At 45, Phil Mickelson has been very active early on this season with 3 top 10’s in 6 starts including a solo 5th at the WGC two weeks ago. Lefty may be on the wrong side of 40, but he’s still ranked 18th in the world and in the top 10 in strokes gained, birdie average, and number one in scoring average.
Phil joins Henrik Stenson as the second member of the Callaway team that we have covered in our WITB series. Let’s take a closer look at exactly what Callaway clubs Phil has hit in his first few starts of 2017.
What’s In the Bag: Phil Mickelson
Driver: Callaway XR 16 Pro Sub Zero at 8.5 degrees
Shaft: Mitsubishi Rayon Fubuki J 60X
The XR 16 was one of the two or three best drivers we have ever tested, really in a class with the GBB Epic, M1, and M2. It’s interesting to note that Phil is currently 41st on tour in driving average at 299.3 yards, not bad for an old man better known for his play around the green. Global Golf currently has lightly used Callaway XR drivers from $188 with the promo code pgachamp, follow the link below to view their selection.
3 Wood: Callaway Big Bertha Alpha 816 at 14 degrees
Shaft: True Temper Project X HZRDUS Yellow 6.5
We are all familiar with the Big Bertha name and what this series stands for, but this is the year that they really got their fairway wood right. This club isn’t for hackers… it’s designed for advanced golfers looking for more feel, control, and to shape their fairway wood shots more. Stenson uses the Callaway Diablo Octane Tour 3 wood, which is a nice club, but Phil seems to get more out of his 816.
Hybrid: Callaway Apex (18 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Rayon Fubuki Hybrid Prototype
The first hybrid we have seen this season, and the first time the Callaway Apex has appeared on our site… In fact, Phil is the only golfer other than Rory McIlroy to carry an additional fairway wood in his bag this season. The Apex isn’t going to rescue you from bad lies like other hybrids are designed to do… it’s more of a driving iron than your typical hybrid wood.
Irons: Callaway Apex UT (3 iron), Callaway Apex Pro ’16 (5-PW)
Shafts: UST iRod 105X, KBS Tour-V 125X
Callaway designs irons that excel at doing what other club makers struggle with, being long and straight while also playable. It comes down to the 360 face cup in a forged iron, while other club designers are having to move away from forged irons to compete with the design, distance, and control of these clubs, Callaway’s design is on a forged club head. Check out the evolution of this club in the graphic to the right.
Wedges: Callaway Mack Daddy PM Grind Wedge 56, 60,64
Shafts: KBS Tour-V 125X
Known for his phenomenal wedge play, perhaps more so than any golfer in history, it should come as no surprise that the wedge potion of Phil’s WITB page is the most popular. For Phil, the Mack Daddy wedge series is an obvious selection. The PM Grind series was last season’s release (Stenson hits this year’s Mack Daddy wedges), but Phil worked directly with Roger Cleveland to develop what he views to be the perfect set of wedges. Learn more about these clubs in the video below. Want to give these a swing? Get a used set of these wedges starting at just $43 apiece at the link below.
Putter: Odyssey White Hot XG PM 18
Phil Mickelson has become synonymous with an Odyssey blade putter… If you are an Odyssey guy, you know why. Phenomenal feel, consistent, balanced, just all-around perfectly designed blade putters.
Ball: Callaway Chrome Soft
I’m surprised that Phil is the only golfer in our current WITB series that uses the Callaway Chrome Soft. I personally love the feel of these balls, and think that they actually ‘feel’ better the the ProV1. You give a little on distance, but it’s no surprise to see Phil, who has built his game around hitting consistent accurate shots with great control around the green, using the Callaway Chrome Soft.
Love your WITB series, but you mentioned that you would cover every golfer on tour…. Better pick up the pace!