Why Chris Gotterup Is So Good — And How His Equipment Helps Elite Golfers Perform
Chris Gotterup’s win at the Sony Open in Hawaii wasn’t about a single hot stretch or a lucky week on the greens. It was the product of a skill set that continues to mature, and making all golf fans—and his peers—take notice: controlled power, disciplined ball-striking, steady putting, and equipment that fits the demands of a high-level professional swing. The kid’s got game. In spades.
The Bridgestone staffer has now won three times on tour and is playing in marquee pairings. He also made a guest appearance at Tiger’s Hero World Challenge and in a TGL competition earlier this season. Tiger knows what good golf looks like. And he’s officially invited Gotterup into the cool kids’ club.
Waialae Country Club may not be the longest course on the PGA Tour schedule, but it consistently rewards players who can manage trajectory, spin, and positioning. Gotterup did exactly that. He combined length with restraint, taking advantage of scoring holes while avoiding the mistakes that turn a good round into a long afternoon.
Power That’s Under Control
Gotterup has long been known for his swing/ball speed, but what stood out at Waialae was how efficiently he used it. He didn’t overpower the course for the sake of distance. Instead, he focused on placing tee shots in optimal spots, setting up approach shots that allowed him to be aggressive without being reckless. Yesterday, if he were driving in the Daytona 500 and not winning on the PGA Tour, the commentators would have said he was “taking the right lines around the corners” — and would have been spot on.
Controlled power is increasingly important on the modern PGA Tour. Players who can hit it far and control spin tend to separate themselves, especially on courses that demand precision rather than sheer power.
A Growing Strength on the Greens
While his ball-striking has always been a strength, Gotterup’s putting continues to trend upward. At the Sony Open, he converted key mid-range opportunities and avoided costly mistakes on fast Bermuda greens.
Good putting weeks often come down to trust — trust in the stroke, the read, and the equipment. His putter choice reflects a preference for stability and consistency, allowing him to focus on execution rather than mechanics under pressure. Is it even possible for a pro to putt poorly with a TaylorMade Spider?
Equipment Built to Reward Skill
A look inside Gotterup’s bag reveals a clear theme: control over forgiveness. This is equipment designed for the best of the best players who want feedback and precision, not help correcting swing flaws. For many of us typing and reading this post, we should probably play something more forgiving, but there is no doubting Gotterup’s setup works perfectly for his approach to the game and his ball-striking prowess.
Chris Gotterup’s Sony Open Winning Equipment
(And Why It Works for Better Players)
Driver: PING G440 LST – Shop Now
Low-spin drivers are ideal for players with higher swing speeds. The G440 LST helps Gotterup produce a penetrating ball flight with predictable launch and reduced spin, which improves distance control and accuracy, particularly in windy conditions.
Fairway Woods: TaylorMade Qi35 (5 wood) / BRNR Mini Driver – Shop Now
This combination gives Gotterup versatility off the tee. The mini driver, in particular, provides an option for tighter holes where accuracy is at a premium. He can still smoke it 295+ yards and have the confidence he can keep hit fairways under pressure. Skilled players benefit from having multiple tee clubs they can rely on without sacrificing distance.
Irons: Bridgestone Tour B 220 MB
Muscle-back irons remain the preferred choice for elite ball-strikers because they offer unmatched feedback and workability. These irons allow Gotterup to control trajectory and spin, which is essential for attacking firm greens and tucked pins.
Wedges: TaylorMade Milled Grind 5 – Shop Now
Precision-milled wedges deliver consistent spin and reliable turf interaction. For better players, this predictability allows greater creativity around the greens while maintaining confidence in distance control. Although we don’t like these wedges as much as we adore Titleist Vokey SM10s (SM11 just launched), these come in a close 2nd.
Putter: TaylorMade Spider Tour X – Shop Now
High-MOI mallet putters have become increasingly popular at the professional level due to their stability and forgiveness on slight mishits. The Spider Tour X helps Gotterup maintain consistent speed and direction, especially under pressure.
Ball: Bridgestone Tour B X Mindsetr – Shop Now
Bridgestone is never going to be the favorite ball of a manufacturer free agent, but there is no questioning that these balls perform. For years, they’ve been good enough for two players who go by first name only: Tiger and Bryson. Now, Bryson doesn’t play with a Bridgestone currently, but he lifted plenty of important/expensive trophies when he did.
Chris Gotterup’s Sony Open victory was the result of a complete performance built on control, discipline, and confidence. His equipment doesn’t make the game easier — it makes great swings more effective.
For better players, that combination of refined skill and properly fit equipment is what turns strong performances into wins.