U.S. Open 2025: Xander Schauffele's gear tweak for Oakmont

While much of the pre-tournament gear talk focused on Rory McIlroy’s driver and Bryson DeChambeau’s irons, Xander Schauffele quietly made an adjustment to his woods and irons, changing the grip model on all of them.

It’s an interesting move for the No. 3-ranked played in the world, but one carefully calculated. The two-time major champion switched from Golf Pride’s original Align grip to its newer, more aggressive Align Max MCC Plus 4. For those not familiar with the Align technology, it features a reminder rib on the underside. The Max, however, pushes the raised ridge technology to the maximum-allowed height for a longer, firmer and 25-percent higher ridge than the original Align.

According to Golf Pride's tour rep, Schauffele made the leap because he likes a larger, built-up feeling under the right hand, which he had previously been achieving by using extra layers of tape in his previous grips. He also prefers the larger raised ridge and slightly tackier feel of the MCC Plus 4 model.

The Align Max is designed to provide a guide to the feel of where to position the hands on the club. Players can also benefit from grip alignment features as they can enhance face awareness such as getting the face square at impact with a "protrusion" that is in line with the leading edge. Moreover, certain players may favor a stronger or weaker grip position. Having the reminders can provide consistency of grip position.

In a week that demands consistency, Schauffele’s switch might just prove timely.