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Sam Burns WITB - What's In The Bag? FedEx St. Jude Championship (16th August, 2024)

Burns’ driver and fairway wood choices will be crucial for setting up scoring opportunities, while his irons and wedges will need to be dialed in for precise approach shots.

August 16, 2024

Driver: Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond S 9° (@10) with a Fujikura Ventus Blue 7 TX shaft

3 Wood: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond T 15° (@16) with a Mitsubishi Tensei 1K Black 75 TX shaft

Hybrid: Callaway Apex UW (21°) with a Fujikura Ventus Blue 8 X shaft

Irons: Callaway Apex TCB ’24 (4i-PW) with Project X 6.5 (4i-PW) shafts

Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (50°-12F, 56°-14F @55, 60°-08M)
with True Temper Dynamic Gold S400 Tour Issue (56°, 60°) shafts

Putter: Odyssey Ai-One #7SB

Ball: Callaway Chrome Tour X

Sam Burns' Club Specifications and Their Impact on His Performance at the FedEx St. Jude Championship

Sam Burns is currently through 15 holes and tied for the lead at the FedEx St. Jude Championship with Denny McCarthy at 9 under par. It’s fair to say Burns' meticulous selection of clubs has been instrumental in his success, and these choices will continue to influence his chances at TPC Southwind. Here's a closer look at the clubs in Burns' bag and how they are tailored to optimize his game on this challenging course.

Burns' driver setup is a blend of power and precision, perfectly suited for the demands of TPC Southwind. The Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond S driver, set to 10°, offers a low spin and neutral ball flight, which is essential for controlling shots off the tee. The Fujikura Ventus Blue 7 TX shaft is known for its stability and consistency, allowing Burns to deliver powerful yet controlled drives. On a course like TPC Southwind, where accuracy off the tee is crucial due to the narrow fairways and numerous water hazards, this driver setup provides Burns with the confidence to attack holes aggressively while maintaining control.

Burns’ choice of the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond T 3-wood, adjusted to 16°, reflects his need for a reliable fairway wood that can be used both off the tee and from the fairway. The Mitsubishi Tensei 1K Black 75 TX shaft offers a mid-launch with low spin, giving Burns the versatility to hit long, accurate shots when he needs to position himself strategically on par-5s or longer par-4s. This 3-wood will be particularly important on holes like the par-5 16th, where a well-placed second shot can set up a birdie opportunity.

Hybrid: Callaway Apex UW (21°) with a Fujikura Ventus Blue 8 X Shaft

The Callaway Apex UW hybrid in Burns’ bag is a key club for those challenging long approach shots. The 21° loft, combined with the Fujikura Ventus Blue 8 X shaft, provides Burns with a high-launching, soft-landing shot that can be crucial for attacking tight pin positions or for getting out of tricky lies. The versatility of this hybrid will be invaluable on holes like the par-4 12th, where precision is needed to navigate the hazards and set up a scoring opportunity.

Irons: Callaway Apex TCB ’24 (4i-PW) with Project X 6.5 Shafts

Burns’ iron setup features the Callaway Apex TCB ’24 irons, which are designed for precise shot-making and control. The Project X 6.5 shafts are known for their stability and consistency, offering Burns the ability to control his trajectory and spin rates effectively. This is especially important on a course like TPC Southwind, where the greens are small and well-protected. Burns’ ability to shape shots and control his distance with these irons will be crucial for hitting greens in regulation and setting up birdie putts.

Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (50°-12F, 56°-14F @55, 60°-08M) with True Temper Dynamic Gold S400 Tour Issue Shafts

Burns’ wedge setup is designed for maximum versatility around the greens. The Titleist Vokey Design SM10 wedges allow him to execute a wide range of shots, from low spinners to high, soft-landing pitches. The True Temper Dynamic Gold S400 Tour Issue shafts provide consistent feel and control, which is critical for the delicate touch required on TPC Southwind’s fast, undulating greens. Burns’ ability to get up and down from challenging lies will be a key factor in maintaining his lead.

The putter is where Burns can truly separate himself from the field. The Odyssey Ai-One #7SB putter is known for its stability and alignment features, helping Burns to maintain a consistent stroke. On the slick greens of TPC Southwind, where subtle breaks can make all the difference, Burns’ putter will be his most important weapon. If he can continue to roll the ball well and make crucial putts, he will have a strong chance of holding onto his lead.

Burns uses the Callaway Chrome Tour X ball, which provides a blend of distance, spin control, and soft feel. This ball is well-suited for the varying conditions at TPC Southwind, offering Burns the ability to control his shots in the wind and on the greens. The Golf Pride Tour Velvet Align grips provide a comfortable and consistent grip, ensuring that Burns maintains control throughout his swing.

Burns' Chances at TPC Southwind

Sam Burns is no stranger to pressure, and his current position atop the leaderboard at 9 under par reflects his ability to perform under challenging conditions. TPC Southwind, a course known for its narrow fairways, water hazards, and small, undulating greens, demands precision and strategic play. Burns' club setup is perfectly tailored to meet these demands, offering him the tools to navigate the course effectively.

Burns’ driver and fairway wood choices will be crucial for setting up scoring opportunities, while his irons and wedges will need to be dialed in for precise approach shots. If he can continue to make putts and avoid the hazards, Burns has a strong chance of securing a victory at the FedEx St. Jude Championship.

Historically, TPC Southwind has favored players who can combine accuracy with strategic play, and Burns' equipment choices position him well to take advantage of the course's challenges. As the weekend progresses, Burns will need to stay focused and continue executing his game plan to turn his lead into a win at this prestigious event.

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