You may remember a couple years ago when Lefty rocked the Masters house with two drivers in his bag. This week it sounds like he will be using one, but he’s planning on dropping a different shaft in the club between rounds if it turns out he needs to tweak the performance characteristics.
"This year, I am experimenting, I did have two drivers in the bag (Tuesday). The nice thing about that is I have been able to interchange shafts and put in a longer shaft in if I want more distance. I’m hoping I only need one driver because I want to put an extra wedge in."
Man, wouldn’t it be sweet if we could do that?
We can.
A new ruling by the USGA and the new I-MIX system from Callaway Golf means that you have exactly the same option. I recently bashed the USGA for their new “U” groove policy. This policy was made at the same time, but they got this one right. It should be a real benefit for regular golfers.
Like having your own tour van.
I recently sat in on the Callaway demo and then sampled the new system. It works and it’s easy. 30 seconds and a special torque wrench is all you need to switch a club head or shaft. Not during a round mind you. Clubs can only be altered between rounds or you'll be facing serious penalty strokes. FT-i and FT-5 clubheads come in 22 variations which are then partnered with your choice of over 70 shaft options to build the perfect beast. If you were to build every single option available you would end up with 1600 different clubs. Even I should be able to find one that works for me.
It’s nice to know we don’t have to buy a quiver of drivers or have to re-shaft existing drivers and then wait for a day or more for epoxy and grips to cure. The I-MIX system costs about $50 more than the comparable "glued" FT-i or FT-5 driver, but in the long run the ability to make adjustments may save you more than that.
Boyne Country Sports will be carrying the system and can work with you and a Vector launch monitor to create a custom-fit howitzer on the spot.
Now if only somebody would pay you to wear their shoes.
-JJ
