STORY Winner of nine PGA Tour events, including the 2018 Masters.
FREE AGENT Reed is an equipment free agent, with no deal mandating the majority of clubs in his bag. However, his relationship with Grindworks (a Japan-based maker of premium golf clubs) has been fulfilling.
“I love using the creative side of me, and this allowed me to do that in terms of the product and helping to build the brand,” says Reed, who added he is working with the company on a signature wedge line.
—WITH E. MICHAEL JOHNSON
(Photographs from Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images, John Loomis, Titleist)
▶ This driver went in the bag after I started to work with David Leadbetter, and my swing became more consistent. The driver I had been using was spinning too much. With this one the ball speed was good, the launch numbers were what we wanted, and I could work it left and right.
▶ I hope the 3-wood never breaks because it’s been pretty good for me. On the hybrid, I like the compact shape. I spin my woods a lot compared to my irons, and the smaller head helps keep the spin down.
Irons
SPECS Grindworks Patrick Reed Prototype (4-PW), True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 shafts, Golf Pride Tour Velvet grips.
▶ We started from scratch with Grindworks. We wanted the center of gravity in the middle of the face on every club. Then we worked on the sole, bounce, grind and offset and weighted each iron to optimize the launch and spin of each club.
▶ A lot of metal is moved off my wedges. It doesn’t matter what we start with. The whole thing is going to be grounded on. Still, the least amount of metal you can move, the easier it is to replicate.
Putter
SPECS Scotty Cameron Tour Rat prototype, 33.5 inches, Iomic grip.
▶ I’ve always found this look and neck allow me to aim the putter the best. I feel confident every day with my stroke. I’ve had three or four tournaments since I put this putter in play where I’ve had fewer than 100 putts. This baby is staying in the bag. I’m so comfortable with it.
Stars & Stripes
▶ This flag is in my bag at all times. It doesn’t matter if I have a carry bag at home, it’s in there. At the 2014 Ryder Cup, captain Tom Watson had two wounded warriors speak. Listening to them, I realized every time I play I’m representing our country, that we were playing for something bigger.
Ball
▶ I use the 2017 version of the Titleist Pro V1. This gives me the launch and spin I want. The red dot helps identify my ball in the rough.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
▶ For me, this Kobe Bryant putter cover is about showing respect. He touched so many people outside of sports.
