Pros advice

What’s in Henrik Stenson’s Open-winning bag?

Callaway staffer Henrik Stenson finally landed that elusive major title after one of the greatest ever final rounds.

He held of the challenge of fellow Callaway man Phil Mickelson in a one-two for the brand.

There have been a few changes in Stenson’s bag in recent years but he puts a lot faith in what has served him well rather than chopping and changing as new gear comes out.

It’s very much a case of the old and the new at both ends of the bag.

Stenson put the new Callaway XR 16 driver into play this year and it proved to be a very reliable weapon for him when it was required.

The 40-year-old often opts to use his trusty Diablo Octane 3-wood off the tee – like on 18 where he pummelled it 311 yards to set up a closing birdie.

It was also no surprise to see Stenson lead the field for greens in regulation at 78 per cent (56/72) thanks to some solid iron play throughout the week.

He opted to take out his 4-wood in favour of a 2-iron so was carrying 2-PW in the Callaway Legacy Black Forged model. These have been in the Swede’s bag for a number of years now and it seems there is no reason to change.

The 2-wood came in handy on the par-5 16th where he was able to split the fairway, avoid the ditch but still be in range of the green with his second shot.

Stenson’s wedge play was impressive all week – particularly the up and down at 16 for birdie to hold his two-shot lead.

He carries just the two Callaway MD3 wedges in a 52˚ and a 58˚ and is able to manipulate each one to play all the shots required from 120 yards and in.

It was also a good week on the greens with his Odyssey White Hot XG in the #7 headshape. Stenson lead the field for birdies with 25, and averaged 27 putts per round.

In round 3 he only needed 24 putts.