°-08C) with True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue 120 X100 shafts

Fresh Callaway Opus wedges, offering improved feel and grind versatility for greenside play.

Putter: Odyssey Toulon Design San Diego

A classic blade-style putter that provides him with great feel and stability on the greens.

Ball & Grips: Callaway Chrome Tour with Golf Pride Tour Velvet grips

A premium ball choice optimized for spin and consistency, with grips that offer maximum control in all conditions.

How These Changes Impact His Performance at Pebble Beach

Van Rooyen’s WITB adjustments show a clear focus on precision, trajectory control, and short-game refinement—exactly what you need to succeed at Pebble Beach. With unpredictable coastal winds and small, tricky greens, having the ability to control launch and spin is crucial. His mini driver choice over a 3-wood is particularly interesting, as it suggests he’s looking for a versatile tee club that can still deliver the distance he needs.

His new Opus wedges will also be a major asset around Pebble’s demanding greens. With tight lies and thick rough, having the right grinds and spin control can be the difference between an up-and-down par or a costly bogey.

Currently sitting at T15 (-5), he’s well within striking distance. If his putter stays hot and his iron play remains dialed in, don’t be surprised if he makes a charge up the leaderboard come Sunday.

Final Thoughts

Van Rooyen continues to be one of the most fascinating players to watch—not just because of his fearless game, but because he’s always making tweaks to gain an edge. His 2025 setup is proof that he’s willing to mix things up to find what works best, and so far, it looks like the changes are paying off.

As he looks to climb the ranks in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, all eyes will be on whether his new gear setup can help him seal the deal. One thing’s for sure—he’ll do it with flair, a monster drive or two, and maybe even a celebratory guitar solo if he pulls off the win.

Thirsty for more? Check out some of our latest WITB’s:

As always, subscribe here for your weekly fix of WITB action