Jordan Spieth is evaluating a potential midseason shift in his equipment, recently testing a L.A.B. Golf VZN.1i mallet putter during practice sessions at the Travelers Championship. While the 13-time TOUR winner continues to seek his first victory since the 2022 RBC Heritage, he confirmed his intent to stick with his current setup for the John Deere Classic, citing positive momentum from his final round last week.
Why is Jordan Spieth testing new putters?
Spieth, currently ranked 53rd, is searching for increased stability on the greens. According to comments provided by the golfer, he has been hitting his intended lines consistently over the past month but has struggled to convert those looks into made putts. By testing the L.A.B. Golf VZN.1i, a mallet-style putter, Spieth is exploring options that might offer better alignment and stability than his traditional T.P. Mills Trad II blade, the club he used to secure all three of his major championship victories.
Jordan Spieth’s history at the John Deere Classic is successful. He claimed victory at TPC Deere Run in 2013—becoming the youngest winner on TOUR since 1931—and again in 2015.
How does equipment changes impact professional performance?
Professional golfers often experiment with equipment when results plateau, though making a midseason change carries inherent risks. Spieth noted that while he explored the L.A.B. putter to address recent performance frustrations, he values the rhythm he established during the final round of the Travelers Championship. “My plan this week is just to stay with where I’m at,” Spieth stated. “I made some putts on Sunday, and I plan on taking that momentum into this week.” This approach aligns with his broader philosophy of maintaining consistency despite a lack of recent wins, emphasizing that his overall game state remains strong.
What are the challenges of TPC Deere Run?
TPC Deere Run is a par-71 course that rewards players with a strong short game. Spieth, who has never finished worse than T26 in his five starts at the John Deere Classic, highlighted that the course requires a balance of aggression and caution. “If you get tentative at all, it’s a good enough golf course that if you are out of position, you can make bogeys,” Spieth explained. During his two victories at the event, he relied on high efficiency in putts per green in regulation to separate himself from the field.
Pro Tip: Stability vs. Feel
Many tour professionals switch to mallet putters when they feel their stroke is becoming inconsistent under pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Jordan Spieth switching putters permanently? No. While he tested a new model at the Travelers Championship, he stated his plan is to stick with his current setup for the immediate future.
- When was Jordan Spieth’s last PGA Tour win? His last victory came at the 2022 RBC Heritage.
- How many times has Spieth won at the John Deere Classic? He has won the event twice, in 2013 and 2015.
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