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Viktor Hovland WITB - What's In The Bag? FedEx St. Jude Championship (19th August, 2024)

Hovland’s choice of the Ping G425 LST driver is a testament to his emphasis on accuracy and distance control.

August 19, 2024

Driver: Ping G425 LST 9° (@8.5) with a Fujikura Speeder 661 TR X shaft (45.75 inches, tipped 1 inch)

3-wood: TaylorMade Qi10 15° with a Fujikura Ventus Black 7 X shaft

Utility: Titleist U505 (3i) with a Graphite Design Tour AD DI Hybrid 85 X shaft

Irons: Ping i210 (4i-PW) with KBS Tour-V 120 X shafts

Wedges: Ping s159 (50°-12S, 56°-12S), Ping Glide 2.0 (60°-TS) with True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 shafts

Putter: Ping PLD DS 72 Prototype

Ball & Grips: Titleist Pro V1 with Golf Pride MCC grips

Viktor Hovland's performance at the 2024 FedEx St. Jude Championship at TPC Southwind showcased not only his skill but also the strategic choices behind his club setup. Tied for runner-up with Xander Schauffele at 15 under par, Hovland’s precise equipment selection played a pivotal role in navigating the challenges of TPC Southwind’s demanding layout.

Hovland’s choice of the Ping G425 LST driver is a testament to his emphasis on accuracy and distance control. The LST (Low Spin Technology) model is designed to reduce spin, offering a penetrating ball flight that is crucial on a course like TPC Southwind, where accuracy off the tee is paramount. The driver’s 8.5° loft, combined with the Fujikura Speeder 661 TR X shaft, which is known for its stability and low torque, allows Hovland to hit long, controlled drives. This combination gave him the ability to stay aggressive while keeping the ball in play, setting up favorable approaches into the greens.

3-Wood: TaylorMade Qi10 15° with a Fujikura Ventus Black 7 X Shaft

Hovland’s selection of the TaylorMade Qi10 3-wood further highlights his focus on distance control and precision. The 15° lofted 3-wood, paired with the Fujikura Ventus Black 7 X shaft, offers a lower ball flight with less spin, perfect for both aggressive second shots on par 5s and controlled tee shots on tighter par 4s. This club allowed Hovland to tackle the longer holes at TPC Southwind with confidence, balancing power and accuracy.

The Titleist U505 utility iron in Hovland’s bag is a versatile choice, bridging the gap between his woods and irons. With the Graphite Design Tour AD DI Hybrid 85 X shaft, this club offers a higher launch with controlled spin, making it ideal for long approaches and accurate tee shots on shorter par 4s. The utility iron gave Hovland an additional option off the tee when precision was more important than distance, a crucial factor at TPC Southwind, where the fairways are narrow and hazards are strategically placed.

Hovland’s Ping i210 irons are known for their blend of forgiveness and feel, offering consistency across the set. The KBS Tour-V 120 X shafts provide a mid-flight trajectory with a firm feel, allowing Hovland to control his distances and shape shots when necessary. This combination was particularly effective on TPC Southwind’s firm and fast greens, where precision in approach shots is essential to scoring well.

Wedges play a critical role at TPC Southwind, especially around its small, undulating greens. Hovland’s Ping wedges, with the S159 and Glide 2.0 models, are designed to offer maximum spin and control. The True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 shafts provide stability and a consistent feel, which are vital when navigating the tight lies and tricky bunkers that are characteristic of TPC Southwind. Hovland’s proficiency with these wedges enabled him to get up and down from challenging positions, saving crucial strokes throughout the tournament.

Hovland’s Ping PLD DS 72 Prototype putter is a critical component of his setup, tailored for precision and consistency on the greens. The PLD (Putting Lab Design) series is known for its custom fitting and balance, which suits Hovland’s putting stroke. On TPC Southwind’s firm and fast greens, the putter’s stability and feedback helped Hovland to maintain confidence, particularly on the many crucial putts he faced during the tournament.

Ball & Grips: Titleist Pro V1 with Golf Pride MCC Grips

The Titleist Pro V1 ball offers a perfect blend of distance, spin control, and feel, making it a popular choice among professionals. Paired with Golf Pride MCC grips, Hovland’s setup is designed to provide a consistent feel and control throughout his bag, contributing to his overall performance.

Influence on Performance and History at TPC Southwind

Hovland’s carefully selected equipment was a key factor in his strong showing at the 2024 FedEx St. Jude Championship. TPC Southwind is known for its narrow fairways, strategically placed water hazards, and small greens. Hovland’s club choices, particularly his driver and wedges, allowed him to navigate these challenges effectively, staying in contention throughout the tournament.

While Hovland has shown consistent form in previous appearances at the FedEx St. Jude Championship, his runner-up finish in 2024 marked a significant achievement. His ability to adapt his game to the demands of TPC Southwind, combined with his well-thought-out equipment choices, underscores his status as one of the top contenders in any event he enters.

TPC Southwind: A Course of Challenges

TPC Southwind, located in Memphis, Tennessee, has a rich history as a challenging venue on the PGA Tour. Known for its narrow fairways, numerous water hazards, and small, undulating greens, it demands precision and strategic thinking. The course has hosted the FedEx St. Jude Championship since 1989, with its reputation as a stern test of golf only growing over the years.

Viktor Hovland's equipment choices were instrumental in his strong performance at the 2024 FedEx St. Jude Championship. His clubs allowed him to navigate the challenges of TPC Southwind with confidence and precision, leading to his impressive runner-up finish at 15 under par.

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