Akshay Bhatia Co-Leads The Players After Key Gear Changes
Akshay Bhatia has taken the golf world by storm, co-leading The Players Championship after making some crucial equipment changes. What’s fascinating about his rise this week? It all comes down to three key adjustments to his gear, proving once again how vital the right tools are in a golfer’s bag.
Bhatia made a bold decision by switching back to his old Callaway Rogue ST LS driver, a club he’s trusted since 2022. He’s known for being meticulous about his equipment, rarely making changes unless absolutely necessary. But after a slow start to the season and missing the cut at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, he realized it was time for a switch. The newer drivers he had been using were more fade-biased, making it difficult for him to shape his shots the way he wanted. Going back to his old driver gave him the confidence and control he needed, and the results speak for themselves—he currently ranks 11th in strokes gained off the tee through two rounds, gaining more than 2.2 strokes.
Also Read:- Brewster’s Strike Seals Victory in Thrilling Sheffield Derby
- Trader Joe's Recalls Gerolsteiner Sparkling Water Over Safety Hazard
But the driver change wasn’t the only adjustment. Bhatia also reverted to an older shaft, the Project X HZURDUS “Hulk” from 2021. This shaft, slightly longer than his previous one, has helped him find the sweet spot more consistently. He’s also been working closely with his coach to fine-tune his swing, and the combination of these elements is clearly paying off.
Another interesting addition to his bag is the Callaway Elyte Mini driver, replacing his usual 3-wood. This move is strategic—Sawgrass is a course where precision is crucial, and having a club that bridges the gap between driver and fairway wood gives him more control on tricky holes. Bhatia’s ability to adapt and test new gear while still relying on what’s worked in the past is a testament to his growing maturity on the PGA Tour.
And let’s not forget about the putter. Bhatia has switched to his backup Odyssey Jailbird Broomstick putter, a club that had never seen competition before. He made the move after struggling with putting at the Genesis Invitational, where he had four three-putts in a single round. With the backup putter in hand, he turned things around, gaining over 5.3 strokes on the greens in his next event and securing his first top-10 finish of the season. The putter has a slight difference—just a quarter-shaft more offset—which allows him to square the face more easily. That tiny change has made a big impact on his confidence and consistency.
So, what can we take away from Bhatia’s performance? Sometimes, it’s not about chasing the latest technology but finding the right combination of familiarity and innovation. His decision to return to trusted gear while integrating new elements has given him an edge at The Players. If he keeps this momentum going, he could be in for a career-defining moment this weekend. Stay tuned—it’s going to be an exciting finish!
Read More:
0 Comments