Swap-Out: TaylorMade P.UDI

Tommy Fleetwood has swapped out his Sand Wedge for the TaylorMade P.UDI 3 iron this week at the Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland

October 06, 2024

Tommy Fleetwood, a fan favourite on the European Tour and a perennial contender at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, has chosen to include the TaylorMade P.UDI 3-iron in his bag for this year's event. This decision highlights Fleetwood's ability to adapt his game to the conditions at play, particularly when it comes to tackling the challenging and unpredictable links courses of Scotland. Here’s a deep dive into the specifics of the TaylorMade P.UDI range, the types of changes pros like Fleetwood make to their bags for links golf, and the reasons behind his decision to drop his sand wedge instead of his 5-wood for this tournament.

The TaylorMade P.UDI 3-Iron: An Overview

TaylorMade’s P.UDI (Ultimate Driving Iron) range is specifically engineered for golfers seeking precision, control, and versatility off the tee or fairway. The P.UDI line is crafted from 4140 steel, known for its durability, and combines a hollow body construction with a forged face, giving players both feel and forgiveness. What truly sets it apart is its low center of gravity (CG), which allows for a higher launch with lower spin—ideal for penetrating ball flights into the wind, a common necessity for links golf.

The P.UDI 3-iron, the version Fleetwood has opted for, also features SpeedFoam technology, injecting foam into the clubhead for enhanced sound, feel, and ball speed. The thin face, paired with this advanced technology, creates more efficient energy transfer at impact, making it perfect for Fleetwood’s precise ball-striking needs.

In summary, the TaylorMade P.UDI 3-iron is designed to provide control and power, allowing players to shape shots as needed while maintaining stability and consistency in tough conditions.

Links golf, especially in Scotland, requires a different approach compared to parkland courses. The open, windswept nature of links courses means players need to be adaptable, often opting for low, piercing ball flights to combat wind. Here are some of the typical changes professional golfers make to their bags for such events:

  • Lower Lofted Clubs: Players often swap higher-lofted fairway woods or hybrids for driving irons. Driving irons offer greater control, especially into the wind, while also providing versatility from the tee and fairway. Fleetwood’s inclusion of the TaylorMade P.UDI 3-iron exemplifies this adjustment.

  • Fewer Wedges: Since links courses feature fewer bunkers and demand fewer high-lofted shots around the greens, some players opt to drop a wedge to make room for another long iron or wood. Fleetwood has chosen to drop his sand wedge (typically 56°) to accommodate the driving iron.

  • Stronger Shaft and Ball: Players may switch to firmer shafts or balls with lower spin, as these can help in keeping shots low and out of the wind’s grasp. The combination of the P.UDI 3-iron with a penetrating, low-spinning ball suits this approach.

Tommy’s Decision: Why Drop the Sand Wedge?

Fleetwood’s choice to drop his sand wedge instead of his 5-wood demonstrates his confidence in handling the unique short-game challenges posed by links courses. The move is unusual, as many players prefer keeping multiple wedges for varied shot options around the green, but Fleetwood’s experience playing in windy and firm conditions gives him the versatility he needs.

Instead of relying on high-lofted wedges, Fleetwood is expected to use his pitching wedge and lower-lofted irons for chipping and short shots, allowing for better control on tight lies, which are common on links courses. By keeping the 5-wood in the bag, Fleetwood retains a higher-lofted option for long approach shots and tee shots where the wind may demand a slightly higher trajectory than his driving iron can produce.

Tommy Fleetwood’s History at the Dunhill Links Championship

Fleetwood has consistently performed well at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, held across three iconic Scottish courses: the Old Course at St. Andrews, Carnoustie, and Kingsbarns. Fleetwood’s links golf prowess, developed from growing up in the windy conditions of Southport, England, has helped him contend at this event multiple times. His best finish came in 2018, where he placed second, narrowly missing out on victory in a playoff. His ability to flight the ball low and control it in high winds has been key to his success at the Dunhill.

At this year’s event, Fleetwood will again face a mix of unpredictable weather and firm, fast fairways. His decision to go with the P.UDI 3-iron shows that he’s preparing for the ever-changing conditions, particularly at the Old Course at St. Andrews, which is known for its wide-open layout and the significant influence of the wind. Fleetwood’s experience with the event and his ability to shape shots make him a strong contender to capture the title this year.

In conclusion, Tommy Fleetwood’s decision to include the TaylorMade P.UDI 3-iron in his bag is a calculated move to adapt to the demanding nature of links golf. By dropping a wedge and retaining his 5-wood, he demonstrates his confidence in his ability to handle both long approach shots and the delicate touch needed around the greens. With his history of success at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship and his experience with links conditions, Fleetwood’s bag setup gives him a strong chance of excelling this week in Scotland.

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