Unique Clubs in Play | J.J. Spaun’s L.A.B. DF3 Putter, Keegan Bradley’s TaylorMade QI10 HL Fairway Wood, and Austen Truslow’s TaylorMade SIM Max Driver

When it comes to putting, some pros are willing to embrace truly unconventional designs if it means gaining an edge. J.J. Spaun is one such player, and his reliance on the L.A.B. Golf DF3 Putter is a prime example. L.A.B. (Lie Angle Balance) Golf has carved out a unique niche in the putter market with its radical approach to stability, and the DF3 is perhaps their most refined offering to date.

The core technology behind all L.A.B. putters, including the DF3, is Lie Angle Balance. Unlike traditional putters that tend to twist during the stroke, forcing golfers to make compensations, Lie Angle Balanced putters are designed to remain perfectly square to the arc throughout the stroke. This "zero-torque" characteristic aims to simplify the putting stroke, allowing the golfer to focus purely on line and speed. The DF3, in particular, was designed to be sleeker and more visually appealing than L.A.B.'s earlier, more overtly unique models, while still delivering the same high level of stability and forgiveness.

Keegan Bradley is known for his precise ball-striking, and his bag setup reflects a careful selection process designed to optimize every yardage. While he's generally up-to-date with his equipment, his specific choice of the TaylorMade Qi10 HL Fairway Wood (16.5 degrees) is noteworthy, showcasing a nuanced approach to filling a crucial gap in his long game.

The TaylorMade Qi10 fairway wood line, introduced in early 2024, is engineered for a blend of distance and forgiveness. The "HL" (High Launch) model, with its slightly higher loft at 16.5 degrees for a 3-wood, is designed to provide an easier launch and more forgiveness while maintaining impressive ball speed. Key technologies include the Infinity Carbon Crown, which frees up discretionary weight for optimal center of gravity placement, leading to higher launch and lower spin. For Bradley, this 16.5-degree option likely serves as a versatile club off the tee on tighter holes where he needs a reliable, penetrating flight, or for long second shots into par-5s, offering a comfortable launch window and ample forgiveness.

In a sport where driver technology advances rapidly, it's always interesting to see a professional golfer stick with a model from a few generations back. This is the case with Austen Truslow, who continues to game the TaylorMade SIM Max Driver (10.5 degrees). Released in 2020, the SIM Max was a highly popular and successful driver, and Truslow's continued reliance on it speaks volumes about its enduring performance.

The TaylorMade SIM Max Driver was revolutionary for its asymmetric sole design and Inertia Generator, which aimed to improve aerodynamics and increase clubhead speed at the most critical stage of the swing. The Inertia Generator also positioned weight at the extreme rear of the club, contributing to a high Moment of Inertia (MOI) for exceptional forgiveness. For Truslow, the SIM Max at 10.5 degrees provides a potent combination of robust distance, impressive forgiveness, and a consistent ball flight that he clearly trusts. It underscores the point that once a player finds a driver that fits their swing perfectly, the need to upgrade to the very latest model often becomes secondary to proven performance.

From cutting-edge putting science to trusted distance machines, these unique clubs in play highlight the diverse paths professional golfers take to optimize their equipment for competitive success. Find your next game-changer by shopping over 100,000 other new and used golf clubs, in-store or online at 2ndswing.com.