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Austin Eckroat’s name will forever be etched in the history books of the Cognizant Classic, marking his maiden PGA Tour victory at the demanding PGA National course. As the dust settles on this momentous occasion, golf enthusiasts are eager to delve deeper into the tools that aided Eckroat’s triumph. This article goes beyond a simple equipment list, offering a comprehensive analysis of the clubs that served him well and the strategic choices behind them.
Eckroat Unveiling the Driver: Power and Precision off the Tee
Eckroat entrusted his long game to Ping’s G430 LST driver. This meticulously crafted club boasts several features that perfectly suited his aggressive playing style and the challenges presented by PGA National’s tight fairways and water hazards.
- Low Spin Technology (LST) Carbonfly Wrap: This innovative technology reduces weight and lowers the center of gravity (CG) in the driver head. This translates to increased ball speed and reduced spin, allowing Eckroat to generate powerful drives while maintaining control over his trajectory.
- Movable Weight Track: This feature empowers golfers to fine-tune shot shape based on course conditions. By adjusting the weight track position, Eckroat could dial in a draw or fade when needed, navigating the doglegs and avoiding trouble areas strategically.
Fairway Woods: Bridging the Gap with Forgiveness and Distance
Complementing the driver, Eckroat relied on the Ping G430 Max fairway wood. This club, known for its larger head size and higher launch angle, proved to be a valuable asset in his bag.
- Larger Head Size: The increased head size provides a larger sweet spot, offering more forgiveness on off-center hits. This translates to more consistent distance and accuracy, especially on longer approach shots where even slight miscalculations can be costly.
- Higher Launch Angle: The G430 Max fairway wood is designed to propel the ball into a higher trajectory, aiding in carrying distance and achieving optimal stopping power on the green. This proved crucial on approach shots to elevated greens or those guarded by water hazards.
Irons and Wedges: A Symphony of Precision and Control
For his irons, Eckroat employed a strategic combination set that catered to his diverse needs on the course.
- Ping Blueprint S irons (3-iron): These forged irons offer exceptional feel and feedback, allowing for more precise shot-making on long irons where distance control and accuracy are paramount. The forged construction ensures a solid, responsive feel at impact, providing valuable feedback for fine-tuning swing mechanics.
- Ping Blueprint T irons (4-PW): Transitioning to the cast construction Blueprint T irons in the mid and short irons prioritizes forgiveness and playability. The cavity-back design expands the sweet spot, offering more forgiveness on mishits and boosting confidence on approach shots into tight greens.
Eckroat further bolstered his control game with a set of Ping Glide Forged Pro wedges (50, 54, and 60 degrees). These wedges boast several features ideal for executing delicate shots around the green.
- Forged Construction: Similar to the Blueprint S irons, the forged construction of these wedges provides exceptional feel and spin control. This is crucial for crafting finesse around the green, shaping shots with precision, and executing those clutch up-and-downs that can make or break a round.
- Variety of Lofts: The three wedge choices (50°, 54°, and 60°) offer Eckroat a versatile arsenal for various situations around the green. The lower loft wedge can be used for full shots or bump-and-run approaches, while the higher lofts provide increased stopping power and control for chip shots and bunker play.
Putting the Pieces Together: Confidence on the Green
Eckroat entrusted his putting woes to a Ping Redwood D66 putter. This blade-style putter features a black finish and a 34-inch length, offering a classic look and feel that many Tour professionals favor. While putter selection often boils down to personal preference and feel, the Redwood D66 likely provided Eckroat with the confidence and touch he needed to sink crucial putts throughout the tournament.
Completing his winning kit, Eckroat utilized Titleist Pro V1 balls. These premium balls offer a soft feel, exceptional distance, and excellent control, providing the versatility and performance demanded by top professionals. The Pro V1’s ability to perform well in various conditions likely aided Eckroat in navigating the diverse challenges presented by PGA National’s greens.
According to PGA Tour