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

Xander Schauffele's choice of the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond 10.5° driver with a Mitsubishi Diamana PD 70TX shaft demonstrates his commitment to maximizing distance and control off the tee.

Driver: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond 10.5°, Mitsubishi Diamana PD 70TX shaft

3 Wood: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond 15°, Mitsubishi Diamana PD 80TX shaft

Utility: Mizuno MP-20 HMB, True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue Mid X100 shaft

Irons: Callaway Apex TCB Raw ’24 (4-10), True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 shafts

Wedges: Callaway Opus 52° (10S), Titleist Vokey Design SM10 56° (10S), Titleist Vokey Design WedgeWorks 60° (04T), True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 shafts

Putter: Odyssey Toulon Design Las Vegas Prototype 7CH, SuperStroke Zenergy Tour 2.0 grip

Ball: Callaway Chrome Tour X

Grips: Golf Pride MCC Align

Xander Schauffele's Club Specifications and Their Impact at Royal Troon

Driver: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond 10.5°, Mitsubishi Diamana PD 70TX shaft Xander Schauffele's choice of the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond 10.5° driver with a Mitsubishi Diamana PD 70TX shaft demonstrates his commitment to maximizing distance and control off the tee. The Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond is known for its low spin and high launch, ideal for achieving long, penetrating drives. The Mitsubishi Diamana PD 70TX shaft provides the stability and consistency Schauffele needs to handle the challenging winds at Royal Troon. This driver will help him navigate the narrow fairways and avoid the numerous pot bunkers that are a hallmark of the course.

3 Wood: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond 15°, Mitsubishi Diamana PD 80TX shaft Schauffele’s 3 wood is also a Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond, paired with a Mitsubishi Diamana PD 80TX shaft. This club offers a reliable option for long par 5s and strategic tee shots on tighter holes. The 15° loft allows for versatility, providing both distance and the ability to shape shots around Royal Troon's demanding layout.

Hybrid: Callaway Apex UW 21°, Mitsubishi Kai’li White 90TX shaft The Callaway Apex UW 21° hybrid with a Mitsubishi Kai’li White 90TX shaft is a key addition to Schauffele’s bag. Hybrids are essential for navigating the thick rough and challenging lies at Royal Troon. This club provides a higher launch and greater control, helping Schauffele manage the course's tricky second shots and approach plays.

Irons: Callaway Apex TCB Raw ’24 (4-10), True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 shafts Schauffele’s iron set consists of Callaway Apex TCB Raw ’24 (4-10) with True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 shafts. These irons offer precision and workability, crucial for attacking the well-protected greens of Royal Troon. The consistency and feel of these clubs will be invaluable for accurate iron play, enabling Schauffele to hit greens in regulation and set up birdie opportunities.

Wedges: Callaway Jaws Raw 52° (10S), Titleist Vokey Design SM6 56° (10), Titleist Vokey Design WedgeWorks Proto 60° (K) Schauffele’s wedge selection includes the Callaway Jaws Raw 52° (10S), Titleist Vokey Design SM6 56° (10), and Titleist Vokey Design WedgeWorks Proto 60° (K). These wedges provide versatility around the greens, allowing Schauffele to execute a variety of shots from different lies and bunkers. The precise grooves and spin control will be essential for getting up and down in challenging conditions.

Putter: Odyssey Toulon Design Las Vegas Prototype 7CH, SuperStroke Zenergy Tour 2.0 grip Schauffele’s Odyssey Toulon Design Las Vegas Prototype 7CH putter with a SuperStroke Zenergy Tour 2.0 grip is designed for consistency and control on the greens. The stable design and responsive feel will help Schauffele handle the often unpredictable links greens at Royal Troon, giving him confidence in his putting stroke.

Ball & Grips: Callaway Chrome Tour X with Golf Pride MCC Align grips The Callaway Chrome Tour X ball combined with Golf Pride MCC Align grips provides Schauffele with the control and feedback he needs. The ball's consistent flight and feel around the greens will be advantageous in varying weather conditions, while the grips offer a secure hold, even in damp or windy situations.

Xander Schauffele’s Previous Performances at The Open

Xander Schauffele has shown his mettle in previous Open Championships, often demonstrating a keen ability to adapt to the unique challenges of links golf. Notably, Schauffele finished tied for second at the 2018 Open Championship held at Carnoustie, showcasing his skill in handling the demanding conditions of a links course. His ability to stay composed under pressure and execute precise shots has made him a consistent contender in major tournaments.

Schauffele’s performance in the 2021 Open Championship at Royal St George's also highlighted his adaptability and resilience. Despite the tough conditions, he managed to secure a top-10 finish, further cementing his reputation as a player who thrives in challenging environments. His strong iron play and strategic approach have been key factors in his success at The Open, allowing him to navigate the treacherous bunkers and undulating greens typical of links courses.

Chances of Success at Royal Troon

As Schauffele heads into the final day of the 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon, his chances of success look promising. Currently in contention, his strategic club choices and consistent play have positioned him well to make a final push for the title. Royal Troon’s layout demands precise shot-making and strategic decision-making, areas where Schauffele excels.

Schauffele will need to leverage his strong driving and accurate iron play to avoid the course’s many hazards and set up birdie opportunities. His wedges will be crucial for scrambling and saving par from difficult positions. The unpredictable weather conditions typical of the Scottish coast will test his adaptability, but Schauffele’s experience in previous Opens should serve him well.

To maximize his chances, Schauffele will need to carefully curate his bag based on the course conditions. Ensuring he has the right mix of clubs to handle the varying wind conditions and firm fairways will be essential. His ability to stay patient and execute his game plan under pressure will be the determining factor in his quest for the Claret Jug.

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