The equipment choices of top amateur golfers often provide a clear look at emerging trends, blending new technology with trusted models. A review of the current bags of Ben James and Jackson Herrington, contrasted with Brooks Koepka’s 2018 U.S. Open-winning setup, highlights this dynamic.
At the top of the bag, both amateurs employ the latest driver models, with James using a Titleist GT3 and Herrington a Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond. This contrasts with the TaylorMade M3 used by Koepka in 2018, demonstrating the rapid evolution in driver head design and materials over the past eight years. However, the choice of stiff, low-launch shafts like the Fujikura Ventus Black remains a constant for players seeking control and low spin off the tee. A notable modern trend is Herrington’s use of a Callaway mini driver, a specialized club for accuracy without sacrificing significant distance. This differs from Koepka’s choice of a Nike Vapor Fly Pro driving iron, which served a similar purpose on the firm turf of Shinnecock Hills.
Iron configurations also show a mix of old and new principles. Both James and Herrington use blended sets, combining more forgiving long irons with blade-style short irons for precision. James plays a Titleist U500 4-iron before transitioning to 620 CB irons, while Koepka relied on a full set of Mizuno JPX-900 Tour irons, renowned for their feel and workability.
Ultimately, these setups confirm that while technology advances, core philosophies endure. Players build their bags to manage distance gaps and prioritize control with their scoring clubs, evidenced by the continued dominance of Titleist Vokey wedges in all three players’ bags. The Titleist Pro V1x golf ball also appears as a shared choice, confirming its status as a benchmark for performance at the highest level of the sport.
