- **Q: Why are so many players switching to the Ping G440 K driver?
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Yanuki
ARTICLE DETAIL
Gear Changes at the WM Phoenix Open: Hovland and Griffin Switch to Ping G440 K Driver | SIG Sauer P211 GT4 and GT5 Pistols Unveiled at SHOT Show 2026 | Neural DSP Unveils Quad Cortex Mini: A Compact Amp Modeler | Epiphone Launches Signature Mike Dirnt Grabber G-3 Bass | Mathews Unveils ARC Flagship Hunting Bow for 2026 | Viktor Hovland's Ryder Cup Focus: Golf Swing and UFOs | Viktor Hovland Resurgence at BMW Championship | Viktor Hovland Reveals Modest Spending Habits Despite Golf Millions | Happy Gilmore Hockey Stick Putter: A Collector's Item | Gear Changes at the WM Phoenix Open: Hovland and Griffin Switch to Ping G440 K Driver | SIG Sauer P211 GT4 and GT5 Pistols Unveiled at SHOT Show 2026 | Neural DSP Unveils Quad Cortex Mini: A Compact Amp Modeler | Epiphone Launches Signature Mike Dirnt Grabber G-3 Bass | Mathews Unveils ARC Flagship Hunting Bow for 2026 | Viktor Hovland's Ryder Cup Focus: Golf Swing and UFOs | Viktor Hovland Resurgence at BMW Championship | Viktor Hovland Reveals Modest Spending Habits Despite Golf Millions | Happy Gilmore Hockey Stick Putter: A Collector's Item
Gear / News
Gear Changes at the WM Phoenix Open: Hovland and Griffin Switch to Ping G440 K Driver
The WM Phoenix Open witnessed several significant gear changes among PGA Tour professionals, with Ping's G440 K driver gaining considerable traction. Viktor Hovland and Ben Griffin were among the notable players switching to this new driver...
Key Insights
- Viktor Hovland switched from his G425 LST driver to Ping's new G440 K driver after being impressed by its spin consistency. This matters because Hovland is known to be resistant to equipment changes, making this a notable shift.
- Ben Griffin also transitioned to the Ping G440 K driver from his G430 Max 10K, citing improved ball flight stability. This indicates a growing confidence in the G440 K among tour players.
- Brooks Koepka experimented with a TaylorMade Spider Tour X L-neck putter, mirroring Scottie Scheffler's model. This highlights a trend towards mallet-style putters on the tour.
- Joel Dahmen upgraded to a Titleist Vokey WedgeWorks 60K* wedge for improved sand shots, reflecting the popularity of this wedge as a go-to bunker club.
In-Depth Analysis
### Ping G440 K Driver Gains Momentum
The Ping G440 K driver is designed with a large profile and a deep, low center of gravity (CG), intended to help players square the clubface. Hovland's switch was influenced by his need for more consistent spin numbers, while Griffin sought better ball flight stability.
Hovland's G440 K was built with a shorter shaft (45 inches) and a Mitsubishi Whiteboard 73 TX shaft to lower the launch angle and reduce a right miss. Griffin also found the 440 K beneficial after testing it at TPC Scottsdale.
### Putter Experiments: Koepka and Finau
Brooks Koepka's move to a TaylorMade Spider Tour X L-neck putter was a significant change, though he missed the cut. Tony Finau also made an under-the-radar switch to a new Ping Scottsdale Tec Ally Blue Onset putter, seeking to improve his putting performance after struggling in previous events. Finau had previously used a mallet putter at last summer’s FedEx St. Jude Championship.
### Wedge Upgrades
Joel Dahmen's addition of the Titleist Vokey WedgeWorks 60K* wedge underscores its popularity among tour players for sand shots, thanks to its lower bounce and wider sole. Jordan Spieth also switched to the new Titleist SM11 wedges and a GT2 hybrid, replacing his longtime TSi2.
FAQ
- **Q: What makes the Titleist Vokey WedgeWorks 60K* wedge so popular?
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Takeaways
- The Ping G440 K driver is proving to be a popular choice among PGA Tour players due to its improved spin consistency and ball flight.
- Mallet-style putters continue to gain traction on the tour, with players like Brooks Koepka experimenting with models like the TaylorMade Spider Tour X.
- The Titleist Vokey WedgeWorks 60K* remains a go-to wedge for players looking for reliable performance in sand shots.
Discussion
What gear changes do you think will have the biggest impact this season? Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!
Sources
Disclaimer
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