The StratGolf WITB

[stratgolf]

Hi Fellow WRX'ers - Hope you are well. Thought I'd start my very own WITB thread to document my bag and some of the changes that happen over the years. Let me know if you have any comments, questions or observations! Cheers, StratGolf. Just one note: I've become a Taylormade Guy. I didn't ever want to be a Taylormade guy, but this has happened to me over time. The numbers just don't seem to lie for me. 

 

 

Current WITB:

Driver: TaylorMade Qi35 LS, Fujikara Ventus Blue 6s 46"

Fairway: TaylorMade Qi35 3HL, LA Golf A Series Low 70(S)

Hybrid: TaylorMade Qi35 4, LA Golf A Series Low 105 Hybrid 4(S)

Irons: TaylorMade P770 4, Rors Proto 5-PW, KBS Tour 120S

Wedges: TaylorMade MG4 50.09 + 54.11, MG Proto 58.09, KBS Tour 120S

Putter: TaylorMade Spider 5K.ZT CB, 35" KBS GPS Custom Graphite 155g

Accessories: Titleist Pro V1x 2025, Golf Pride Tour Velvet Midsize, Irons + Wedges +1 inch and 2 Upright, Vessel Player Air Stand Bag Navy 14 Way, Clicgear Model 4.0 Buggy, Bushnell Tour V6 Shift Rangefinder

 

How We Got Here:

 

Driver: Driver has been a continued pain point in my bag. At various points recently I've gamed a Ping G440 Max, Callaway Elyte Triple Diamond, Taylormade Stealth Plus and Titleist GT2. I often find myself spinning the more forgiving drivers too much, while not getting enough forgiveness from the lowerspin models. I am really enjoying the Qi35LS, and probably hitting it better than I ever have. The simple black designer finish is an absolute favorite, and I've never been able to hit anything better than my trusty Ventus Blue 6s, although recently an Oban AirBurst gave it a good run at a Club Champion fitting. 46" is a little long, but I've found this to be a nice sweet spot for my swing and gives me some extra length. I want to get fit again next year as I think I am leaving some performance on the table, but perhaps that's wishful thinking.

 

Fairway: Another continued pain point for me! I recently was fit into the Qi35HL and loved the extra loft, the numbers smashed everything else we tested. I also had some success with the Cobra DarkSpeed X, and the Ping G440 Max. I haven't carried a 3 wood in a long time before now, preferring a AI Smoke Mini, PXG Secret Weapon or R7 Quad, but I recently have found myself needing a better off the deck option, hence the switch. Really enjoyed pairing the QI35 head with the LA Golf A series Low 70 Wood 4(S). I have extracted my fitting stats below (be gentle as this was my first time going back to a 3 wood in ages!). Wouldn't be shocked if I went back to a mini driver at some point, but we will see! Waiting on delivery! Fitting Stats: Club Speed MPH: 96.1, Ball Speed MPH: 140.9, Smash Factor: 1.47, Club Path: 2.2, Face Angle: -1.7, Attack Angle: -0.1, Spin Rate: 2975, Height M: 19.4, Land Angle 31.2, Carry M: 197.5

 

Hybrid: I've flipped and flopped here, gaming things like U505 utilities, Paradym T 5 Woods and other hybrids from Ping and Cobra. Again, at a recent fitting the Qi35 won out for me and I've become a hybrid guy again! Really enjoyed the LA Golf A Series Low 105 Hybrid 4(S) shaft, which seemed to really help with my attack angle issues during the session that have crept into my game. I am 7 wood curious but I find I hit hybrids more consistently than woods, and as such this will be in the bag for a while I'd guess. Waiting on delivery! Fitting Stats: Club Speed MPH: 91.1, Ball Speed MPH: 132.4, Smash Factor: 1.45, Club Path: 1.6, Face Angle: 0.4, Attack Angle: -2.1, Spin Rate: 3590, Height M: 27.6, Carry M: 189.2, Total M: 208.8

 

Irons: I plan to swap my P770 4 Iron out for another Qi35 Hybrid, as I value some extra forgiveness/launch in this spot and I think irons are best for me to really start at 5 iron. The eagle eyed amongst you will note I am waiting to receive delivery of my shipment of Rors Proto Irons, which will replace the Mizuno 243's I currently have in my bag. Can't wait to receive these! I got fit into my 243's earlier this year which knocked my previous set of Titleist T200's and also I230's out of the bag, neither of which I liked. I am chasing workability and love the look of a bladed iron, so I'm looking forward to the P730 shape and getting back to something more familiar. I hit the ball appallingly in my fitting, and was really slow and scoopy. Nothing has been able to come close to my KBS Tour 120s Shafts in all my testing. Fitting Stats (7 Iron): Efficiency: 1.31, Clubhead Speed: 83.2, Dynamic Loft: 32.8, Dynamic Lie: -6.6, Face Angle -1.5, Club Path: 0.2, Angle of Attack: 0.0, Ball Speed MPH: 109.1, Launch Angle 22.6, Spin RPM: 5752, Carry M: 138, Total M: 150 Previous Ping i230 Fitting Stats (7 iron): Clubhead Speed MPH: 89.9, Ball Speed MPH: 113.8, Attack Angle -0.7, Launch Angle: 15.1, Spin Rate: 5612, Carry M: 138.8, Total M: 159.1, Path: 7.3, Face Angle: -3.3

 

Wedges: I have tried lots of different wedges, and settled in on the MG4's for the time being. I really find these spin nicely and I love the short game performance. I have previously been a Vokey Guy, and I think Clevelands are next on my list to try. Wedge customization is very important to me and I love that way of expressing myself. I have previously been a 60 guy, but have moved to 58 and found less awkward gaps lower down my wedges. I plan to replace my set gap wedge with an MG4 for more consistent wedge look and feel, and I like to replace my highest lofted wedge frequently. Currently gaming the proto and keen to see how this performs over the time being.

 

Putter: I am a putting psychopath, and I'm unwilling to reveal how many putters I've gone through in recent months/years. I currently have two gamers, and I am trying the counter balanced route to see if this sticks. I also keep my Lajosi blade which looks beautiful but I find myself often without confidence on short putts. Bucket list putter is a Circle T GoLo, but not sure I'll ever part with the money. Previously tried a DF3 Broomstick several Odyssey 7's in all different shapes and sizes including armlock, Taylormade Spider Tour X's, Scotty Fastbacks.

[stratgolf]

Not sure if I am late to the party on these, but I absolutely adore these Callaway Tour Authentic Gloves. I've got big hands, and a bit of a sweater so the sweatband is appreciated. Awesome glove and I've bought 5 of them for my collection! Previously have been a FJ Staysof guy.

[stratgolf]

Recently picked up the below Harris Tweed Driver cover from Big Dog Golf Co at Port Fairy Golf Club in Victoria, Australia. One of my favorite golf courses I've been to, and I'll never say no to something in Tweed! A great links course, and my buddies and I always try to get here for a boys trip every year.  Feel like memories are the most important thing you can take with you from a round, but a bit of merch never hurts.

[stratgolf]

Welcome to the bag, QI35 3HL and 4 Hybrid! Very excited about these joining the armory and can't wait to get into the lab for some testing. A pair of great headcovers from my beloved Spring Valley Golf Club in Melbourne Australia. Couple of LA Golf A Series Low shafts to boot!

[DE-ILLINI]

Great looking bag.  How do you like the Spider ZT putter?

[stratgolf]

5 hours ago, DE-ILLINI said:

Great looking bag.  How do you like the Spider ZT putter?

 

ZT is great. It's definitely a different feel than your traditional heel shafted putter, but I think it makes putting easier by taking one variable out of the equation. I have gamed a Mezz and a DF3 previously, and I much prefer the look and feel of the ZT compared to those other ZT style putters. Couldn't recommend it more. That being said, I've just added a new horse to the stable:

 

Lajosi Roo Crafted Custom with hand stamping and a custom flow neck welded to the body. High toe hang to accommodate heavy stroke arc. Specs: Carbon Steel, Custom Flow Neck, Midnight Black Oxide Finish, Fine Milled Face, 350g head weight, 3* Loft and 70* Lie.

 

 

[stratgolf]

An update for the B in WITB! After some serious frustrating with club tangle in my LinksLegend, I've bought a Vessel Player Air Stand Bag. Club tangle is noticeably better already, and I love this bag. So impressed and totally get the lovely things people say about Vessel Bags.

[crossbunker]

how's the zt working out?

[stratgolf]

On 7/10/2025 at 10:44 AM, scwolff said:

how's the zt working out?

 

I really liked it, but I've just sold it. I think ZT technology is really good, and a nice putter, but I really like the look and arc of a blade and it much better suits my stroke. I found myself pulling ZT putts under pressure as I tried to rotate the face. I think I'll continue to flirt with ZT putters until I can put some serious time into rebuilding my stroke.

 

Included a few images of my new stick I've ordered from Lajosi! Can't wait until it arrives

[crossbunker]

1 hour ago, stratgolf said:

 

I really liked it, but I've just sold it. I think ZT technology is really good, and a nice putter, but I really like the look and arc of a blade and it much better suits my stroke. I found myself pulling ZT putts under pressure as I tried to rotate the face. I think I'll continue to flirt with ZT putters until I can put some serious time into rebuilding my stroke.

 

Included a few images of my new stick I've ordered from Lajosi! Can't wait until it arrives

Thanks for the feedback, great looking new stick! 

[stratgolf]

On 7/11/2025 at 12:48 PM, crossbunker said:

Thanks for the feedback, great looking new stick! 

 

Thanks mate! Excited to get in the lab and get used to it. I get a bit of pack pain so have always struggled trying to get into a position with my head over the ball.

[stratgolf]

15 hours ago, 2manyclubs said:

Good looking club, I have one just like it but by a different boutique putter company

 

Fantastic, love supporting guys who love their craft and make genuine art. 

[stratgolf]

2 minutes ago, 2manyclubs said:

Exactly, I would much rather my money go to a guy who just loves making putters  than a big corporation. I've also always wanted to learn how to make putters myself. Maybe some day

 

Never a bad day to start mate! Look forward to watching your journey when you do.

[backninemully]

great bag and love the posting volume already lol, I need to get my thread going. cheers!

[stratgolf]

7 hours ago, backninemully said:

great bag and love the posting volume already lol, I need to get my thread going. cheers!

 

Thanks mate! Look forward to seeing your thread pop up soon. There will be some more updates later today.... 

[stratgolf]

It's officially new putter day! Excited to put this beauty from Lajosi in Australia in the bag. Kari does some amazing artwork and so pumped to be rolling this one.

[stratgolf]

And some change at the top end of the bag too. Been reading some awesome reviews of the Cobra Max-K and keen to try it out for myself. Managed to snag this Arnold palmer head on discount which I think is pretty groovy too.

 

Need to get the shaft dialed in, but will start with my trusty Ventus Blue 6s and go from there as needed. 

 

Knowing how clubs work, I will no doubt have my best driving day of the season next weekend with a scared straight Qi35 LS!

[stratgolf]

My trusty Ventus Blue 6s has been installed, and with it - a change in length! Previously played my Qi35 LS at 46' - now trialing a shorter driver at 44.5. Hoping this helps out with more consistent impact locations, and I'm happy to give up a few meters of driving distance. It's going to be quite an adjustment to go from an LS long monster to a 10k bunt driver, but I simply just need to get off the tee better. With the shorter driver length, I've picked up a 14g weight to replace the existing 10g to try and assist with the swingweight. Excited to get into the lab and get this puppy dialed in!

[stratgolf]

And the postman delivers! A big thanks to those who helped me out on my 5 Hybrid Young Old Man Bag thread, I've decided to drop my P770 4 Iron for a QI 35 5 Hybrid at 25 degrees. Moving to the P770 was done to try and get some additional forgiveness and launch in the 4 iron, and I have simply loved the addition of the matching 4 hybrid to the bag so much that I think this is a good move. Launch, carry and forgiveness have all increased and I'm really happy. I feel comfy with a 5 iron so not sure that I would add a 6 hybrid to the bag, but anything is possible from here!

 

I'm not a stock headcover guy, so looking forward to playing the Grange and Kooyonga (Adelaide, Australia) in September for my Bucks weekend and raiding their pro shops for something cool. I need to reach out to Club Champion (oh dear) to pickup the matching LA Golf Shaft I've loved so much in the 4 hybrid. Vamos!

 

 

[DE-ILLINI]

If you get some cool head covers, please share pictures!  I think you will enjoy the 5-hybrid.  I was hesitant before I got mine, now it is one of my favorite clubs.

[Shanks2424]

On 7/17/2025 at 8:39 PM, stratgolf said:

My trusty Ventus Blue 6s has been installed, and with it - a change in length! Previously played my Qi35 LS at 46' - now trialing a shorter driver at 44.5. Hoping this helps out with more consistent impact locations, and I'm happy to give up a few meters of driving distance. It's going to be quite an adjustment to go from an LS long monster to a 10k bunt driver, but I simply just need to get off the tee better. With the shorter driver length, I've picked up a 14g weight to replace the existing 10g to try and assist with the swingweight. Excited to get into the lab and get this puppy dialed in!

I like the look of that driver. Hope the new length helps I went the other way. I used to play 45 now I am playing 45.5 in my TSI3 with a Hzrdus Gen 5 Black 6.0.

[stratgolf]

7 hours ago, DE-ILLINI said:

If you get some cool head covers, please share pictures!  I think you will enjoy the 5-hybrid.  I was hesitant before I got mine, now it is one of my favorite clubs.

 

Absolutely will do!

 

Interesting - any particular reason you didn't match your 5h to your 3h and 4h?

[DE-ILLINI]

20 minutes ago, stratgolf said:

 

Absolutely will do!

 

Interesting - any particular reason you didn't match your 5h to your 3h and 4h?

I got it cheap as an experiment with the plan to eventually match the other hybrid if I liked it.  The 5H worked so well, I figured there is no sense changing.

[stratgolf]

On 7/24/2025 at 12:15 PM, DE-ILLINI said:

I got it cheap as an experiment with the plan to eventually match the other hybrid if I liked it.  The 5H worked so well, I figured there is no sense changing.

 

Makes sense - play what works!

[stratgolf]

On 7/24/2025 at 6:45 AM, Shanks2424 said:

I like the look of that driver. Hope the new length helps I went the other way. I used to play 45 now I am playing 45.5 in my TSI3 with a Hzrdus Gen 5 Black 6.0.

 

Did you go longer for extra distance?

[Shanks2424]

11 hours ago, stratgolf said:

 

Did you go longer for extra distance?

Yes and no. I wanted to experiment and see if I could get some more ball speed. Its defiantly a big change in feel. Only been on trackman twice since getting them. (SUPER FREAKING HOT IN ST LOUIS MISSOURI!!!) It seems that my ball speed is up and up on miss hits so that's a plus. As for accuracy I am not any worse compared to the 45in shaft to the 45.5 inch shaft.