Not all PGA Tour pros get to play their favorite ball, driver, set of irons, etc. This is because many are compensated handsomely to play the latest and greatest models manufactured by the companies whose logos emblazon their hats, collars, and bags.
We had a chance recently to sit down with the head of PGA Tour relations for one of the big three “OEM’s”. This gent negotiates the contracts with the players and ensures his company’s endorsers are teeing it up with the gear that when featured in articles like this, or close-ups on TV, will fly off the shelves. No cheating allowed.
Interestingly, we learned when pen hits paper with the biggest endorsement contracts, players are required to tee it up with a min. of 12 clubs produced by their sponsors. Now, each player has flexibility with their set-up as it relates to grips, shafts and models, but they’re mostly locked in with one logo throughout their bag.
What about equipment free agents like recent tour winners Aaron Rai, Jhonattan Vegas, Stephan Jaegar, and most of the guys teeing it up on LIV?
After extensive testing on the range and course, each of them has the choice to play with the gear and ball (Note: some have ball-only deals) that will aid them in gaining the most confidence possible to take it deep and win boatloads of cash and glory.
Here are a couple of hints on what you’ll see in our list of top gear: Surprisingly, Ping is the free agent driver choice on tour; and unsurprisingly, Titleist continues to make great gear and the roundest, shiniest, and most popular balls on tour.
Most Popular Drivers Played on the PGA Tour:
Most Popular Irons Played on the PGA Tour:
Most Popular Putter Models Played on the PGA Tour:
L.A.B. Golf MEZZ.1 Max | 4 |
PING PLD Prototype | 3 |
Odyssey Toulon Design San Diego | 2 |
Odyssey Toulon Madison | 2 |
Odyssey O-Works Jailbird Mini | 2 |
Most Popular Wedges Played on the PGA Tour:
Titleist Vokey Design SM10 | 41 |
Titleist Vokey Design SM9 | 31 |
Titleist Vokey Design WedgeWorks | 19 |
Titleist Vokey Design WedgeWorks Proto | 18 |
Callaway Jaws Raw | 11 |
Most Popular Golf Ball Played on the PGA Tour
Data provided by PGA Club Tracker. Visit here.