WITB: Nicklaus Mills
3 Wood: Titleist 15 Degree 915F w/ X-Stiff Aldila RIP Phenom Shaft
Irons: Sandbuilt Studios Halfset. Forged in Japan, numbered 1,2,3,4
Wedges: Yururi Keigekiku Tour 56 degree Wedge, with Black Matte finish
Putter: Yamada Golf Emperor - Refurbished by Mullgan’s
The inspiration for my current set up does not come from looking at which clubs are being endorsed by championship winning professionals. Instead, I am inspired by their craftsmanship and have no problem championing them to others. So please pardon my enthusiasm if it comes on a bit strong.
Don’t be fooled; just because I am not replicating what the pros carry doesn’t mean I am sacrificing performance. My set is tailored for enjoyment and I can still put low numbers on my scorecard. I’ve been playing with a half set for 5 years and now even having just 8 clubs can feel excessive, let alone the full 14. Having less clubs to choose from fires up the artistic side of my shot making; I have a more full palette of choices and a well-crafted, well-executed shot brings me a huge amount of joy. A good score is of course still satisfying because it means I enjoyed the center of the clubface quite a bit, but it is no longer my primary reason for being out there.
The above philosophies led to the design of the Sandbuilt Half Set. I didn’t want clubs that were just skipping odds or evens. These are clubs with a spread of lofts that perfectly belong together, built to precise specifications that are beyond my technical knowledge, but the clubs turned out perfectly. They are responsive to my move at the ball, and provide the honest feedback I desire in my quest to be a more creative shot maker. I know that when I’ve hit a good shot, there is no smoke and mirror show...
My Yamada putter is similar to my irons when it comes to giving me feedback. When I’ve lost some confidence on the greens, I may move back to a mallet type putter head, but if I’m hitting the sweet spot of a blade putter, I gain the type of confidence on the greens that any golfer needs to roll it purely.
My 3 wood was purpose built to conquer the links courses and the British Amateur. I wanted something with the ability to pierce through the strongest of breezes. Over time this club has taught me how dynamic woods can be; the truth is that my game wasn’t benefitting from the driver.
I’m finishing with my wedge, because it’s a bit of a departure from the others. I originally planned for the Yururi to be part of my collection that doesn’t get played. I wanted to fully preserve its simple beauty and see what I could learn from just seeing it and holding it on a regular basis. But little by little I came around and realized that this club was made to be played; it was made to get thrashed amongst the harshest surfaces found on a golf course. And as I’ve learned, the scars on this club don’t hinder it’s pleasing aesthetic at all; rather they perfectly complement its patina and add to the drama of the club...I’m not embarrassed to admit that from time to time I literally thank this club for its service - for getting me out of plenty of peculiar situations on the Sandbelt and beyond.
