Okay, so I wanted to mess around with Fred Couples’ “What’s in the bag” (WITB) setup. I’m a huge fan of his smooth swing, and I’ve been curious about the clubs he uses to achieve that effortless power. So, I decided to try and replicate it as best as I could with what I have and can get my hands on.
Getting Started
First, I scoured the internet for any recent information. I looked at a few articles and forum posts, trying to piece together his current setup. It’s kinda tricky because, you know, pros change things up sometimes. But I think I got a pretty good idea of the core clubs he uses.
The Driver Experiment
I don’t have the exact same driver as Freddie, obviously. but I used the driver in the following and adjust the loft to get similar to freddie.
Fairway Woods and Hybrids
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Going by the information, I used my own 3-wood.
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I added hybrid in my bag.
It’s all about finding that balance between distance and accuracy, something Freddie is known for, I try to practice how to control the power.
Irons and Wedges
The iron,I used my regular set. The key here was focusing on smooth tempo and consistent contact – you know, trying to channel my inner Freddie.
For wedges, I just used my standard set (a standard set of wedges (PW, GW, SW, LW) in my bag. Focusing on feel and trajectory control around the greens.
The Putter
The putter, this is where feel is everything.
Hitting the Range
I took this makeshift “Fred Couples” setup to the driving range. My main goal wasn’t to perfectly mimic his distances, but rather to focus on that smooth, effortless swing he has. I concentrated on a relaxed grip, a fluid takeaway, and a balanced finish.
I started with some shorter irons, just getting a feel for the rhythm. Then I moved on to the longer clubs, really trying to maintain that same tempo. I paid close attention to my ball flight, looking for that consistent, penetrating trajectory that Couples is known for. I use different iron to try it, and record the trajectory and distance. I try a few times to ensure the swing is good.
The Course Test
After the range, I took it to the course for a real test. It was more about the approach than the specific clubs. I tried to play smart, focusing on course management and making solid contact.
What I Learned
It was a fun experiment! It’s not about having the exact same clubs, but more about understanding the principles behind his setup and how they contribute to his game. It really reinforced the importance of tempo, balance, and finding clubs that feel right for your own swing. I’ll keep tinkering and trying to incorporate some of these elements into my own game. Maybe I won’t swing exactly like Freddie, but I can definitely learn a thing or two from his approach!
