What's In My Bag: Jamie Lovemark

By E. Michael Johnson and Jamie Lovemark

Photos by J.D. Cuban

Age: 28 | Lives: Jupiter, Fla. | Story: Won 2007 NCAA Championship; four top 10s on PGA Tour in 2015-’16.

AVONDALE, LA - APRIL 29: Jamie Lovemark takes his second shot on the 18th hole during the second round of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans at TPC Louisiana on April 29, 2016 in Avondale, Louisiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Photo by Getty Images

Accuracy Is Key

A large part of my improved play can be attributed to hitting it straighter off the tee. That’s allowed me to take advantage of my length. That’s difficult to do when you’re in the trees. I have tons of confidence in my driver right now.

Water World

I love to surf. I don’t do it as much as I used to, but I surfed a lot when I was at USC. I like anything having to do with being on the water. Stand-up paddleboarding or fishing. You name it: If it’s on water, I’m in.

Driver

Specs: Nike Vapor Fly Pro, 9.5˚, 45 inches, Oban Kiyoshi HB 75 shaft, X-flex, D-2 swingweight. The pear shape of this driver is appealing. The low spin from the Oban shaft has really helped me.

Fairway Wood

Specs: Nike Vapor Fly (13˚, Oban Kiyoshi HB 85 shaft, X-flex) and Nike Vapor Fly (19˚, Mitsubishi Diamana D+ 90 shaft, TX-flex). I rotate the 5-wood and 2-iron depending on the course, but I’m starting to use the 5-wood more often to get more height on shots.

Irons

Specs: Nike Vapor Pro, 3- through 9-iron, True Temper Dynamic Gold X100 shafts, Golf Pride Tour Velvet BCT 58 grips. A pretty conventional blade iron. I don’t want anything fancy. I’m a tall guy (6-foot-4), so having irons 3 degrees upright and a half an inch more in length is a plus.

Wedges

Specs: Nike Engage (47˚), True Temper Dynamic Gold X100 shaft; Nike Engage (54˚and 58˚), True Temper Dynamic Gold S400 shafts. I changed lofts from 48, 54 and 60 degrees to my current setup. My yardage gaps are better, and I haven’t lost anything around the greens by having a 58-degree as my highest-lofted club.

Putter

Specs: Nike Method Matter B2-01, 36 inches, 3˚ loft, 72˚ lie, Golf Pride Pistolero grip. I want to try the new Nike putter but haven’t gotten around to it. I’ve always liked the blade style. I prefer the softer edges. I like the mallet look, but the feel is too different.

Grab On The Greens

The biggest difference with the new RZN Platinum is the softer cover really lets you nip it on chips and short shots.

Two-coin Approach

Most players have one special ball marker. I have two. My fiance gave me this large St. Sebastian coin, and I use a non-reflective dime when I get close to the hole, so my mark isn’t in anyone’s way.

School’s In Session

This training aid designed by Dave Pelz is easy to use and has really improved my alignment on putts.

Stuck In A Groove

I’m picky about keeping my grooves clean, and this EZ-Brush does the job. I even clean my grooves during practice.

Blue For Brazil

The electric blue on my driver is part of Nike’s Olympic colors.

Frequent Flier

I’m in the process of getting my pilot’s license. I have 20-plus hours in the air so far. Since I was young, I’ve wanted to be a pilot. I’ve always had a strong fascination with airplanes.