Tiger Woods’ new irons have been revealed after the 14-time major winner used the TW Phase 1 prototypes during the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow.
Since returning to the game this year, Woods has been using a mixed bag of clubs comprising wedges from old supplier Nike as well as TGR Prototype irons (believed to be produced by ex-Nike designers) and drivers and woods from TaylorMade, who he signed a deal with from 2017 onwards.
That link up with TaylorMade has stepped up a gear with Woods’ use of the TW Phase 1 irons. They have been created by TaylorMade in conjunction with the 14-time major; the resulting creation of the combined brain powers were used for the first time on the PGA TOUR last week.
In what was his first PGA TOUR appearance since the Masters at Augusta, Woods finished tied 55th having carded a four-round score of two over par.
New to Woods’ golf bag
Prior to the tournament, Woods had revealed an image of his golf bag including the irons, which feature a TaylorMade T along with the TW Phase 1 wording. Woods’ Instagram message also read: “Phase 1 of irons development with @taylormadegolf is complete. Looking forward to teeing it up this week!”
The stylish muscle back-designed TW Phase 1 irons were accompanied in the bag by TaylorMade M3 driver and woods, the trusty Nike wedges and Woods’ now-familiar Scotty Cameron putter.
While Woods didn’t threaten victory at Quail Hollow, the revelation of the Phase 1 name of the irons suggest there is more development of the prototype irons to come.
A TaylorMade collaboration
Of his work with TaylorMade in creating the irons to suit his game, Woods said: “I’ve spent time with the TaylorMade R&D and Tour teams on the creation and testing of several new sets of irons for me.
“Every set I have ever put into play is slightly different than the previous. It’s a meticulous process and this is the first phase of that process with TaylorMade. Getting the shape just right, the sole, the topline, grooves, grinds…everything. So far so good, and I am looking forward to continuing that process with the team.”
The TGR Prototype irons Woods had been using were thought to be produced by former Nike design gurus, after they pulled out of golf equipment manufacturing at the end of 2016. That was a decision that prompted Woods to sign a deal with TaylorMade and the end result is something not too dissimilar in appearance to the TGR’s he has been using.
Return to golf
A 79-time PGA TOUR winner, Woods has continued to use the TGR irons through the opening months of the 2018 season, including when he tied 32nd at the Masters, 2nd in the Valspar Championship, fifth in the Arnold Palmer Invitational, 12th in the Honda Classic and 23rd in the Farmers Insurance Open.
It has been a better-than-expected and incredibly positive return to competitive golf for Woods after four years of injury problems. The former world number one will now be hoping to the TW Phase 1 can help him return to the heady days of old.
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