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

As he gears up for the 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon, his carefully selected club specifications will be instrumental in navigating the challenging links layout.

July 18, 2024

Driver: Titleist TSR3 9° with a Project X HZRDUS Black 60 TX shaft

3 Wood: TaylorMade M6 15° with a Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX 80 TX shaft

5 Wood: TaylorMade M6 18° with a Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX 80 TX shaft

Utility: Ping Crossover (2i) with a Fujikura Ventus HB Black 9 TX shaft

Irons: Cobra King CB (4i-6i), Cobra King MB (7i-9i) with KBS Tour 125 S+ shafts (4i-9i)

Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM9 (48°-10F, 52°-12F), Cleveland RTX ZipCore Tour Rack (60°-10 MID) with KBS Tour 125 S+ (48°) and KBS Hi-Rev 135 X (52°-60°) shafts

Putter: Axis1 Rose with a Lamkin PistolClaw grip

Ball & Grips: Titleist Pro V1 Left Dot with Lamkin JR Rel grip

Justin Rose's Club Specifications and Their Impact at the 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon

Justin Rose, a seasoned professional and major champion, is known for his precision and consistency on the golf course. As he gears up for the 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon, his carefully selected club specifications will be instrumental in navigating the challenging links layout.

Like most other parts of his bag, Rose has changed his irons a LOT over the past couple of years. He was recently pictured with 17 clubs in his bag at a practice session and has played blade models from TaylorMade, Mizuno, Titleist and Honma. It’s safe to say that Justin likes to mix it up, so it’s unclear exactly which configuration he’s using at Royal Troon. Aside from his driver, the 3W and 5W are both notable classics. In terms of his wedge setup, going by his bag at the start of 2024, Rose appears to have five different wedges; clearly he doesn't put all five in the bag for a tournament.

Here’s an in-depth look at Rose's equipment and how it could influence his decision-making and performance this weekend:

Rose’s choice of the Titleist TSR3 driver with a 9° loft and the Project X HZRDUS Black 60 TX shaft reflects his need for control and power. The TSR3 is known for its speed and stability, crucial for the long, narrow fairways at Royal Troon. The HZRDUS Black shaft provides a low spin rate, helping Rose achieve maximum distance while maintaining accuracy in windy conditions typical of links courses.

The TaylorMade M6 3 wood, coupled with the Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX 80 TX shaft, offers versatility and distance. This club will be vital for Rose when he needs to hit long approach shots or navigate the tighter fairways where driver might not be the best option. The stability and low spin of the shaft enhance control, which is essential for the strategic demands of Royal Troon.

Rose’s 5 wood provides an additional option for long-range shots, particularly useful on the par 5s and longer par 4s. The TaylorMade M6 with the HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX shaft ensures that he has a club that delivers consistent performance from the fairway and rough, aiding in maintaining optimal ball flight in variable wind conditions.

Rose’s iron setup is tailored for precision and workability. The Ping Crossover 2 iron provides a blend of distance and control off the tee or fairway, especially useful on the tighter holes at Royal Troon. The Cobra King CB and MB irons give him the ability to shape shots and control trajectory, essential for navigating the firm and fast greens. The KBS Tour 125 S+ shafts offer a balanced feel, enhancing his control over each shot.

Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM9 (48°-10F, 52°-12F), Cleveland RTX ZipCore Tour Rack (60°-10 MID) with KBS Tour 125 S+ (48°) and KBS Hi-Rev 135 X (52°-60°) Shafts

Rose’s wedge selection is designed for versatility and precision around the greens. The Vokey SM9 and Cleveland RTX ZipCore wedges allow him to execute a variety of shots, from full swings to delicate chips. The specific grind and bounce options are well-suited to the firm turf conditions and the deep pot bunkers of Royal Troon. The high-rev shafts provide additional spin control, crucial for holding the slick greens.

Putter: Axis1 Rose with a Lamkin PistolClaw Grip

The Axis1 Rose putter, designed in collaboration with Rose, offers unparalleled balance and alignment. The stability of this putter helps in maintaining consistency on the undulating and often unpredictable greens of Royal Troon. The Lamkin PistolClaw grip ensures a comfortable and secure feel, aiding in steadying his stroke under pressure.

Ball & Grips: Titleist Pro V1 Left Dot with Lamkin JR Rel Grip

The Titleist Pro V1 Left Dot ball is known for its soft feel and excellent spin control, both of which are crucial for Rose’s game plan at Royal Troon. The ball’s performance in the wind and its ability to stop quickly on the greens will be significant factors. The Lamkin JR Rel grips provide a comfortable and consistent grip, ensuring confidence in every shot.

Previous Performances at the Open Championship

Justin Rose’s history at the Open Championship is marked by both promise and frustration. His breakthrough moment came as an amateur in 1998 at Royal Birkdale, where he finished tied for fourth after holing a dramatic shot from the rough on the 18th hole. This performance announced his arrival on the global stage.

Since then, Rose has had several notable finishes. In 2015, he finished tied for sixth at St Andrews, showcasing his ability to handle the unique challenges of links golf. Despite a few missed cuts, his consistency in recent years, including a tied-20th finish at Royal Portrush in 2019, highlights his adaptability and experience.

Rose’s meticulous preparation and familiarity with links courses make him a perennial contender. His ability to manage his game under varying weather conditions, coupled with his precise ball-striking, often sees him in contention on the final day. However, the coveted Claret Jug has eluded him, a fact that undoubtedly fuels his determination each year.

Prospects at the 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon

As the 152nd Open Championship tees off at Royal Troon, Justin Rose’s chances look promising. The course’s demanding layout, with its mix of long par 4s, strategic bunkering, and potentially tricky weather conditions, plays into Rose’s strengths. His club selection, particularly his blend of precision irons and versatile wedges, will be crucial in navigating the course’s challenges.

Royal Troon’s signature hole, the par-3 “Postage Stamp,” will require deft touch and accuracy, areas where Rose excels. His experience and calm demeanor will serve him well in the high-pressure environment of a major championship.

If Rose can maintain consistency off the tee and leverage his short game around the greens, he stands a strong chance of being in contention. His past performances at the Open demonstrate his capability to handle links golf’s unique demands, and with his current form and equipment, this could be the year he finally lifts the Claret Jug.

Justin Rose’s meticulously chosen club specifications and his vast experience in links golf position him as a serious contender at Royal Troon. As he aims for his first Open Championship victory, all eyes will be on how he manages the course and the conditions over the next few days.

Thirsty for more? Check out some of our latest WITB’s from the 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon:

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