Tiger's clubs for Safeway (Photo added page 19)

[justwellsy]

If we were talking about anyone else, I'd say he'd be playing most of the same stuff he always has. Why? Because we'd have seen some sort of photo of SOMETHING by now, even if it was just an iron that had the markings and distinguishing features covered. However, Tiger is about as secretive as it gets, so I wouldn't be surprised if he's just been in the simulator room banging away with his new clubs for months. Again, it would be hard for me to believe that he wouldn't have gone to an actual range at least once prior to Monday with the new clubs or same old clubs, but this is Tiger we're talking about.

 

Interesting to see that people have "sources" that are telling them different things. It seems to all be speculation at this point, but I wouldn't be surprised if the new rumored equipment in the original tweet was in his bag...or if he just stuck with the Nike stuff and changed putters. I really don't think he'll be gaming a Nike putter next week.

 

I've got 18th hole skybox tickets to the Toshiba classic this weekend so I'll yell at Fred Couples and ask him if he knows what's in Tiger's bag, hahaha (not even sure if Fred is playing, but the thought of yelling a question at him made me chuckle)

[TheGeekGolfer]

He's got to be playing a bonded driver right? He's never played adjustable and nothing's been on the usga conforming list yet. I'll take the tweet with a grain of salt.

 

I don't think anyone, taylormade included, is going to build TW a one-off bonded driver without a club contract. It may happen at some point, but if he's not playing his Nike driver, I doubt whatever he's hitting will be bonded.

 

Why would the company have to 'build' him a one off driver? He could go to any custom club builder. Get whatever head he likes and build a dozen with whatever shafts he likes. They would all be legal and it's like buying a steak dinner (for him) money wise.

 

 

The reason he would and the reason the company would do it for him is that he then has the manufacturing company creating the club instead of a third party... There's no reason he wouldtake it to a fitter unless he has some special reason to because the tour vans take care of things on the fly and the company can do things that fitters can't, like make a smaller version of a driver head that doesn't come in a smaller size to the public. Regardless of whether or not he has signed a contract, he may be paid by these companies to use the clubs being discussed, albeit probably not the amount of a full sponsorship, but when you put something in Tiger's hands on a golf course people buy it.

I understand that Tiger may want a tour van to build his driver and they probably would. I was responding to a post that made it sound like, if the company couldn't build him a one off driver, to his specs, he couldn't play it. They made it sound like it wouldn't be legal. Heck, he could build his own driver and it would still be legal. Legal head plus legal shaft = legal driver.

[Gax]

Even though he is who he is, I do agree with the previous posters who mentionned he probably had known about Nike going out of the club business and would have chose replacement a while back to adapt to it in order to play competitively again.

[cvhookem63]

A little clarification from No Laying Up on his Tiger equipment comments. If Tiger was going to use a TM driver, I am not surprised it'd be the M1 430 (or M2 430 like Sergio is using). The day Big Cat uses a 460cc driver will be a chilly day in hell.

 

[Andysgolf]

-

[sheldonjhacker]

GO TIGER !!!

[throbbinjack]

I'd think Tiger plays all Nike "AS HE DID" the last tournament he played. He's a Nike LOYAL and may change things at Farmers in Jan.

[Ben Berube]

I don't see him changing much to be honest. Most likely Nike everything except the putter. He has to go back to the Scotty! I certainly can't see him changing golf balls...He's known for playing a very soft Nike ball made specifically for him. I'm sure he's got a butt load stashed away.

 

Jules makes the most sense yet. IMO he wants to score and play well. It's a new season, he is looking to get his competition back which is not easy, even if his game is in tip top shape. Competition golf is something different never mind Tiger Woods competition golf with millions watching and every one of them a critic.

 

Remember everything in his bag is specially built for him. Those irons were hand made and I suspect he will be playing everything the same until he weighs out his new endorsements. He will not be going back to Titleist, they do not pay like others. My guess would be TM, Puma then Cleveland as weird as that sounds. Mizzy doesn't pay either as much as I am sure he would play their irons.

[cvhookem63]

I'd think Tiger plays all Nike "AS HE DID" the last tournament he played. He's a Nike LOYAL and may change things at Farmers in Jan.

 

He was "Nike LOYAL" when they were paying him millions of dollars a year to play their clubs.

[Double Mocha Man]

I can't see him going with a Bridgestone ball. Probably slightly used Nike balls AAA with some scuffs, minimum yellowing, ball markings and various corporate logos off eBay.

[ea19]

A little clarification from No Laying Up on his Tiger equipment comments. If Tiger was going to use a TM driver, I am not surprised it'd be the M1 430 (or M2 430 like Sergio is using). The day Big Cat uses a 460cc driver will be a chilly day in hell.

 

 

Why would he not use a 460cc? Traditional wisdom is they are more forgiving and driving is an issue. Seems like a smart thing to consider.

[Spongerob]

I would think there would be a certain amount of risk for Tiger to continue playing Nike stuff. Their clubs were as good as anything for sure but I'm talking tour van support. Say for example Tiger hates the grip on his 3 wood 10 minutes before tee off. Undoubtedly the tour van guys from any company would normally bend over backwards to accommodate a guy of his status. But what if they have actual priority Taylormade playing staff getting work done? They couldn't just bump Dustin Johnson back just because a non staff player needs help. Maybe there are unaffiliated club fixer guys on tour. No idea. I just don't see the upside to playing unsupported equipment. There are so many other great options for him. I'm guessing this is the perfect time to move to whatever equipment he wants.

[Ben Berube]

What makes Kuch's ball so different? Is it custom or can you buy it in the stores?

 

No clue WHAT is different about it but it is apparently a ridiculously good ball. outside of Kuch I don't know who plays it. No, this ball is not available to anyone outside the PGA tour. This includes WEB.com players. many people would be surprised by this but when it comes to custom balls or Pro only balls A LOT of if not most companies will only give them to PGA tour players because they don't make a ton of them. You would have to be someone really special to get them. Take for example Charley Hoffman's hat that he wears. There are other players on the PGA tour that wear it but they will not give it out to players on the WEB.COM tour. If you see one of them with one on it's because they had status on the PGA tour and got them then. Lot's of companies save things for guys that reach the top of the top.

 

Matt Kuchar 100% plays retail spec B330S. Same as what we all can buy in stores. His ball is available for everyone to play.

 

Some of you guys are nuts. My buddy Nicky tailgates at Patriots games next to a husband and wife who both work at Titleist. Husband works on the Prov line and she is on the NXT/DH line (don't really talk with her). They do not make a different ball for their Tour players or a different hat. Yes they have Prototypes and yes the teams test these and even get extra if they like them but like every manufacture out there they need to keep costs down so everyone plays the same gear it's just the best of the best off the line. So just like the clubs are made on the same line as the Tours so are the golf balls. They simply pull the best from the bunch when they are checking spec to make sure what they are putting out meets company standards for retail. Maybe this "hat" is embroidered or has a special patch on it for Tour Issue but they are not making special hats or special balls for only one guy at some Tour Only plant hidden away in the desert underground. I know a ton about Titleist through my private club who is number one is sales in the East and Todd goes out to their facility's every two years for a whole new bag. From my father in law who grew up with Mr Uihlein in Haverhill/Plaistow and from the married couple at the Pats games who we have bough through a bunch of times for discounts.

 

Now what Tiger may/could get at Nike I have no clue but I can tell you at Acushnet it's nothing different. The Prov guy we know pulls randoms to check spec and anything perfect is saved and then checked multiple times and the best of the best is pulled from there for Tour. Even Scotty has gotten away from custom builds.

[Gareth]

The Tour just announced at 11:00 am EST that TW WILL play the Safeway Open.

 

I'm sure we'll all remember where we were when we got the news.

 

 

You mean like Dallas 22nd November 1963?

[cvhookem63]

A little clarification from No Laying Up on his Tiger equipment comments. If Tiger was going to use a TM driver, I am not surprised it'd be the M1 430 (or M2 430 like Sergio is using). The day Big Cat uses a 460cc driver will be a chilly day in hell.

 

 

Why would he not use a 460cc? Traditional wisdom is they are more forgiving and driving is an issue. Seems like a smart thing to consider.

 

I don't have a definitive answer there, but over the past few years every Nike driver that he used was a custom job for him (<460cc bonded hosel driver). That is just the look that he prefers.

[Kylekoz17]

A little clarification from No Laying Up on his Tiger equipment comments. If Tiger was going to use a TM driver, I am not surprised it'd be the M1 430 (or M2 430 like Sergio is using). The day Big Cat uses a 460cc driver will be a chilly day in hell.

 

 

Why would he not use a 460cc? Traditional wisdom is they are more forgiving and driving is an issue. Seems like a smart thing to consider.

 

He doesn't have an issue hitting it out of the center of the face. Never has so forgiveness isn't something he's terribly worried about. Always has said he doesn't like the drag he feels from the bigger heads

[Gax]

Nonetheless, can't wait to see the man's WITB.

[ericfox0620]

My best friend was at the oven in ft worth this week and they said tiger is committed to using their driver and they also made him a new set of irons that he practically designed himself. So I'm calling Nike driver and irons. Everything else is TBD.

[Dpavs]

1451 user(s) are reading this topic

 

 

And people say that Tiger doesn't matter anymore...

 

West coast must be waking up:

 

 

1931 user(s) are reading this topic

 

182 members, 1742 guests, 6 anonymous users

 

Dislike or like him and no disrespect intended, when the man passes away it will probably say on his tombstone..

 

"He'll be back"

[Shilgy]

I don't see him changing much to be honest. Most likely Nike everything except the putter. He has to go back to the Scotty! I certainly can't see him changing golf balls...He's known for playing a very soft Nike ball made specifically for him. I'm sure he's got a butt load stashed away.

 

Jules makes the most sense yet. IMO he wants to score and play well. It's a new season, he is looking to get his competition back which is not easy, even if his game is in tip top shape. Competition golf is something different never mind Tiger Woods competition golf with millions watching and every one of them a critic.

 

Remember everything in his bag is specially built for him. Those irons were hand made and I suspect he will be playing everything the same until he weighs out his new endorsements. He will not be going back to Titleist, they do not pay like others. My guess would be TM, Puma then Cleveland as weird as that sounds. Mizzy doesn't pay either as much as I am sure he would play their irons.

I thought all of the Nike guys had offset language in their contracts which has been posted many times. So any money the new club company pays him comes off his Nike income? If true he could go to any company, for any amount, because it will not change his income.

[Anser]

A little clarification from No Laying Up on his Tiger equipment comments. If Tiger was going to use a TM driver, I am not surprised it'd be the M1 430 (or M2 430 like Sergio is using). The day Big Cat uses a 460cc driver will be a chilly day in hell.

 

 

Why would he not use a 460cc? Traditional wisdom is they are more forgiving and driving is an issue. Seems like a smart thing to consider.

 

He doesn't have an issue hitting it out of the center of the face. Never has so forgiveness isn't something he's terribly worried about. Always has said he doesn't like the drag he feels from the bigger heads

 

What? He's a terrible driver of the golf ball and has been for many years.

 

He can't hit it in play under pressure

[pga43]

#PRAYFORGREG

 

There's so much riding on this WITB shoot.

 

I hope his SLR camera can fully capture the mizuno badged irons, that are actually debadged Nikes forged by Mirua but smuggled into TWs bag by Navy Seals and then dusted off with the wings of albino bumble bees.

 

Off to Costco to stock up on popcorn and Diet Coke for next weeks forums. It's gonna be a blood bath on here.

 

Have a great golfing weekend gang!

 

That may be the funniest thing ever! I'm definitely tell Ted Scott about that.

 

 

Greg

[Cons]

If OP is right, I'm going to have to hoard some b330's, now that the demand will likely skyrocket. My days of the tour b330 being under 35 w/ shipping on ebay are looking numbered.

[Holy Moses]

I would think there would be a certain amount of risk for Tiger to continue playing Nike stuff. Their clubs were as good as anything for sure but I'm talking tour van support. Say for example Tiger hates the grip on his 3 wood 10 minutes before tee off. Undoubtedly the tour van guys from any company would normally bend over backwards to accommodate a guy of his status. But what if they have actual priority Taylormade playing staff getting work done? They couldn't just bump Dustin Johnson back just because a non staff player needs help. Maybe there are unaffiliated club fixer guys on tour. No idea. I just don't see the upside to playing unsupported equipment. There are so many other great options for him. I'm guessing this is the perfect time to move to whatever equipment he wants.

 

Any and every manufacturer would help Tiger with his clubs in no time. Because he's...Tiger Woods.

[nbg352]

A little clarification from No Laying Up on his Tiger equipment comments. If Tiger was going to use a TM driver, I am not surprised it'd be the M1 430 (or M2 430 like Sergio is using). The day Big Cat uses a 460cc driver will be a chilly day in hell.

 

 

Why would he not use a 460cc? Traditional wisdom is they are more forgiving and driving is an issue. Seems like a smart thing to consider.

 

He doesn't have an issue hitting it out of the center of the face. Never has so forgiveness isn't something he's terribly worried about. Always has said he doesn't like the drag he feels from the bigger heads

 

What? He's a terrible driver of the golf ball and has been for many years.

 

He can't hit it in play under pressure

Hmmm...yes, it's a wonder he even made it to the big show, let alone win 79 times with 14 majors.

I think his driving was a little bit better than you suggest.......

[bladehunter]

A little clarification from No Laying Up on his Tiger equipment comments. If Tiger was going to use a TM driver, I am not surprised it'd be the M1 430 (or M2 430 like Sergio is using). The day Big Cat uses a 460cc driver will be a chilly day in hell.

 

 

Why would he not use a 460cc? Traditional wisdom is they are more forgiving and driving is an issue. Seems like a smart thing to consider.

 

 

Why doesn't he play GI irons. Or a mallet putter ? All valid questions.

[CTM]

What makes Kuch's ball so different? Is it custom or can you buy it in the stores?

 

No clue WHAT is different about it but it is apparently a ridiculously good ball. outside of Kuch I don't know who plays it. No, this ball is not available to anyone outside the PGA tour. This includes WEB.com players. many people would be surprised by this but when it comes to custom balls or Pro only balls A LOT of if not most companies will only give them to PGA tour players because they don't make a ton of them. You would have to be someone really special to get them. Take for example Charley Hoffman's hat that he wears. There are other players on the PGA tour that wear it but they will not give it out to players on the WEB.COM tour. If you see one of them with one on it's because they had status on the PGA tour and got them then. Lot's of companies save things for guys that reach the top of the top.

 

Matt Kuchar 100% plays retail spec B330S. Same as what we all can buy in stores. His ball is available for everyone to play.

 

Some of you guys are nuts. My buddy Nicky tailgates at Patriots games next to a husband and wife who both work at Titleist. Husband works on the Prov line and she is on the NXT/DH line (don't really talk with her). They do not make a different ball for their Tour players or a different hat. Yes they have Prototypes and yes the teams test these and even get extra if they like them but like every manufacture out there they need to keep costs down so everyone plays the same gear it's just the best of the best off the line. So just like the clubs are made on the same line as the Tours so are the golf balls. They simply pull the best from the bunch when they are checking spec to make sure what they are putting out meets company standards for retail. Maybe this "hat" is embroidered or has a special patch on it for Tour Issue but they are not making special hats or special balls for only one guy at some Tour Only plant hidden away in the desert underground. I know a ton about Titleist through my private club who is number one is sales in the East and Todd goes out to their facility's every two years for a whole new bag. From my father in law who grew up with Mr Uihlein in Haverhill/Plaistow and from the married couple at the Pats games who we have bough through a bunch of times for discounts.

 

Now what Tiger may/could get at Nike I have no clue but I can tell you at Acushnet it's nothing different. The Prov guy we know pulls randoms to check spec and anything perfect is saved and then checked multiple times and the best of the best is pulled from there for Tour. Even Scotty has gotten away from custom builds.

 

I would like to believe your statement but still haven't been able to find where I can buy Pro V1+'s to try like some of the players on tour use or the Pro V1x+ that Zach Johnson uses.

[twfan23]

A little clarification from No Laying Up on his Tiger equipment comments. If Tiger was going to use a TM driver, I am not surprised it'd be the M1 430 (or M2 430 like Sergio is using). The day Big Cat uses a 460cc driver will be a chilly day in hell.

 

 

Why would he not use a 460cc? Traditional wisdom is they are more forgiving and driving is an issue. Seems like a smart thing to consider.

 

 

Why doesn't he play GI irons. Or a mallet putter ? All valid questions.

 

Tiger is a feel player. He likes to know where at on the club he hit the ball. You really only get the best feedback of that using blades. Not only that but Tiger was the best iron player on tour and is still a very good one. Irons have never been the issue. He was also one of the best putters on tour as well. He struggled with putting some before his latest injury. Many players just don't like the looks of a mallet putter. Sometimes confidence in your putting (and other parts of the game) is simply looking down and liking the looks of the club.

[ScratchHack]

What makes Kuch's ball so different? Is it custom or can you buy it in the stores?

 

No clue WHAT is different about it but it is apparently a ridiculously good ball. outside of Kuch I don't know who plays it. No, this ball is not available to anyone outside the PGA tour. This includes WEB.com players. many people would be surprised by this but when it comes to custom balls or Pro only balls A LOT of if not most companies will only give them to PGA tour players because they don't make a ton of them. You would have to be someone really special to get them. Take for example Charley Hoffman's hat that he wears. There are other players on the PGA tour that wear it but they will not give it out to players on the WEB.COM tour. If you see one of them with one on it's because they had status on the PGA tour and got them then. Lot's of companies save things for guys that reach the top of the top.

 

Matt Kuchar 100% plays retail spec B330S. Same as what we all can buy in stores. His ball is available for everyone to play.

 

Some of you guys are nuts. My buddy Nicky tailgates at Patriots games next to a husband and wife who both work at Titleist. Husband works on the Prov line and she is on the NXT/DH line (don't really talk with her). They do not make a different ball for their Tour players or a different hat. Yes they have Prototypes and yes the teams test these and even get extra if they like them but like every manufacture out there they need to keep costs down so everyone plays the same gear it's just the best of the best off the line. So just like the clubs are made on the same line as the Tours so are the golf balls. They simply pull the best from the bunch when they are checking spec to make sure what they are putting out meets company standards for retail. Maybe this "hat" is embroidered or has a special patch on it for Tour Issue but they are not making special hats or special balls for only one guy at some Tour Only plant hidden away in the desert underground. I know a ton about Titleist through my private club who is number one is sales in the East and Todd goes out to their facility's every two years for a whole new bag. From my father in law who grew up with Mr Uihlein in Haverhill/Plaistow and from the married couple at the Pats games who we have bough through a bunch of times for discounts.

 

Now what Tiger may/could get at Nike I have no clue but I can tell you at Acushnet it's nothing different. The Prov guy we know pulls randoms to check spec and anything perfect is saved and then checked multiple times and the best of the best is pulled from there for Tour. Even Scotty has gotten away from custom builds.

 

Bedford ehh? You must play out of Manchester?

[Anser]

A little clarification from No Laying Up on his Tiger equipment comments. If Tiger was going to use a TM driver, I am not surprised it'd be the M1 430 (or M2 430 like Sergio is using). The day Big Cat uses a 460cc driver will be a chilly day in hell.

 

 

Why would he not use a 460cc? Traditional wisdom is they are more forgiving and driving is an issue. Seems like a smart thing to consider.

 

 

Why doesn't he play GI irons. Or a mallet putter ? All valid questions.

 

Tiger is a feel player. He likes to know where at on the club he hit the ball. You really only get the best feedback of that using blades. Not only that but Tiger was the best iron player on tour and is still a very good one. Irons have never been the issue. He was also one of the best putters on tour as well. He struggled with putting some before his latest injury. Many players just don't like the looks of a mallet putter. Sometimes confidence in your putting (and other parts of the game) is simply looking down and liking the looks of the club.

 

He is not "very good" at anything related to golf and hasn't been for several years

 

And if he's such a good iron player he KNOWS where he hit it - the center