Lead Tape Takes Center Stage in Detroit
Head to the Detroit Golf Club this week, and you’ll see more than just the leaderboard. The real story unfolds after hours, when players grab their screwdrivers and tinker in the sheds. The Rocket Classic is underway, and the equipment areas are buzzing with custom tweaks. According to GolfWRX, the focus is on lead tape and unique setups from players like Marco Penge and Garrick Higgo. These adjustments go beyond standard tweaks. They represent specific, calculated moves designed to squeeze out extra yardage or dial in a better feel. For the competitive golfer watching from home, these small details often reveal the true story of how a round gets played.
While the field includes seasoned pros and local qualifiers, the most interesting gear stories come from the players trying to gain a tiny edge. The event brings together a mix of talent, from international stars to those who fought their way in on Monday. The setup details are specific and reveal how players trust their clubs to perform under pressure. You don’t see this level of tinkering unless someone thinks it’ll move the needle.
It’s the little things that matter.
Specific Tweaks from Penge, Higgo, and Celano
Marco Penge has been dealing with a rough stretch. GolfWRX reports that an illness kept him out for most of the season. Now back on the ground, he is making sure his driver is dialed in. Greg Moore, a Tour Photographer, was present at the event and spotted the changes. Additional lead tape appears on the back part of the sole of Penge’s PXG Lighting driver. This weight shift helps stabilize the clubhead. He pairs this with a Fujikura Ventus Black TR 7 X shaft. The combination aims to maximize stability and launch conditions after his time away from the game. It’s a smart way to rebuild confidence in the bag.
Garrick Higgo brings a different approach to the table. His bag is a mix of brands, featuring Ping woods and Titleist irons and wedges. He finishes with a L.A.B. VZN.1i putter. Higgo also relies on a Titleist U505 driving iron. The most noticeable tweak is on his 2-iron. The club has the famed logo Titleist lead tape placed right over the Titleist logo. This specific placement suggests a desire to lower the center of gravity while keeping the face stable. His 2-iron is built with a Graphite Design VF-Hybrid 95X shaft, a choice that likely offers a specific bend profile for his swing. You can tell he knows exactly what he wants from that club.
Then there is Ryan Celano. Monay’s performance at Orchards Golf Club in Washington, Michigan secured his spot in the Rocket Classic. Celano fired a 6-under score of 66 to qualify. This week marks his first PGA Tour event. His setup includes a Titleist T100 8-iron that has silver stuff attached. While the exact material isn’t named, the visual cue suggests a weight adjustment similar to the lead tape seen elsewhere. His presence in the field adds a local flavor to the international lineup.
The field also features captains from the par-3 leagues. Los Angeles Roses captain Ryan Ruffels is in the field this week. He is testing a TaylorMade P·UDI Bomber 17-degree one iron. That is a bold choice for a modern player. Michigan Auto Aces captain Joe Hooks is also in the field. He is using an Odyssey Ai One Wing Back putter with a custom long neck. These setups show that even captains in league play are experimenting with high-tech gear to find an advantage.
Why the Weight Matters for the Weekend
Lead tape is often seen as a last resort, but at this level, it is a precision tool. Moving weight to the back of a driver sole, as Penge did, increases the moment of inertia. This makes the club more forgiving on off-center hits. For a player returning from illness, that forgiveness is crucial. It allows them to swing with confidence even if their timing isn’t perfect. The placement of tape on Higgo’s 2-iron is equally telling. Covering the logo with weight changes the balance point without altering the head’s external look. This is a classic move for players who want a specific feel without buying a new club.
The variety in the field highlights the different paths to the PGA Tour. Celano’s journey from Monday qualifying to the main event is a story in itself. His 66 on Monday proved he belongs, but the equipment adjustments will determine if he can survive the weekend. The use of a one iron by Ruffels and a custom long-putter by Hooks shows that the game is evolving. Players are not afraid to mix brands or add weight where they need it. These small changes can mean the difference between a birdie and a bogey on the back nine.
What to Watch in the Next Round
The Rocket Classic continues this week at the Detroit Golf Club. Fans should keep an eye on how Penge and Higgo handle their new setups over the remaining rounds. The tension between the veterans and the qualifiers like Celano will define the tournament. GolfWRX reports that the event is happening now, so the action is live. The next scheduled rounds will show if these lead tape tweaks translate into lower scores. Watch for the long drives and the putts on the green as the field fights for position.
