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Henrik Stenson WITB - What's In The Bag? The Open Championship at Royal Troon (July, 2024)

As he returns to the site of his greatest triumph, golf fans will be eager to see if Stenson can once again rise to the challenge and capture another Claret Jug.

July 18, 2024

Driver: Callaway Epic Max LS 9° with a Project X HZRDUS Yellow Hand Crafted 60 6.5 shaft

3 Wood: Callaway Diablo Octane Tour 13° with a Grafalloy Blue Tour X shaft

Fairway: Callaway X Hot 17° with a Grafalloy Blue Tour X shaft

Irons: Callaway Legacy Black (3i-PW) with Nippon Modus Tour 120 X shafts

Wedges: Callaway Jaws MD5 (52°-10S, 58°-8C) with Nippon Modus Tour 120 X shafts

Putter: Odyssey 2-Ball Ten

Ball: Titleist Pro V1

Henrik Stenson’s Club Specifications: Tailored for Royal Troon

Henrik Stenson, a player renowned for his precision and consistency, carries a meticulously selected set of golf clubs tailored to his game and the demands of different courses. Let's explore what's in his bag and why these clubs are particularly well-suited to the challenging layout of Royal Troon.

Stenson's driver is the Callaway Epic Max LS with a 9° loft, fitted with a Project X HZRDUS Yellow Hand Crafted 60 6.5 shaft. The Epic Max LS is designed for lower spin and increased control, ideal for the tight fairways and unpredictable winds at Royal Troon. The HZRDUS Yellow shaft adds stability and reduces spin, enabling Stenson to achieve a penetrating ball flight that cuts through the wind, which is crucial on a links course.

Stenson’s 3 wood is a Callaway Diablo Octane Tour with a 13° loft, paired with a Grafalloy Blue Tour X shaft. This club is renowned for its distance and control, making it perfect for Royal Troon's long par-4s and reachable par-5s. The Grafalloy Blue shaft provides a stable platform, complementing Stenson's fast swing speed and ensuring he can hit long, accurate shots even in windy conditions.

Henrik Stenson's fairway wood, the Callaway X Hot, fitted with a Grafalloy Blue Tour X shaft, is a key club in his arsenal. The X Hot is known for its explosive distance and forgiving nature, making it ideal for the demanding fairways of Royal Troon. The Grafalloy Blue Tour X shaft provides the stability and low spin necessary for accurate, penetrating shots, which are crucial when navigating the tight fairways and challenging rough typical of links courses. This combination ensures that Stenson can confidently attack par-5s and set up crucial approach shots with precision.

Irons: Callaway Legacy Black (3i-PW)

For his irons, Stenson uses Callaway Legacy Black irons (3i-PW) with Nippon Modus Tour 120 X shafts. These irons are designed for precision and workability, which are essential at Royal Troon where precise shot-making is required to avoid the deep bunkers and thick rough. The Nippon Modus shafts are known for their consistency and smooth feel, allowing Stenson to execute precise shots and control his ball flight effectively.

Wedges: Callaway Jaws MD5 (52°-10S, 58°-8C)

Stenson's wedge setup includes Callaway Jaws MD5 wedges with 52° and 58° lofts, also paired with Nippon Modus Tour 120 X shafts. The Jaws MD5 wedges are renowned for their spin and control around the greens, critical for the tight lies and firm turf of Royal Troon. These wedges allow Stenson to make accurate approach shots and get up and down from difficult lies, a necessity on the tricky greens and run-off areas of links courses.

Stenson's putter is the Odyssey 2-Ball Ten, a mallet-style putter that offers high MOI (moment of inertia) for stability and alignment aids that help in visualizing the line to the hole. The 2-Ball design enhances Stenson's ability to make consistent, accurate putts, which is crucial for negotiating the undulating greens at Royal Troon.

The Titleist Pro V1 ball rounds out Stenson's bag. Known for its exceptional performance in terms of distance, control, and feel, the Pro V1 complements Stenson's game by providing consistent performance in all conditions, which is particularly important in the variable weather conditions typical of Royal Troon.

Henrik Stenson at The Open

Henrik Stenson has had a distinguished career at The Open Championship, with his most memorable performance coming in 2016 at Royal Troon. This year, Stenson delivered one of the most remarkable final rounds in major championship history, shooting a record-breaking 63 to outduel Phil Mickelson in a head-to-head battle.

2016 Open Championship

Stenson’s victory at the 2016 Open Championship is often hailed as one of the greatest final rounds ever played. Starting the final round tied with Mickelson, Stenson produced a flawless display of ball-striking and putting, ultimately finishing three shots ahead at 20-under-par, setting a new Open scoring record. His 63 in the final round matched the lowest score ever in a major and was instrumental in securing his first major championship.

Other Performances

Stenson has consistently performed well at The Open, with several top-10 finishes. His precise ball-striking and ability to handle links courses have made him a perennial contender. He finished tied for third at the 2008 Open Championship and has had several other strong showings throughout his career.

Chances at This Year’s Open at Royal Troon

As the 2024 Open Championship returns to Royal Troon, the site of his historic 2016 victory, Stenson will undoubtedly draw confidence from his past success. Known for his calm demeanor and strategic play, Stenson's game is well-suited to the challenges of links golf, especially at a venue where he has triumphed before.

Course Suitability

Royal Troon's layout, with its demanding front nine and treacherous back nine, requires precision off the tee and a strong short game. Stenson's current club setup, particularly his control-oriented driver and reliable wedges, positions him well to navigate the course effectively. His familiarity with the course and proven track record will be invaluable.

Current Form

While Stenson's recent form has been mixed, his experience and ability to rise to the occasion in major championships make him a formidable competitor. If he can recapture the form that saw him dominate in 2016, he could very well be in contention once again.

Henrik Stenson's expertly chosen equipment and his strategic approach to links golf make him a strong contender for this year’s Open Championship at Royal Troon. As he returns to the site of his greatest triumph, golf fans will be eager to see if Stenson can once again rise to the challenge and capture another Claret Jug.

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