Welcome to the New Orleans Classic 2023 Zurich at TPC Louisiana, located in Avondale just outside of The Big Easy.
This week, the vibes in New Orleans were relaxed.
GolfWRX, as it does every week, was on hand to examine the golf bags and clubs of the event participants, to find out what clubs they were using, testing, or switching to.
We took a closer look at the bags of David Duval and Steve Stricker this week (and spoke to Stricker about his legendary Odyssey putter). TaylorMade’s New Orleans custom headcovers and a Titleist prototype ball were also featured. We also looked at Matt Fitzpatrick’s winning setup. Scott Piercy’s newly lead-taped Irons and TaylorMade’s custom New Orleans cover, as well as the matching wedge stampings by Robert Streb, Troy Merritt and Robert Streb.
We dive right into the Tour Report for the Zurich Classic. Don’t forget to also check out our New Orleans photos on the GolfWRX forums, and the @GolfWRX instagram page.
A Matty fitz bag update after the Hilton Head win
GolfWRX shared a post on Twitter (@golfwrx).
Matt Fitzpatrick, who won the 2023 RBC Heritage in New York last week, was our guest this week. We wanted to see for ourselves his winning setup. Fitzpatrick’s setup is highlighted, of course, by his Ping S55 Irons, which he has had in the bag for more than a decade.
Fitz was interviewed for a PGATOUR.com story about his reasons for still playing models.
Why change when you are winning? This is the most important thing to me. These are the best irons for me. I tried other ones a few years ago, in the summer. They fit perfectly. I don’t like to try anything new or change. Stay with .”
Greg Moore, the legendary GolfWRX photographer, also photographed Fitzpatrick’s complete WITB at New Orleans. Alex Fitzpatrick is Matt’s brother and his teammate for the two-player Zurich tournament.
Check out Matt and Alex’s WITBs.
Nawlins inspired wedge stamps
Some teams have matching outfits. Others have secret handshakes. And others, like Troy Merritt & Robert Streb have Titleist Vokey wedges with New Orleans-inspired stampings. Aaron Dill is the Vokey representative who I believe did the hand-stampeding and painted the designs. So shout out to the master wedge stamper for a job well done. It must have taken a lot of patience.
TaylorMa-Du-Monde
Cafe du Monde is the French name for Cafe of the World, a New Orleans institution known for its delicious coffees and beignets. It’s easy to find with its green and white striped awning. The restaurant also sells coffee in iconic yellow packaging, as well as beignet mix.
TaylorMade captured Cafe du Monde branding by customizing putters and metalwood headcovers.
See what GolfWRX forum members have to say about our covers
David Duval WITB
David Duval is a self proclaimed Golf Nerd. (At least, that’s what you can tell by looking at his putter cover). Duval’s custom gear has always brought nerdy joy to GolfWRX fans and readers. But it’s been a while since we caught up with Duval to discuss his latest set-up. In New Orleans, we finally got to see every club that Duval carries.
View Duval’s complete 2023 WITB list here
A prototype Odyssey putter
Brian Knudson, GolfWRX’s equipment expert, has already shared his thoughts about the Odyssey White Hot Versa 7CS putter prototype we saw at the Zurich tournament this week.
Knudson wrote:
The Odyssey #7 putter is one of the most common head shapes used in golf. Since its popularity, the “fang” shape has been incorporated into many putters. Odyssey has a number of variants for the #7, and we saw what looked like a prototype at the 2023 Zurich Classic. The head looks to have started as a #7 S model, with a small slant-neck that is usually attached near the heel on the putter .”
Stricker talks about his Odyssey putter
GolfWRX shared a post on Twitter (@golfwrx).
When I asked Stricker this week when he first used his Odyssey White Hot No. He wasn’t sure. He estimated around 2000-2001 but it’s difficult to pinpoint equipment changes from that far back. Stricker had been using the putter for that long.
Callaway Odyssey representative estimates that it was at the beginning of 2005 when the putter first came into play.
Stricker used the putter for 12 PGA Tour wins and 12 PGA Tour Champions wins.
Stricker’s putter is the second most successful single golf club in history, money-wise. Tiger Woods Scotty Cameron is the number one putter. It’s not a question. Jack Nicklaus used his George Low Wizard for many years too, although he won only $5.7 million during his PGA Tour career. Jordan Spieth’s Scotty Cameron 009 and Brandt Snedeker’s Odyssey Rossie II have a great financial relationship. But Stricker might be able to secure second place for the time being. What do you think about this?
Stricker had a few very brief flirtations with other models over the past 20 years but has always returned to the White Hot No. The White Hot No. 2 was still in Stricker’s bag at the 2023 Zurich Classic.
Stricker was kind enough to share his thoughts on the putter. (Quotes have been edited for clarity)
You know, I’m not sure if (a particular moment with the putter stands out). It’s longevity and Ryder Cups. Over my career, I’ve had some great putts. I’ve tried to get away from it, but it always draws me back. It’s a thing that never leaves you.
I’ve played around with grips. I’ve used wristlocks. I won the Bridgestone Senior event with it, but I did only use wristlock once…Yeah. (I do all my putter work myself). My lead tape has started to peel off and slide over. It’s probably at D2. It was at D4 until this year. I keep losing tape because we put it in and take it out of the bag.
My daughters will pick it up and putt every so often. Jonathan Byrd grabbed it yesterday and said, “Wow, this feels good .’
It feels good, looks good and has been in my hands for a while. It’s difficult to look at anything else in my hands.
Read our complete deep dive into Stricker’s putter on PGATOUR.com.
New prototypes by PXG Titleist and KBS
Are you looking for more photos and information on the PXG Dagger+? Brian Knudson provides all the information.
Knudson has also spent a lot of time developing a new, faster-spinning Pro V1+ Golf Ball.
As well as an array of new prototype KBS putter shafts in a variety of vibrant colors.
The King claims his Crown
GolfWRX shared a post on Twitter (@golfwrx).
Other golfers do use lead tape. Others use it a lot. Scott Piercy, however, is the undisputed King of Lead Tape. He proved this once again at the 2023 Zurich Classic by showing up with a brand new set of Titleist Irons that had been covered in lead tape.
New Orleans and the Zurich Classic are no more. GolfWRX will not be at the Mexico Open next week. However, we will be there in force for the Wells Fargo Championship in Charlotte in 2023.
Enjoy our pictures from the 2023 Zurich Classic of New Orleans .
