My Gear Decisions For 2010

Less loft on my wedges, bounce issues and when to use irons not hybrids.

Why less loft?
Because the ball comes out higer with these new wedges. I'd drop from a 60 degree lob wedge to a 58 degree, which would mean moving my 55 degree gap wedge to 54 degrees.

Why do the legal wedges hit the ball higher?
Because spin with a wedge keeps the ball down, so now, since the ball is spinning less, it's getting a steeper launch. This is why it was difficult chipping from 10 feet with the old box groove. The ball would come off low and fast which is always harder to judge. Yes, it would spin and stop, but the consistency wasn't there.

Was it hard to play a parachute lob then?
Very hard. I haven't played a lob shot for several years as the ball would come off the face too quick. It was more of a punch shot.

What about the bounce?
It varies between six and eight degrees. Six for Augusta and The Open. Augusta because the lies are so tight and The Open because the ground is so hard.

Will you ever take out the hybrids?
There's a chance I will use my Wilson Ci9 long irons for events like The Open, when it can be very windy. I love the hybrids and I can keep them down with a low flight, but they don't run upon landing. They always land softly. The irons off the tee might be a better bet, though Wilson Staff hybrids have always stayed in the bag for The Open so far.