Webb Simpson
The Acushnet Company doesn’t need much help more help in promoting its Titleist equipment line – the years of success speaks for itself – but Webb Simpson proved to be a good spokesman at this week’s Sony Open in Honolulu. One of the rising stars on the PGA Tour, Simpson plays a bag full of Titleist clubs, including a 909D3 driver, 910F fairway metals, 910H hybrid, 680 irons, and Vokey Design sand and lob wedges.
Notice that those aren’t the latest models of Titleist product, but it seems to make no difference. Simpson finished T3 at last week’s Hyundai Tournament of Champions, proving that in the hands of a world class player at least, you don’t have to play the newest clubs to perform at a high level.
“Everything new Titleist comes out with, I do test,” Simpson said. “But I’m old school in my thoughts of switching equipment. As long as I’m feeling good with what I’m using and its ability to perform well, then I won’t switch. I’ve used the same irons now for 10 years – the same ones‑‑ or I’ve got newer sets but the same exact model. The driver I’ve used for three years.
“It always want to tackle the problem with myself first. If I’m swinging bad, I want to fix my swing and then maybe test some equipment.”
Simpson had opportunities to move to another equipment company this year but said he never really considered moving from Titleist.
“I believe in this equipment. I don’t want to change,” he said. “ I’ve seen players do it over and over again, and they struggle the next year. It takes them a few years to figure it out again.
“I would rather go win $2million on the course and make nothing off than win half a million on the course and make $4 (million) off. The way we are wired, we want to play good golf and it doesn’t matter the other way.”
