Unique Clubs in Play | Chris Gotterup’s TaylorMade RSi TP UDI 1-Iron

Chris Gotterup, a rising talent on the PGA Tour, recently garnered attention not just for his play, but for a particularly unique club in his bag that dates back nearly a decade: a TaylorMade RSi TP UDI 1-Iron set at 16 degrees. In an era where even 2-irons are becoming increasingly niche, Gotterup's reliance on this ultra-low-lofted utility iron is a fascinating peek into a professional's quest for precision and versatility.

The TaylorMade RSi TP UDI (Ultimate Driving Iron) was originally released in 2015 as part of the RSi family, which famously introduced "Face Slot Technology." The UDI line was designed for better players seeking the control and workability of a long iron with some of the forgiveness and distance associated with a hybrid.

Key technologies in the RSi TP UDI included:

Hollow Body Construction: This design allowed for strategic weight placement, contributing to a lower center of gravity and enhanced forgiveness compared to traditional blade 1-irons.

455 Carpenter Steel Face: A thin, strong face material designed to maximize ball speed across the hitting area.

Speed Pocket Technology: A slot in the sole of the club, especially effective on shots struck low on the face, designed to increase face flexibility and protect ball speed for more consistent distance.

Minimal Offset: The Tour Preferred (TP) designation meant a more compact, iron-like profile with very little offset, appealing to players who like to shape their shots.

For a player like Gotterup, this 1-iron serves as a vital weapon for several reasons. It provides a penetrating, low-spin ball flight that is exceptionally effective in windy conditions, common on many links-style courses. It's also an excellent option for tight driving holes where a driver might be too much, offering control and a significant amount of roll-out.

Gotterup has openly discussed his affinity for this specific club, even joking about how he acquired it. His continued trust in the RSi TP UDI, even as newer utility irons are released, underscores the profound importance of a player's comfort and confidence with their equipment. While it might be a "dinosaur" to some, for Chris Gotterup, this 1-iron is a proven performer that consistently delivers the shots he needs to compete at the highest level.

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