A Week of Extreme Highs and Lows
Jordan Spieth put on a show at the 2017 Open Championship that felt uniquely his own. According to GolfWRX, the event offered perhaps the most “Spieth-ian” performance in his entire career. The week was defined by wild swings. One minute he looked like the best golfer on the planet. Some observers even suggested he appeared as one of the greatest of all time during those stretches. That’s a lot of money. Yet, this brilliance was contrasted by mind-boggling lows. The volatility kept fans on the edge of their seats throughout the tournament at Royal Birkdale. Classic misdirection. You’d think he was going to win by ten shots, then he’d three-putt the 18th.
Historic Iron Play and a 50-Foot Eagle
The highlight of Spieth’s game came on Sunday during the 13th hole. GolfWRX reports that Spieth hit one of the best six-irons in British Open history on the hole after his tee shot. Think about that. It’s not every day you see a shot that good under such pressure. This shot set up a crucial moment in his round. He also executed a difficult recovery shot on the same hole to save his score. Later in the round, his aggression paid off in spectacular fashion. After sinking a massive 50-foot eagle putt on the 15th hole, Spieth directed his caddie, Michael Greller, to “go get that,” according to GolfWRX. And here’s why. These moments showcased his ability to create magic when it mattered most. Not great. Just flat-out brilliant.
The Exact Gear Behind the Victory
Behind the drama was a very specific set of equipment that facilitated this win. Spieth carried a Titleist 915D2 driver set to 9.5 degrees with an Aldila NV 2KXV Blue 70 X shaft. His fairway wood was a Titleist 915F at 15 degrees paired with a Graphite Design Tour AD DI 7 X shaft. The iron setup was a hybrid mix, as noted by GolfWRX. He used a Titleist 718 T-MB prototype for the 3-iron and a Titleist 716 T-MB for the 4-iron. From 5-iron through 9-iron, he relied on the Titleist 716 AP2. The shafts varied too, featuring a Graphite Design Tour AD DI 105 X for the 3-iron and Project X 6.5 for the 4-iron through 9-iron. His wedges were all Titleist Vokey Design SM6 models with lofts of 46-08F, 52-08F, 56-10S, and 60-04L, all fitted with Project X 6.0 shafts.
On the greens, Spieth used a Scotty Cameron 009 Tour Prototype putter equipped with a SuperStroke Flatso 1.0 grip. Every club in the bag was fitted with Golf Pride S-Tech grips, and he played a Titleist Pro V1x ball throughout the week. This combination of traditional blades and modern hybrids allowed him to navigate the tricky British links. Here’s the thing: You don’t get this precise without a serious team behind you.
Why This Equipment Mix Still Matters
Spieth’s 2017 setup highlights the value of a mixed iron set. Many players today stick to one model, but Spieth proved that blending a prototype long iron with cavity backs can work. The specific shaft choices also show his attention to feel. Using different shafts for his long irons versus his scoring irons allows for precise trajectory control. The kicker? This level of customization is something serious amateurs should consider. It is not just about the head, but how the shaft matches the player’s swing speed and transition. The 2017 Open showed that even the best players tweak their gear to suit the conditions. Bottom line: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, but if it’s off, change it.
What Fans Should Watch Next
As golfers look to improve their own games, they should pay attention to how pros adapt their bags for specific courses. The mix of T-MB and AP2 irons remains a popular choice for low-handicap players. Fans should also watch how equipment companies release new prototypes like the 718 T-MB. These tools often trickle down to consumer models quickly. No kidding. The 2017 Open serves as a reminder that great play requires the right tools for the job. Why guess when you can learn from the pros?
