What's In My Bag: Austin Ernst

Austin Ernst was 2011 NCAA individual champion as a freshman, had one LPGA win (2014) and is currently top 10 in U.S. Solheim Cup standings. From driver to putter find out what she carries in her golf bag.

By Austin Ernst with Keely Levins

Photo by Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images

AGE: 25
LIVES: Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.
STORY: 2011 NCAA individual champion as a freshman; one LPGA win (2014); currently top 10 in U.S. Solheim Cup standings.

TEAM PLAYER
I really want to make the Solheim Cup. If I keep playing solid, I'll be in contention.

THE RIGHT ADVICE
My dad, Mark, is a club pro, and has taught me since I was 6 years old. When I got on tour, I picked Stacy Lewis' brain and she answered any question I had. On the course, my brother, Drew, is my caddie. He knows what not to say.

DRIVER
SPECS: PXG 0811LX (10.5˚, 45.75 inches, Graphite Design Tour AD TP 5, S-flex).This lighter-headweight model works better with the longer shaft, and I'm able to have more control. A lot of drivers I tested this year were spinning way too much for me. But this one had the right trajectory and low spin.

FAIRWAY WOODS
SPECS: 3-wood (15˚): PXG 0341X; 5-wood (18˚): PXG 0341. Shafts are Graphite Design Tour AD TP 6, S-flex.For me, the biggest test is playing it. The numbers might say one thing, but you have to get on the course to know for sure.

HYBRIDS
SPECS: PXG 0317X (22˚, Graphite Design DI 75, S-flex).I know there are plenty of players who carry a 4-iron, but I'm not one of them, and there aren't many on the LPGA Tour. The forgiveness and height make all the difference

IRONS
SPECS: PXG 0311T (5-iron through PW, Nippon N.S. PRO 950GH, R-flex). All grips are Golf Pride Tour Velvet.

WEDGES
SPECS: PXG 0311 Sierra 50˚, Titleist Vokey Design SM5 54˚ (bent a degree weak) and 60˚(Nippon N.S. Pro 950GH R-flex shafts)I've played Titleist wedges for a long time. I just prefer the topline on the SM5. You want that comfort standing over a chip shot. I switched to PXG irons in June 2016. I like how these are so forgiving, and they still have that compact, blade look. When I miss it a little bit, the difference feels like maybe four yards, not eight.

PUTTER
SPECS: Scotty Cameron by Titleist Futura 5S (33 inches, 3˚of loft)When I won I was using the Newport 2, which is a traditional-looking blade, but I've liked shifting to a mallet. It's so easy to line up, and my stroke is more consistent and stable.

THERE'S NO REASON THIS DOT IS BLUE
I mark my Titleist Pro V1 in a pretty boring way, just a dot over the number. As for why it's blue, no special reason. I just use the color of whatever Sharpie I happen to pull out of the bag.

PRECIOUS METALS
This coin came from three inspiring Marines I played with in the Kia Classic Pro-Am. The other is for where I was born and raised, South Carolina.

BOAT PEOPLE
I splurged last year and bought this boat. I love hanging out on the lake with my friends, cruising on the water, tubing, that kind of thing. It's a great way to relax.