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The Tools of Greatness: Tiger’s Top 10 Clubs

Tiger Woods, the golfing icon, has mesmerized fans for over a quarter-century with his incredible talent and impressive collection of golf clubs. His equipment has become the stuff of legends, capturing the attention and curiosity of golf enthusiasts worldwide. Join us on this exhilarating journey as we explore the top 10 clubs that propelled Tiger to greatness, ranked in ascending order. Prepare to be amazed!

10. Nike T40 Tour 5-wood: A Versatile Marvel

The Nike T40 Tour 5-wood holds a special place in Tiger’s heart as the first 5-wood he ever used in a professional tournament. This club marked the beginning of his strategic approach to course conditions, allowing him to seamlessly switch between the 2-iron and 5-wood based on the demands of each round. Sporting a mid-sized design and a game-changing 40-gram tungsten plug in the sole, the T40 offered exceptional forgiveness and increased launch capability. Tiger’s current go-to club in this category is the TaylorMade M3, fitted with a powerful Mitsubishi Chemical Diamana D+ 80 TX White shaft.

9. King Cobra Deep Face Driver: Unleashing Power and Precision

The King Cobra Deep Face Driver caught Tiger’s attention following Greg Norman’s remarkable victory at the 1993 Open Championship. However, it was a specially customized variant that captivated Tiger and propelled him to numerous victories, including the 1996 U.S. Amateur and the monumental 1997 Masters. This driver featured a unique “bore through” shaft design, providing greater stability to accommodate Tiger’s awe-inspiring swing speeds. With a 9-degree loft, a True Temper Dynamic Gold X100 shaft, and a Golf Pride Tour Velvet Cord 58R grip, this driver delivered consistent performance and unparalleled control.

8. TaylorMade P7TW 8-iron: The Majestic Masterpiece

Surprisingly, it’s the TaylorMade P7TW 8-iron that mesmerizes most when reflecting on Tiger’s triumph at the 2019 Masters. This remarkable club was instrumental in delivering precise approach shots, with Tiger executing nine memorable 8-iron shots during that tournament. From the crucial birdie on the seventh to the game-changing approach on the 16th, the P7TW 8-iron showcased Tiger’s precision in full swing. Crafted with utmost care, this club boasted an exacting loft of 40.5 degrees, a length of 36 5/16″, and a Dynamic Gold X100 shaft, providing the ideal balance of power and finesse for Tiger’s impressive game. Its Golf Pride BCT 58R grip completed the package.

7. Titleist 681T 2-iron: The Ultimate Showstopper

In the early days of Tiger’s illustrious career, the Titleist 681T 2-iron served as a powerful tool, often leaving spectators in awe. Capable of hitting shots that rivaled the distance achieved by the average PGA TOUR player’s 3-wood or even driver, this club was Tiger’s secret weapon. Its standout moment came during the 2002 U.S. Open, where Tiger’s stunning 263-yard frozen rope 2-iron approach shot on the 13th hole sealed his victory over Phil Mickelson. Boasting a loft of 19 degrees, a length of 39.5″, and a True Temper Dynamic Gold X100 shaft, this club exemplified Tiger’s mastery and precision under pressure.

6. Titleist 975D Driver: A Classic That Transcends Time

The Titleist 975D Driver holds the distinction of being the club that spent the most extended period in Tiger’s bag. While professionals transitioned to larger head sizes, Tiger remained steadfast, brandishing his trusty 260cc, 43.5-inch True Temper Dynamic Gold X100-shafted driver. This formidable club, introduced in 1998, earned accolades on the PGA TOUR and ignited the fury of amateur players. Even as technology evolved, Tiger’s loyalty to the 975D remained unshaken, until he finally embraced the Nike Forged Titanium driver during the 2002 season. With its timeless design and remarkable performance, the 975D created waves on the golfing scene.

5. Nike Fastback 60-degree Wedge: The Shot Heard Round the World

Ah, the 2005 Masters, a tournament forever etched in golfing history. It was on the 16th hole of the final round that Tiger, armed with his Nike Fastback 60-degree wedge, executed a shot that defied imagination. The ball delicately crept up the slope past the flag before gravity intervened, sending it trickling into the cup. Universally hailed as one of Tiger’s finest shots, this moment showcased the brilliance of the wedge crafted by the renowned Mike Taylor. The wedge boasted a loft of 60 degrees, a length of 35 3/16″, and a True Temper Dynamic Gold S400 shaft, complemented by a distinctive square sole, flatter camber, and 10 degrees of bounce.

4. Mizuno Combo Set: MP 14 and MP 29 Irons

Rewind to Tiger’s inaugural major victory at the 1997 Masters, and you’ll encounter a different-looking golf bag brimming with forged blades. Tiger wielded a unique combination of Mizuno irons—MP 14 and MP 29—that perfectly catered to his discerning eye. These irons were meticulously selected to offer the least amount of offset, providing the optimal performance Tiger demanded. The MP 14 irons featured more offset in the longer clubs, while the MP 29 irons boasted reverse-offset progression, a rarity in modern times. Tiger’s mixed set configuration, consisting of MP 29 2-iron through 4-iron and MP-14 5-iron to pitching wedge, proved to be the winning formula during his U.S. Amateur titles, his first professional wins, and his maiden major triumph. Remarkably, the lofts and lies of these clubs remain similar to Tiger’s specifications to this day.

3. Titleist 970 3-wood: An Iconic Fairway Companion

None can forget the sublime shots Tiger executed with his beloved Titleist PT (970) fairway wood. Recognizable with its deep face satin steel finish, this club epitomized Tiger’s dominance during an era of rapid technological advances. Refusing to embrace larger club heads and graphite shafts like many of his peers, Tiger wielded his steel-shafted Titleist PT with absolute finesse. One iconic moment stands out—the jaw-dropping 3-wood shot on the 14th hole at St. Andrews during the 2000 Open, leaving everyone whispering in awe. With only one fairway wood in his bag and a trusty 2-iron by its side, Tiger showcased his extraordinary shot-making skills while exploiting the workability offered by the Titleist PT.

2. Scotty Cameron Teryllium Newport: The Putter of Legends

When discussing Tiger’s success, it’s impossible to overlook the pivotal role of his putters. The putters that accompanied Tiger were to him what a wand is to Harry Potter or a lightsaber to a Jedi—a source of unyielding power and unmatched precision. Two putters, in particular, occupy a sacred space: the Scotty Cameron Newport 2 and the Scotty Cameron Teryllium Newport. The latter was instrumental in Tiger’s victory at the 1997 Masters, with Tiger famously remarking that this putter, along with his Newport 2, were strictly off-limits to anyone, even his kids. The Teryllium Newport distinguished itself with its rounded bumpers, slightly shorter blade length, and the Teryllium insert with elastomer backing, offering enhanced stability and vibration dampening. A true game-changer, this putter set new standards in design and performance, leaving an indelible mark on golfing history.

1. Scotty Cameron Newport 2 GSS: The Putter that Defines Greatness

Hold your breath for the golfing holy grail—the Scotty Cameron Newport 2 GSS. This putter, which Tiger has wielded since 1999, epitomizes the pinnacle of golfing equipment. Sporting an iconic tri-sole design and unmistakable red lettering, the Newport 2 GSS has been by Tiger’s side for an astonishing 14 of his 15 major victories and an astounding 66 of his 82 PGA TOUR triumphs. Upon closer inspection, the perfectly worn sweet spot attests to the countless achievements this putter has witnessed. This legendary club features specifications that have stood the test of time, including a 3.75-degree loft, a length of 35.25″, a lie of 70 degrees, a head weight of 327 grams, and a Ping Man Black Out grip. Destined for greatness, the Newport 2 GSS embodies the very essence of Tiger’s extraordinary career.

Are you inspired yet? These extraordinary clubs have witnessed Tiger Woods’ rise to legendary status. Discover the magic for yourself and unleash the champion within!