2026 Masters Gear Updates from Augusta National: Why 9-woods are being put in play and the best gear we've spotted on property
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In this episode of GOLF’s Fully Equipped, hosts Jake Moore and Johnny Rahm dive deep into the latest gear trends spotted at the 2026 Masters, with a major focus on the rising use of high-lofted nine-woods on tour—particularly by players like Tommy Fleetwood and Dustin Johnson. The hosts debate whether nine-woods are a viable tool for the average golfer, concluding they’re only effective for elite ball strikers or high handicappers who need maximum forgiveness, with most mid-handicap players struggling to control launch and trajectory. They highlight how modern nine-woods are being redesigned with front-weighted builds to lower launch and improve wind resistance, making them more usable. The episode also captures a viral moment when eight-year-old Frankie Fleetwood visited the TaylorMade truck, confidently requesting a shaft adjustment from fitter Adrian Reedville, showcasing his serious focus and golf IQ. Additional coverage includes PXG’s strong presence at Augusta, the evolution of mini drivers as niche tools for specific shot shapes, Cleveland’s new high-offset tour prototype wedges, and the growing influence of elite wedge fitters like Aaron Dill. The hosts also reflect on Bryson DeChambeau’s recent wedge overhaul, emphasizing how his success stems not from gear changes alone, but from a team-driven, data-backed process to solve spin and launch issues. The episode closes with a mix of humor, gear analysis, and a call for deeper context in social media clips.
Nine-woods are only effective for elite ball strikers (like Tommy Fleetwood) or high handicappers who need maximum forgiveness—most mid-handicappers struggle with launch control.
Modern nine-woods are being redesigned with front-weighted builds to lower launch and improve wind resistance, making them more usable than older models.
Frankie Fleetwood’s visit to the TaylorMade truck—where he calmly requested a shaft adjustment—became a viral moment, highlighting his serious golf focus at age 8.
Mini drivers are not three-wood replacements but specialized tools for specific shot shapes (e.g., drawing the ball), best built for a single purpose with precise fitting.
Cleveland’s new high-offset wedge prototypes (used by Gary Woodland and Ricky Fowler) use offset to counteract high center of gravity and prevent ball from riding up the face.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Nine-Wood Debate: Who Really Needs It?
“Nine Woods are good for a player like Tommy Fleetwood that can maneuver. It has north to south control, face control, right? Controls dynamic loft well. Or for somebody that's got 25 handicap that just needs help get involved in the area of the maximum forgiveness.”
Frankie Fleetwood’s Viral Truck Visit
“He walked on that truck and he had business. He had business to conduct. There happened to be other human beings on the truck, but he had his guy. His guy was in the shop. I need to talk to my guy.”
PXG’s Augusta Presence and Tour Staff Power
The hosts praise PXG’s full-throttle bag design and their record number of staff at Augusta, highlighting top players like Nap, Bez, and Penji as future stars, and praising the brand’s product quality.
Mini Drivers: Niche Tools, Not Replacements
The hosts break down the true purpose of mini drivers—specifically for drawing shots—emphasizing they’re not for general use and must be built for a single miss direction with precise fitting.
Cleveland’s High-Offset Wedge Prototype
Cleveland’s new high-offset wedge prototype, tested by Gary Woodland and Ricky Fowler, uses offset to counter high center of gravity and prevent ball from riding up the face—reviving an old-school design with modern performance.
“He walked on that truck and he had business. He had business to conduct. There happened to be other human beings on the truck, but he had his guy. His guy was in the shop. I need to talk to my guy.”
“I'm of the opinion he is... The reason why they get so many wedges in play is 50% him and 50% product. 100%.”
“The reason why they get so many wedges in play is 50% him and 50% product. 100%.”
Hosts
Jake Moore
person
Johnny Rahm
person
Frankie Fleetwood
person
Tommy Fleetwood
person
Bryson DeChambeau
person
TaylorMade
brand
Aaron Dill
person
Callaway
brand
Dustin Johnson
person
PXG
brand
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