Si Woo Kim’s Unique Approach to Golf Equipment: A Deep Dive into His 2026 Bag
Si Woo Kim’s golf bag is, at first glance, refreshingly old-school. Driver, 3-wood, 5-wood, and irons from 3 through pitching wedge, complemented by just a 52° and 60° wedge. This setup is increasingly rare on the PGA Tour, but a closer look reveals a fascinating relationship between Kim and his gear.
The Aesthetics-First Philosophy
Kim’s equipment choices are driven primarily by aesthetics. According to Callaway Senior PGA Tour Player Development Representative Kellen Watson, if a club “fits his eye very nicely,” it’s likely to go into play immediately. Performance fine-tuning comes second. “If it goes through the ground perfectly, it’s going in the bag,” Watson explained.
This makes Kim a “corporate dream,” willing to test almost any club as long as it appeals to his visual preferences. He held onto his Paradym Ai-Smoke Triple Diamond driver for two years before switching to the Quantum Triple Diamond this season, a testament to his loyalty once a club passes his initial inspection.
A Reluctance to Over-Tinker
Despite his openness to trying novel equipment, Kim sometimes resists change. Watson admits to having to prevent Kim from experimenting too much on his own. “He gets some ideas, and he’ll just do it behind my back,” Watson said. “That’s why I strive to stay in front of him all the time so we don’t allow him to do anything like that.”
His caddie, Manny Villegas, also plays a crucial role in maintaining Kim’s clubs, often requesting regrips or loft/lie checks. Watson describes Villegas as the “offensive coordinator” while Kim is the “quarterback,” executing the game plan.
Key Clubs in Kim’s 2026 Arsenal
Driver: Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond 9.0
Kim’s driver setup includes an OptiFit setting of N/-1 and weights of 7g front, 9g back heel, and 1g back toe. He uses a Fujikura Ventus Black VeloCore+ 6-X shaft, and the club is 44 15/16” long with a 1” tip. Stock carry is 290 yards.
Mini Driver: Callaway Paradym Ai-Smoke Ti 340
Kim frequently utilizes a mini driver, often hitting it off the fairway. This allows for aggressive shots and is a key component of his game.
Fairway Woods: Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond 3-wood & 5-wood
Kim’s 3-wood is used selectively, while his 5-wood, previously a Rogue ST LS, has been updated to a Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond. He previously played the Rogue ST LS 5-wood since its release in 2022.
Irons: Callaway Apex MB ’26 (3-PW)
Kim is currently testing the unreleased Callaway Apex MB ’26 prototype irons. He uses KBS Tour V 125 shafts and his irons are bent 1-2 degrees strong, a preference he’s maintained since 2018.
Wedges: Callaway Opus SP RAW (52° & 60°)
Kim carries only two wedges – a 52° with 10S grind and a 60° with 8C grind. He relies on feel and his exceptional hands to manage distances, rather than relying on a wider range of wedge options.
Putter: Odyssey O-Works 3T (Testing Odyssey TRTL Prototype)
Kim’s putting has been a weak point in his game, and he’s currently testing an Odyssey TRTL mallet putter, similar to the one used by Min Woo Lee. He previously used an Odyssey 2-Ball 10 Broomstick.
The Kim-Villegas Dynamic
Kim and his caddie, Manny Villegas, form an unlikely but effective duo. Watson describes them as “laidback and fun,” and even suggests they’d be entertaining enough for their own reality TV show, comparing them to the dynamic of “Rob & Considerable.”
FAQ
Q: What is Si Woo Kim’s primary focus when choosing clubs?
A: Aesthetics. Kim prioritizes how a club looks and feels to him before considering performance data.
Q: Does Si Woo Kim frequently change his equipment?
A: He’s open to trying new clubs, but often sticks with what he likes once he finds something that suits his eye.
Q: How important is his caddie, Manny Villegas, to his equipment choices?
A: Villegas plays a key role in maintaining Kim’s clubs and suggesting adjustments.
Q: What type of irons is Si Woo Kim currently using?
A: Callaway Apex MB ’26 prototypes.
Q: How many wedges does Si Woo Kim carry?
A: Just two – a 52° and a 60°.
Wish to learn more about optimizing your golf game? Explore more articles on GOLF.com.
