Note: the provided search results refer to actor Jake Gyllenhaal, not Jake Morrow; no relevant links for the Fully Equipped Podcast co‑host were found. Below is the requested news‑style lead.
Bag Spy reports that Jake Morrow, co‑host of the Fully Equipped Podcast, can no longer use certain clubs that once defined his bag. The disclosure, made in a recent bag Spy feature, spotlights evolving equipment rules, sponsorship pressures and the practical realities facing golf content creators.
Equipment rule changes and manufacturer recalls that sidelined Jake Morrow’s go‑to clubs
Bag Spy tracking and recent reporting on the Why Fully Equipped podcast confirm that changes in the rules and a handful of manufacturer recalls have sidelined several of Jake Morrow’s long‑time choices, forcing an immediate rework of his on‑course strategy and practice priorities. The USGA/R&A groove rule (which limited groove volume and edge sharpness) and the anchoring prohibition for putting fundamentally altered which lofted wedges and long putters remain legal, while certain manufacturers issued recalls or retroactive non‑conforming determinations on heads that produced excessive face flex or unapproved adjustability. As a result, Morrow – like many players - had to replace or reconfigure clubs, a change that ripples through swing mechanics, short‑game technique, and scoring strategy. For players responding to similar forced equipment switches, the first step is an inventory and baseline test: record carry distances, spin rates (if you have a launch monitor), and lateral dispersion for three shots per club before swapping them out so you can measure betterment against a baseline.
The immediate technical fallout is most pronounced around the scoring clubs: wedges and high‑lofted irons. When a high‑spin wedge is replaced by a conforming head with slightly wider, less aggressive grooves, spin and stopping power decrease – often by 1,000-3,000 rpm on full shots, depending on loft and surface. To compensate, adjust your setup and strike: position the ball slightly back of center for lower, controlled trajectories; set weight to 55-60% on the lead foot at address; and shallow the shaft lean at impact by closing the hands 0.5-1.0 inch forward relative to the ball for cleaner contact.Practice drills:
- Impact tape drill – take 20 wedge shots at 30-40 yards focusing on consistent center‑face contact; mark misses and shorten backswing if toe strikes dominate.
- Low‑spin full wedge drill – hit 10 balls with a 3⁄4 swing aiming to reduce spin by opening the face 2-4°, then note carry and roll to learn bump‑and‑run options.
- Flop‑to‑bump progression – alternate high open‑face flop shots with low running chip shots to expand your shot repertoire when spin is reduced.
These routines are scalable: beginners start at 20-30 yards with half swings, while low handicappers work on trajectory shaping and spin control using a launch monitor target (spin change targets of ±500 rpm are reasonable short‑term goals).
On the tee and in the long game, recalled or non‑conforming drivers and woods tend to affect launch and dispersion more then pure distance. If a head with an illegal face or unapproved movable‑weight system is removed, golfers usually notice changes in launch angle (±1-1.5°) and spin (±200-600 rpm). To stabilize performance after a hardware swap, refine the fundamentals: maintain a slightly higher tee height (so the center of the face meets the ball on the upswing) and seek an attack angle of +1.5° to +3° with the driver for optimal spin and carry. Key drills include:
- Gate drill for center contact - place two tees slightly wider than the clubhead and swing through; the goal is repeatable center strikes.
- Tee‑height ladder – hit five balls at incrementally higher tee heights and record carry; choose the tee that maximizes carry without ballooning spin.
- Launch‑angle calibration – with a launch monitor, target a carry consistency of ±8 yards across five swings to reduce dispersion.
These steps improve reliability whether you’re a beginner chasing consistency or a low handicapper optimizing launch conditions after an equipment shift.
Putting adjustments were among the most instantly visible impacts of the anchoring rule and some subsequent putter recalls: players who used long‑length anchored strokes had to adopt new grips and reference points. For Morrow and peers, retraining the stroke requires both setup and motor‑pattern changes: adopt a comfortable, non‑anchored grip (cross‑hand or claw if needed), position your eyes directly over or just inside the ball line, and hinge from the shoulders with a quiet lower body. Step‑by‑step coaching cues:
- Setup checkpoint - feet shoulder‑width, eyes over the ball, hands slightly ahead of the ball by 0.5 inch.
- Stroke drill – use a metronome at 60-70 bpm to rehearse a one‑axis shoulder pendulum for 3 minutes daily; quality over quantity.
- Distance control ladder – place tees at 5,10,15 and 20 feet and try to lag to within 3 feet on nine balls at each distance; track progression weekly.
For players learning by feel, practice free‑standing strokes; for analytical learners, use a stroke analyzer or video to measure face angle at impact and backstroke/forward stroke length ratio (aim for close to 1:1.1 for uphill putts). Mental focus on routine consistency helps bridge the transition from an anchored habit to a legal, repeatable stroke.
equipment changes force immediate course‑management and mental adaptations: when a favored club is gone, play to percentages. If your replacement wedges spin less, avoid low‑margin high‑risk flop shots; rather, select higher‑percentage bump‑and‑run or full‑swing approaches that leave you with simple up‑and‑downs. Establish measurable practice and course goals – for example, reduce three‑putts to fewer than two per round within four weeks or tighten approach dispersion to within 15 yards of the target at 150 yards – and use staged practice to get there. Recommended weekly routine:
- Two technical sessions (30-45 minutes) focusing on face contact and attack angle.
- Two short‑game sessions (45-60 minutes) emphasizing controlled spin and trajectory options on varied turf and weather conditions.
- One on‑course session practicing conservative strategy (play to the fat side of the green, limit risk) and tracking score to measure transfer.
Common mistakes include overcompensating with backswing length after an equipment change (correct by shortening the takeaway and focusing on tempo), or abandoning alignment fundamentals under pressure (correct by rehearsing a two‑step pre‑shot routine). By combining Bag Spy‑informed inventory checks, targeted drills, and conservative strategy adjustments, golfers at every level can convert an equipment setback into measurable scoring gains.
launch monitor evidence and on‑course metrics expose a clear performance decline in the old set
Recent launch monitor data and corroborating on‑course metrics have made one conclusion unavoidable: the set that once performed for recreational and competitive players is now producing measurable decline in outcomes. Test comparisons show ball speed reductions of 1-3 mph, carry losses of 5-15 yards with long irons and fairway woods, and increased dispersion-wider lateral misses and higher standard deviation in carry-on approach shots.Moreover, insight from Why Fully Equipped Podcast co‑host Jake Morrow and Bag Spy reporting illustrates real‑world causes: factory loft drift, worn grooves, and inconsistent shaft stiffness that turn reliable yardages into guessing games. As a first step, golfers should record baseline readings-clubhead speed, launch angle, spin rate, and carry-on a launch monitor and on the course (one dozen tracked shots per club) to quantify declines and create an objective plan for improvement.
Once a performance gap is confirmed, technique adjustments can stop the bleeding and prepare players for equipment changes. Specifically, check the interaction of face angle, dynamic loft, and attack angle: a typical iron attack angle for most amateurs is -3° to -6°, producing the desired compression; the driver attack angle often ranges from +1° to +4° for modern launch profiles. If on‑monitor data shows lower launch and excessive spin, practice these drills and setup checkpoints to restore contact quality and center‑face strikes:
- Setup checkpoint: ball position mid‑to‑toe for long irons, slightly forward for driver; shaft lean at address for irons ~0-2° forward.
- Impact bag drill: short swings focusing on compressing the ball with a descending blow for irons; 20 reps, record ball flight consistency.
- gate drill: place tees to enforce path and face control to reduce toe/heel misses.
These steps are accessible to beginners and can be refined by low handicappers to chase consistent smash factor and centered hits, restoring lost yards without immediately changing equipment.
Short‑game degradation is often the largest hidden scorecard culprit when old clubs age: worn wedge grooves and reduced spin create longer run‑outs and missed scoring opportunities around the green. When launch monitor wedge spin rates fall below expected levels (for many players a modern pitching/wedge spin range on full shots is roughly 3,000-9,000 rpm, depending on contact and speed), adjust both technique and tools. Practice the following:
- Partial wedge ladder: hit 30, 60, and 90‑yard shots aiming for precise carry distances; record carry and proximity to the hole.
- Greenside stroke control: 50‑yard bump‑and‑runs to teach lower trajectory recoveries in wet or windy conditions.
- Groove check: inspect for wear and, if necessary, reglove or replace wedges to restore spin on full and partial shots.
From a rules and equipment standpoint, ensure clubs conform to USGA/R&A standards if used in competition; practically, swap worn wedges for measurable spin recovery rather than hoping technique alone will compensate.
On‑course strategy must adapt when metrics show distance or dispersion loss. consequently, players should re‑map their bag gapping using carry yards (not total distance) and plan conservative targets that reduce penalty risk. Such as,if a 7‑iron carry dropped from 160 to 150 yards,immediately adjust approach club selection and layup distances; play to the fat side of the green when crosswinds increase effective dispersion. Jake Morrow’s experience-where he “couldn’t use these clubs anymore” after Bag Spy revealed inconsistent lofts and gaps-offers a practical scenario: replace problematic long irons with hybrids or re‑loft clubs to preserve gapping and lower dispersion. Practice these on‑course routines:
- Target‑zone practice: aim for a 20‑yard-wide target at realistic approach distances to train shot tolerance.
- Wind‑adjustment protocol: add or subtract 1 club per 10 mph of wind head/tail component and visualize trajectory changes.
This methodical approach converts launch monitor numbers into smarter hole management and better scoring decisions.
combine equipment solutions, a structured practice plan, and mental calibration to regain lost performance. Start with equipment checks-regrip, inspect loft/lie, and consider shaft testing-then set measurable improvement goals: increase driver ball speed by 1-2 mph in 8 weeks or reduce 9‑iron carry standard deviation to ≤10 yards in 6 weeks. A sample weekly practice routine might include:
- Two range sessions (short game focus + full swing drills) with launch monitor feedback.
- One on‑course situational practice round focusing on club selection and layups.
- daily 10‑minute putting and green reading drills to convert approaches into pars.
Troubleshooting common mistakes-such as standing too far from the ball, leading to thin shots, or trying to swing faster to regain distance-should be countered with tempo drills and pre‑shot routines that emphasize process over result. By marrying empirical launch monitor evidence with targeted technique work, appropriate equipment updates, and disciplined course management, golfers of all levels can reverse the decline and translate adjustments into lower scores.
Club fitting mismatch and swing evolution explain why the clubs no longer suit Morrow’s mechanics
In recent observations from Bag Spy and the Fully Equipped Podcast, co‑host Jake Morrow publicly acknowledged that his current set no longer matches his on‑course mechanics, and the numbers explain why. Club fitting hinges on measurable variables-shaft flex, club length, lie angle, loft and the club’s center of gravity-and when a player’s swing changes those variables must be re‑evaluated. start by establishing baseline metrics with a launch monitor: swing speed (mph), ball speed (mph), attack angle (°), launch angle (°) and spin rate (rpm). For example, players with a driver swing speed of 96-110 mph generally need a stiff (S) shaft; those below 80 mph should consider ladies or senior flexes. In news‑style summary, the story is numeric: when Morrow’s attack angle shifted from a -2° downward strike to a +2-+4° shallow/ascending path, his driver and long irons produced unexpected spin and launch, revealing a clear fitting mismatch.
Technically, a swing evolution alters the required lie, loft and shaft profile. If your swing becomes more upright by even 1-2°, you need a corresponding lie adjustment to avoid pulls or thin shots; conversely, a flatter swing promotes hooks unless the lie is flattened by a similar amount.To diagnose and correct this, follow a step‑by‑step on‑range protocol: 1) record swings on a launch monitor over 30 hits; 2) note the median attack angle and impact location; 3) test alternate shafts and loft stacks to observe changes in spin and dispersion. Useful drills include the tee‑height descent drill (raise/lower tee to dial attack angle) and the impact tape check (verify center strikes). These actions give both beginners and low handicappers a clear roadmap to align equipment to evolving biomechanics.
short game and putting are equally sensitive to equipment shifts,and Morrow’s experience illustrates that wedges and putter specs must support current technique. Wrong wedge bounce or loft progression creates distance gaps and poor bunker play-if your sand wedge has 10° bounce but you play a steep, diggy shot, you will fat shots; players with shallow swings need lower bounce (4-6°). For putting, tiny changes in loft (±0.5°) or lie angle (±1°) can alter launch conditions and toe/heel weighting leads. Practice routines to rebuild feel include:
- 10‑Ball Distance Ladder – chip 10 balls to a 20‑ft target to calibrate 10/20/30‑ft lengths;
- Gate Putting drill – improves path and face angle at impact;
- One‑Handed Pitching – emphasizes wrist hinge and contact points.
These drills are scalable-beginners focus on consistent contact, advanced players quantify proximity and spin to reduce strokes gained around the green.
On‑course strategy changes when the bag no longer fits the swing. A misfit driver that sprays 30+ yards left or right forces conservative tee choices and higher scores, while inconsistent approach clubs affect GIR and scrambling frequency. Practical re‑bagging advice: replace a long iron with a hybrid if you lose launch, lower loft on a driver by 1-1.5° if launch is excessively high with spin, and set wedge gapping at consistent 4° loft steps to achieve predictable yardage intervals (aim for 8-12 yards between clubs). Situational examples: into a stiff headwind pick one extra club and aim for lower trajectory; on firm links conditions, use a club with less loft to keep the ball running. To internalize this, play a dedicated 9‑hole test where you record each hole’s club choices and resulting proximity to the hole to inform tangible bag changes.
implement a structured refit and retraining plan to close the loop between swing evolution and equipment. The process should be iterative: baseline testing, coach consultation, on‑track launch‑monitor sessions, followed by an equipment trial (demo days) and a six‑week skills program with measurable goals-reduce driver dispersion to within 15 yards, lower average approach distance error to +/- 10 yards, and improve proximity to hole to under 30 feet. Suggested practice schedule:
- Week 1-2: technical work (tempo, path) with metronome (try a 3:1 backswing:downswing rhythm);
- Week 3-4: on‑course decision‑making and distance control drills;
- Week 5-6: integration and demo testing with adjusted specs.
For players of all levels, alternate learning styles-visual video feedback, kinesthetic one‑hand drills, and numeric launch‑monitor data-ensure robust improvement. As reported by bag Spy and discussed on the Fully Equipped Podcast,the takeaway is clear: when swing mechanics evolve,timely refitting and a disciplined practice plan turn a mismatch into lower scores and renewed confidence on the course.
Physical strain and injury history drive the shift toward different shaft flexes and lengths
News from the coaching room shows a trend: players with prior injuries or chronic physical strain are deliberately altering shaft flex and length to protect their bodies while preserving performance. Equipment data from Bag Spy and commentary on the Fully Equipped Podcast – notably why co‑host Jake Morrow can’t use these clubs anymore – illustrate the point: shafts that were once longer and vrey stiff can exacerbate back, elbow, or wrist issues. Coaches now recommend quantifying the problem first: baseline a player’s swing speed, attack angle and miss pattern on a launch monitor, then consider reducing driver length from the common modern standard of ~45.0 inches to a safer range of 43.5-44.5 inches or shortening irons by 0.25-0.75 inches. These changes shorten the arc, lower peak forces on the shoulders and lower back, and can be combined with moving from an X/S flex to an R/A flex depending on swing speed and injury profile.
Technically,shifting shaft properties requires intentional swing adjustments to keep ball flight and dispersion under control. A softer or shorter shaft typically increases effective dynamic loft and can create a later release; therefore, players should monitor three measurable variables: swing speed (mph), attack angle (degrees), and launch (degrees). Such as, golfers with swing speeds of 85-95 mph will often perform best on Regular flex shafts, while those below 85 mph may benefit from an Senior or Light flex to reduce effort. Step‑by‑step: 1) set a consistent posture and ball position, 2) check shaft lean at impact aiming for a neutral to slight forward shaft lean with irons (~5-10° shaft lean), 3) shorten the takeaway to maintain plane when using a shorter shaft, and 4) re‑test with a launch monitor to confirm spin rates drop into an optimal range (for drivers, target 2000-3000 rpm depending on wind and launch).
Short game and course management must adapt once equipment changes. Shorter or more flexible shafts can make long clubs more controllable but may reduce max distance, so players should re‑map yardages and adjust strategy on doglegs and tee shots. Practically, on a tight, downwind par‑4 where previously a player might attempt to reach the green, the safer play is to select a 3‑wood or hybrid with a more mid‑high launch and accept a shorter run‑out. Drills and setup checkpoints to support this transition include:
- Impact tape drill: Verify centered strikes across different shaft options and aim for 95%+ face‑center contact on the range.
- Half‑swing tempo drill: Use a metronome at 60-70 bpm to train a lower‑stress tempo and reduce violent over‑rotation.
- Launch monitor yardage mapping: Rebuild your bag chart by recording carry and total distances for each club at full,¾,and ½ swings.
Practice routines must be measurable and progressive to convert equipment changes into scoring improvement. Beginners should aim for consistent contact and tempo targets such as strike variance within 5 yards for a given wedge distance; intermediates should set goals like improving fairways hit from 40% to 50% within eight weeks; low handicappers can target reducing dispersion by 10-15 yards and optimizing launch/spin to gain back any lost yardage. Recommended drills include the following step‑by‑step routines: short‑to‑long ladder (50 → 100 → 150 yards) to retrain swing length after shaft shortening; lag‑preservation swings with an impact bag to maintain wrist hinge; and green‑reading sessions that simulate real‑course breaks under varied wind conditions. Coaches should record progress with video and launch monitor snapshots weekly, setting incremental goals and adjusting shaft selection or lie angle by ±0.5° if mishits persist.
injury prevention and long‑term equipment strategy belong together: consult a certified fitter and a medical professional before making wholesale changes.Bag Spy insights into Jake Morrow’s situation serve as a case study – diagnostic testing revealed increased spinal load from a long, stiff driver; after moving to a shorter shaft with a slightly softer tip profile and lower torque, his swing tempo normalized and pain symptoms decreased. For readers,follow a multi‑discipline plan:
- Check equipment conformity and fitting (consult USGA/R&A guidance if making extreme changes).
- Use shaft frequency or launch monitor data to match flex and kick point to your swing; typical torque for control is 3-6° depending on feel and injury tolerance.
- Adopt a maintenance routine of mobility work focused on thoracic rotation and hip hinge to reduce recurrence of strain.
In short, altering shaft flex and length is both a tactical and medical decision: when done with measurement, progressive technique work and course strategy in mind, it preserves health and, paradoxically, can lower scores by improving consistency and shot‑selection under real‑course constraints.
Sponsorship deals and contractual obligations reshape Morrow’s equipment decisions
Industry reporting confirms that recent sponsorship commitments have forced on-course equipment changes for Fully Equipped Podcast co‑host Jake Morrow, and bag Spy analysis explains why specific clubs are now off limits. From an instructional standpoint,these contractual switches are more than brand signage – they alter loft,shaft flex,club length and lie angle,all of which require measurable technical adjustments. Before stepping on the range, check that every new club conforms to USGA/R&A equipment rules and then record baseline numbers: static club length in inches, loft in degrees, and lie angle in degrees. These figures become the reference for setup and swing changes: such as, a 1/4″ change in length typically moves your spine tilt by approximately 1-2°, which affects low-point control and launch conditions.
Consequently, golfers must adjust fundamental swing mechanics to accommodate the new tools. Start with alignment and ball position: for a driver with a longer shaft (common in some sponsor models), position the ball just inside the left heel, widen stance to about 1.5× shoulder width, and increase spine tilt slightly to maintain an upward attack angle (+2° to +4° for many low‑handicappers). By contrast, when irons are slightly shorter or have a flatter lie, move the ball toward the center of the stance and aim for a steeper attack angle (approximately −4° for a descending blow). Step‑by‑step adjustments: 1) Set stance width and ball position; 2) check spine tilt with a plumb line or mirror; 3) make three half‑swings focusing on strike location; 4) measure impact pattern on a launch monitor or impact tape. common mistakes include leaving the ball too far forward after a length reduction and failing to re‑toe/heel the lie angle – correct these by deliberately re‑checking setup and using alignment sticks to lock positions.
Short game and wedge play become critical when certain wedges or specialty clubs are removed from the bag, a point Bag Spy highlighted in its equipment breakdown. Rebuild your wedge gapping so loft increments remain consistent - aim for 4° loft gaps between scoring clubs - and choose bounce/grind to match turf: higher bounce (8-12°) for softer turf and lower bounce (4-6°) for firmer surfaces. Practice drills:
- “Clock” pitching – 8-12 shots from 10, 20 and 30 yards, landing spot fixed; track proximity to a 6‑ft circle.
- Bunker entry angle drill - hit 10 bunker shots with a fixed spot for distance control; focus on an entry 1-2″ behind the ball.
- Lob control progression – 5, 10, 15 yards with descending swing lengths; note how different lofts change trajectory and spin.
For beginners, start with half‑swings and a focus on consistent contact; for low handicappers, refine spin rates and trajectory control on wet vs dry sand and firm greens.
On-course strategy shifts when equipment is restricted: if Morrow must play a different fairway wood or long iron, decision‑making around layups and aggressive lines changes. Recalibrate yardages using a launch monitor or rangefinder and record carry, total distance and dispersion for each new club - test 10 balls per club and use the median carry as your game yardage. Then apply course management tactics: play to conservative landing zones when wind exceeds 15 mph, choose a higher‑lofted fairway club into elevated greens to reduce run‑out, and factor lie‑dependent club selection (e.g., using a 5‑iron from tight fairway lies vs a 3‑wood from the rough). These adjustments reduce penalty risk and convert technical changes into strategic advantage.
implement a structured practice routine that blends technical work,simulation and mental rehearsal to absorb equipment changes. A weekly template could allocate 40% short game, 30% long game, 20% putting, and 10% simulated rounds/practice holes. Warm‑up routine: 10 minutes dynamic mobility,10 minutes wedges (progressing distances),15 minutes full‑swing with new clubs,finish with 15 minutes putting drills. measurable goals: track proximity‑to‑hole for pitches (target: 70% within 15 ft after six weeks), reduce three‑putts by 30%, or tighten driver dispersion by 10 yards. For different learning styles, mix visual feedback (video slow‑motion), kinesthetic drills (impact tape, weighted clubs) and analytical metrics (spin/launch numbers). Above all, pair technical changes with mental strategies – pre‑shot routines and process goals - to ensure contractual equipment shifts become a pathway to performance, not a handicap.
bag rebuild blueprint for readers: recommended replacements and testing steps to consider
First, assemble a baseline before you start replacing clubs: measure current performance on the range and on the course, then compare to target outcomes. Start with a launch-monitor session to capture clubhead speed, ball speed, launch angle, spin rate and smash factor-aim for a driver smash factor between 1.45-1.50 and a launch angle in the 9-12° window for most players seeking carry.Next, collect on-course stats for at least nine holes: fairways hit, GIR, proximity to hole from approach distances, and strokes gained components. As a practical example, Bag Spy’s teardown titled “Why Fully Equipped Podcast co-host Jake Morrow can’t use these clubs anymore” shows how a player’s stock clubs can produce inconsistent spin and poor gapping; use that kind of evidence to justify replacement rather than replacing for style alone. set measurable goals such as 10-15 yards of gapping between clubs and a driver dispersion no wider than 20 yards carry, then proceed to parts selection with these baselines in mind.
Next, identify which clubs to replace and the target specifications for each. Begin with the longest clubs first-driver, fairway woods and hybrids-because small changes there yield the largest scoring impact. When testing heads and shafts, perform A/B sessions to compare shaft flex, torque and kick point: such as, move from a regular to a stiff shaft if clubhead speed increases >5 mph or if you see excessive spin (>3,000 rpm) at driver. For irons and wedges confirm lie angle and loft progression so that each club steps up by roughly 10-15 yards.Use the following setup checkpoints during fitting and selection:
- Grip size and condition – confirm comfortable hold and replace grips older than 1-2 years.
- Loft and lie - ensure progressive loft gaps and correct lie to avoid heel or toe misses.
- Shaft flex selection – match to your tempo and speed; test both regular and stiff options in the same head.
These equipment choices should reflect the course strategy you play most often-if you face long, firm links-style turf, prefer lower-launch, lower-spin options; if you play soft, target higher launch and more spin.
Then,integrate swing mechanics changes required by new clubs with clear,step-by-step drills so the body and equipment synchronize. When moving to a higher-launch driver, as an example, adjust ball position one ball forward and increase spine tilt away from the target by about 3-5° to encourage an upward attack angle; when changing to heavier shafts, emphasize maintaining width and a steady lower body to control tempo. Use these practical drills:
- Impact-bag drill for compressing irons and feeling forward shaft lean.
- Headcover-under-arm drill to maintain connection and reduce casting.
- Tee-height progression with driver to find optimal launch and face contact.
Common mistakes include keeping the old ball position after a loft or shaft change and trying to muscle distance-correct these by practicing controlled tempo swings and measuring the new carry distances until repeatability matches your baseline goals.
Short-game and putting changes are where most rebuilt bags yield immediate strokes-saved; thus test wedges and putter carefully on both the practice green and under pressure. Verify wedge lofts and bounce: a typical modern set might use 46°/50°/54°/58° with bounce options tailored to turf-4-6° for tight, firm lies and 8-12° for soft bunkers and lush turf. Practice drills should include:
- landing-spot drill for pitch shots-pick a landing spot and vary swing length to dial carry and roll.
- Clock-chipping around the green for consistent contact and feel with different lofts.
- Pressure putting-10-foot makes in sets of five to simulate tournament conditions.
As you test, record measurable outcomes: wedge proximity to hole (e.g., within 15 feet for 50-75 yard pitches) and putts per GIR. If Bag Spy insights show a co-host abandoning certain clubs because they produced poor turf interaction in course conditions, replicate those conditions in testing-try shots from tight lies, rough holds, and wet sand-to ensure your wedges and bounce choices perform where you play.
validate your rebuilt bag under real-course strategy and mental-pressure scenarios to complete the blueprint. conduct on-course A/B testing over a 9-hole loop-play one loop with the old clubs and one with the new setup-while recording key metrics: GIR, up-and-down percentage, proximity on approaches, and score to par. Account for environmental factors: in wind, choose lower-lofted fairway woods or stronger-lofted hybrids; on wet days, favor higher-bounce wedges to prevent digging. Use these troubleshooting steps if results lag:
- If dispersion widens, return to shaft stiffness and lie-angle checks.
- If gapping compresses or overlaps, adjust lofts in 2-3° increments or introduce a hybrid for the troublesome distance range.
- If short-game consistency drops, simplify wedge grinds and commit to two go-to shots (bump-and-run and a full swing) from typical distances.
In addition, build a concise pre-shot routine and commit to club selection-this mental habit often converts technical gains into lower scores. Ultimately, the bag rebuild should be justified by measurable improvement: tighter dispersion, consistent gaps, and improved short-game proximity-these are the benchmarks that turn an equipment plan into on-course scoring results.
Q&A
Lede: Fully Equipped podcast co‑host Jake Morrow tells Bag Spy why a set of clubs that were once staples in his bag are now off limits. In an exclusive Q&A, Morrow outlines the rule changes, personal circumstances and equipment decisions that forced him to stop using the clubs - and what it means for his game going forward.
Q: Which clubs are you talking about, and when did you stop using them?
A: I stopped using my anchored putter setup – the belly and broomstick styles - shortly after the governing bodies’ anchoring decision came into effect. I phased them out over the following season as I reworked my stroke and tested alternatives.
Q: Was the change driven purely by the rules?
A: The rules were the trigger, yes. The USGA and R&A’s anchoring ban removed those clubs from tournament‑legal play. But it wasn’t only compliance: the decision forced me to reassess my technique. I could’ve continued playing recreationally with them, but I prefer to practice and play with gear that’s tournament‑legal.
Q: You’ve also mentioned other factors besides equipment rules. What else influenced the move?
A: A wrist injury I sustained during the offseason made long, anchored strokes uncomfortable. That pushed me to try shorter, more customary putting strokes. On top of that, a change in sponsorship meant I was testing and promoting new putter models that were designed for a different setup – so it made sense to commit fully to the transition.
Q: Did you immediately see a drop in performance after switching?
A: It was a mixed bag. There was an adjustment period where I missed a few makes and felt less confident from inside six feet. Over time, with focused practice, my consistency returned and some aspects of my stroke improved. But there was no overnight magic – it required deliberate practice and equipment fine‑tuning.
Q: How did you go about finding replacement clubs?
A: I spent months testing. I worked with a fitter, tried different putter head shapes and shaft lengths, and experimented with grip sizes. I also rebuilt my short‑game routine to match the feel of the new setup. Finding a putter that matched my eye and stroke was the priority.
Q: Are you concerned about the direction of equipment regulations more broadly?
A: I’m cautious but pragmatic. Rules that address fundamental fairness or safety make sense. From a player’s standpoint,sudden bans or complex conformity processes can be disruptive,especially for amateurs who don’t have easy access to fitting resources. I’d like to see governing bodies continue to provide clear transition windows and educational resources when rules change.
Q: What advice would you give to other golfers who are facing a similar forced transition?
A: Start early and be patient.Work with a qualified fitter or coach, retool your routine instead of just swapping clubs, and focus on fundamentals: setup, alignment, and short strokes. Also, play the new gear in low‑pressure settings before committing it to competition.
Q: Do you miss those clubs?
A: There’s a nostalgia factor – they were part of my game for years. But I don’t miss them in the sense of wanting to go back. The change forced improvements in parts of my game I’d neglected. That said, I understand why some players still prefer anchored styles and sympathize with their frustration.
Q: Will you ever return to using them if the rules change?
A: If the governing bodies reversed course (which seems unlikely), I’d evaluate the option the same way I evaluate any equipment choice: performance first, compliance second, and comfort third. Right now, my focus is on optimizing the tools that are legal and available.
Q: Anything this episode of Fully Equipped will do differently as of this?
A: Yes – we’ll be covering equipment transitions more frequently enough and bringing on fitters and coaches to help listeners navigate gear changes and related rules. It’s a real pain point for a lot of players,and we want to break down the practical steps to adapt.
Closing: Morrow’s experience underscores a wider reality in golf: equipment rules, personal health and sponsor relationships can all force sudden changes to a player’s setup. His approach – deliberate testing, coaching support and patience – offers a playbook for golfers facing the same challenge.
Morrow’s forced switch – whether driven by rules, sponsorship or personal choice – underscores the tensions between innovation and regulation in modern golf. Fans can hear more on Fully Equipped; Bag Spy will monitor developments and report any updates.
