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- Phil Mickelson | What's In The Bag? | The PGA Championship 2021 | WITB
Phil Mickelson | What's In The Bag? | The PGA Championship 2021 | WITB
As the 2024 PGA Championship descends upon Valhalla Golf Club, the golfing world turns its eyes to Phil Mickelson
Driver: Callaway Epic Speed Triple Diamond 6°, Fujikura Ventus Black 6X shaft
2 Wood: TaylorMade “Original One” Mini Driver 11.5°, Fujikura Ventus Black 7X shaft
Utility: Callaway X Forged UT 16°, MCA MMT 105 TX shaft
Long Irons: Callaway X21 UT Proto 19° & 25°, MCA MMT 105 TX (19°), KBS Tour V 125S+ (25°)
Irons: Callaway Apex MB ‘21 (small groove) 6-PW, KBS Tour V 125S+ shafts
Wedges: Callaway PM Grind ’19 “Raw” 52° (12), 55° (12), 60° (10), KBS Tour V 125S+ shafts
Putter: Odyssey Milled Blade “Phil Mickelson”, SuperStroke Pistol GT Tour grip
Ball: Callaway Chrome Soft X (Triple Track)
Grips: Golf Pride MCC
Phil Mickelson's Quest for a Repeat: Chasing Glory at Valhalla
As the 2024 PGA Championship descends upon Valhalla Golf Club, the golfing world turns its eyes to Phil Mickelson. The veteran golfer, who stunned the world with his historic win at the 2021 PGA Championship, is once again aiming to defy the odds and capture another major title. This time, Mickelson is bringing the experience, skill, and the equipment setup that has served him so well in the past. Let's take a look at how his winning setup from 2014 plays a pivotal role in his attempt to recreate that magic.
Driver: Callaway Epic Speed Triple Diamond 6°, Fujikura Ventus Black 6X shaft
Mickelson's driver has always been a critical part of his game, and in 2021, the Callaway Epic Speed Triple Diamond with a 6° loft and Fujikura Ventus Black 6X shaft was instrumental in his victory. This combination allowed Mickelson to hit long and precise drives, setting him up for success on many holes. At Valhalla, a course that demands both length and accuracy off the tee, Mickelson's driver will once again be key. His ability to control his power and find fairways could make all the difference in his bid for another major title.
2 Wood: TaylorMade “Original One” Mini Driver 11.5°, Fujikura Ventus Black 7X shaft
The 2-wood, specifically the TaylorMade “Original One” Mini Driver, gave Mickelson versatility off the tee and from the fairway in 2021. With an 11.5° loft and Fujikura Ventus Black 7X shaft, it offered a perfect blend of distance and control. This club will be especially useful at Valhalla, where strategic placement is often more important than sheer distance. Mickelson's adept use of the 2-wood can help him navigate the course's tighter fairways and challenging layouts.
Utility: Callaway X Forged UT 16°, MCA MMT 105 TX shaft
Mickelson's Callaway X Forged UT utility club, with a 16° loft and MCA MMT 105 TX shaft, provided him with a reliable option for long approaches and tricky tee shots in 2021. Its versatility and accuracy made it a go-to club for tight situations. At Valhalla, where course management is critical, this utility club will be a crucial part of Mickelson's strategy. His ability to hit precise long irons can set up birdie opportunities and save par when needed.
Long Irons: Callaway X21 UT Proto 19° & 25°, MCA MMT 105 TX (19°), KBS Tour V 125S+ (25°)
Mickelson's long irons, particularly the Callaway X21 UT Proto with 19° and 25° lofts, played a vital role in his game. These clubs, fitted with MCA MMT 105 TX and KBS Tour V 125S+ shafts, respectively, provided the distance and control needed for longer approach shots. At Valhalla, these long irons will be essential for reaching greens in regulation and handling the course's longer par-3s and par-5s.
Irons: Callaway Apex MB ‘21 (small groove) 6-PW, KBS Tour V 125S+ shafts
The Callaway Apex MB '21 irons, with their small grooves and KBS Tour V 125S+ shafts, were integral to Mickelson's precision iron play. These irons allowed him to attack pins with confidence and set up numerous birdie opportunities in 2021. As he aims for another major win at Valhalla, Mickelson's iron play will need to be sharp. His ability to hit greens and leave himself with manageable putts will be a key factor in his success.
Wedges: Callaway PM Grind ’19 “Raw” 52° (12), 55° (12), 60° (10), KBS Tour V 125S+ shafts
Mickelson's short game has always been one of his strengths, and his Callaway PM Grind '19 wedges were crucial in 2021. With lofts of 52°, 55°, and 60°, and KBS Tour V 125S+ shafts, these wedges allowed him to execute a variety of shots around the greens. At Valhalla, his wedge play will be essential for saving pars and converting birdie opportunities. Mickelson's creativity and touch with these clubs could be the difference-maker in his pursuit of another major.
Putter: Odyssey Milled Blade “Phil Mickelson”, SuperStroke Pistol GT Tour grip
The putter, an Odyssey Milled Blade “Phil Mickelson” with a SuperStroke Pistol GT Tour grip, was the tool that clinched his 2021 victory. Mickelson's confident putting under pressure was a highlight of his game. As he returns to Valhalla, his putting will need to be just as reliable. Confidence and precision on the greens will be critical in his quest for another major win.
In 2021, Mickelson used the Callaway Chrome Soft X (Triple Track) ball, which provided the feel and control he needed for his game. The ball's performance characteristics complemented his playing style, contributing to his success. As he competes at Valhalla, the right ball will be just as important in optimizing his performance.
Grips: Golf Pride MCC
Finally, the Golf Pride MCC grips offered Mickelson the comfort and control needed to perform at his best. The importance of good grips is often overlooked, but they are crucial for maintaining a consistent swing and feel throughout the round.
Phil Mickelson's attempt to recreate his stunning 2021 PGA Championship win at Valhalla is a story of experience, skill, and the right equipment. As he tees it up this week, the golfing world watches with bated breath, hoping to witness another chapter in the remarkable career of one of the game's greatest players.