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Jake Knapp WITB - What's In The Bag? FedEx St. Jude Championship (August, 2024)

Jake Knapp's club setup is tailored for precision, distance, and control—attributes crucial for navigating the challenging TPC Southwind course at this weekend's FedEx St. Jude Championship.

August 15, 2024

Driver: Ping G425 LST 9° @7.5 with a Project X HZRDUS T1100 75 6.5 shaft

Mini driver: TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver 13.5° with a Project X HZRDUS T1100 95 6.5 shaft

5-wood: Titleist GT3 18° with a Project X HZRDUS T1100 95 6.5 shaft

Irons: PXG 0311 X (4i), PXG 0211 ST (5i-PW) with KBS Tour C-Taper 130 X (4-PW) shafts

Wedges: PXG 0311 Sugar Daddy II (52°-10), Titleist Vokey Design SM9 (56.5°-10S), WedgeWorks (60°-T @61) KBS Tour C-Taper 130 X (52°, 56°), Nippon N.S. Pro Modus3 WV 125

Putter: TaylorMade Spider Tour Double Bend with a SuperStroke Zenergy Tour SGP 1.0 grip

Ball & Grips: Titleist Pro V1 Left Dot with Golf Pride Tour Velvet grips

Jake Knapp’s Club Specifications: A Winning Formula for the FedEx St. Jude Championship?

Jake Knapp's club setup is tailored for precision, distance, and control—attributes crucial for navigating the challenging TPC Southwind course at this weekend's FedEx St. Jude Championship. His equipment choices reflect a commitment to optimizing every aspect of his game, from the tee to the green. Let’s break down his club specifications and how they might influence his performance at TPC Southwind, as well as explore his chances in the tournament.

Driver: Ping G425 LST 9° @7.5 with a Project X HZRDUS T1100 75 6.5 Shaft

Knapp’s driver setup is built for long, controlled drives. The Ping G425 LST is known for its low spin, which can help reduce the likelihood of errant shots and maximize distance. Lowering the loft to 7.5° further enhances this by promoting a lower, more penetrating ball flight—ideal for windy conditions that can be prevalent at TPC Southwind. The Project X HZRDUS T1100 75 6.5 shaft is stiff and stable, giving Knapp the confidence to swing aggressively without sacrificing control. This setup is perfect for TPC Southwind's narrow fairways, where accuracy off the tee is crucial.

The mini driver offers Knapp a versatile option for tighter tee shots or when he needs a bit more control than his standard driver offers. With a slightly higher loft of 13.5°, this club is ideal for those strategic tee shots where precision trumps raw distance. The Project X HZRDUS T1100 95 6.5 shaft, being slightly heavier, provides a solid feel and helps maintain stability through the swing, ensuring Knapp can navigate TPC Southwind’s doglegs and narrower holes with ease.

The 5-wood is a critical club for Knapp, especially on par-5s and long par-4s where positioning is key. The Titleist GT3 offers a blend of distance and accuracy, while the 18° loft provides the perfect trajectory for approaching greens from long range. This club will be essential for attacking TPC Southwind’s well-protected greens, allowing Knapp to land the ball softly and avoid tricky up-and-downs.

Irons: PXG 0311 X (4i), PXG 0211 ST (5i-PW) with KBS Tour C-Taper 130 X Shafts

Knapp’s iron setup is designed for consistency and precision. The PXG 0311 X driving iron offers a strong option for tight tee shots or long approaches, particularly on TPC Southwind’s demanding par-3s. The PXG 0211 ST irons, known for their soft feel and workability, allow Knapp to shape his shots and control his distances, crucial for navigating the course’s small, undulating greens. The KBS Tour C-Taper 130 X shafts add a level of stiffness and stability, promoting a lower ball flight that’s perfect for windy conditions.

Wedges: PXG 0311 Sugar Daddy II (52°-10), Titleist Vokey Design SM9 (56.5°-10S), WedgeWorks (60°-T @61)

Knapp’s wedge setup is all about versatility and precision around the greens. The PXG 0311 Sugar Daddy II offers spin control and consistency on approach shots and delicate pitches. The Titleist Vokey SM9 and WedgeWorks wedges are trusted tools for a reason—they provide exceptional spin and feel, crucial for getting up and down from TPC Southwind’s tricky bunkers and tight lies. The varied lofts allow Knapp to have multiple options depending on the distance and type of shot required.

Putter: TaylorMade Spider Tour Double Bend with a SuperStroke Zenergy Tour SGP 1.0 Grip

The TaylorMade Spider Tour putter is renowned for its stability and alignment features. The double bend shaft setup helps Knapp maintain a consistent stroke, crucial on TPC Southwind’s fast, undulating greens. The SuperStroke grip further enhances feel and reduces tension, enabling a smooth, confident putting stroke.

Previous Performances and Chances at the FedEx St. Jude Championship

While Jake Knapp has limited experience in high-profile PGA Tour events, his technical game and solid equipment choices could give him an edge at TPC Southwind. This course, known for its small greens and numerous water hazards, demands precision and a strategic approach—traits that Knapp’s club setup is designed to maximize.

TPC Southwind: A Course Built for Strategy

TPC Southwind is a par-70 course stretching 7,233 yards, featuring zoysia fairways and Bermuda greens. Historically, it’s favored players who can keep the ball in play and excel with their short game. With hazards lurking on nearly every hole, Knapp’s ability to control his ball flight and maintain accuracy will be tested. His wedge game will be particularly crucial, as getting up and down from the rough or bunkers will be key to scoring well.

Jake Knapp’s equipment setup positions him well for the challenges of TPC Southwind at the FedEx St. Jude Championship. His focus on control, accuracy, and strategic versatility in his club choices aligns perfectly with the demands of this course. If he can leverage his equipment effectively and maintain his composure under pressure, Knapp could make a significant impact this weekend.

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