When Phil Mickelson switched from Titleist to Callaway sticks just prior to the Ryder Cup, he was pilloried for making such a drastic change before such a big event. He hit the range, and the media hit him. He hit a wayward drive, and the media hit him. He was left out of the rotation, the media hit him.

Everyone wanted to know why in God’s name he would change equipment at such a time.

Thing is, most of the guys on tour are constantly changing equipment. They’re not like us. They’re pros. Before theyput new equipment into play in a tourney, they’ve tested every aspect of it on the range, on the course, and in front of launch monitors, instructors, etc., etc. They don’t jsut grab a set off the rack and head to the first tee.

So what happened when Phil shot a 59 last fall at the PGA Grand Slam of Golf in November 2004? Was anyone askign why he changed equipment then? Or when he shot a 62 at Spyglass Hill during the AT&T Pro-Am? Or won the FBR Open and the AT&T Pro-Am?

According to the Darrell Survey, Phil changed some equipment right before these two victories, too. He used Graphite Design International shafts in his driver and 4-wood, and switched to GDI’s PM 902 shaft in his 3-wood before to the FBR Open.

Now granted, new shafts aren’t as splashy as new drivers or irons. But come on. If you’re goign to ding a guy for making a change, let’s give him some credit too, and admit that we don’t know diddly about these guys’ games or the work they put into them.

Permalink 1 comment