Top Golf Clubs Used at The US Open Golf Championship 2024
As avid golf enthusiasts and equipment experts here at Click Golf, we always look forward to the US Open, one of the most prestigious majors in America. The 2024 US Open at Pinehurst No. 2 was no exception, offering a treasure trove of insights into the latest and greatest golf club technology and golf balls that powered players through all four rounds, including the nail-biting final round on Sunday.
In this comprehensive breakdown, we'll take you through the standout golf clubs that made waves at this year's championship. From drivers who helped conquer Pinehurst's demanding fairways to putters who clinched crucial birdies, we've got the inside scoop on the equipment that powered the pros' performances. We'll also touch on how these clubs compared to those used in other recent events like the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Zurich Classic, and Wells Fargo Championship.
Drivers: Power and Precision Off the Tee
The challenging layout of Pinehurst No. 2 demanded both distance and driving accuracy from the tee, and several drivers rose to the occasion:
- TaylorMade Qi10. The evolution of TaylorMade's carbon face technology impressed, with the Qi10 finding its way into many players' bags. We noticed that the refined aerodynamics and adjustable weighting system allowed players to dial in their preferred ball flight with remarkable precision. Some players, including Rory McIlroy, paired this with the Fujikura Ventus Black shaft for optimal performance.
- Callaway Paradym Callaway's AI-designed driver face proved its worth. The Paradym's expanded sweet spot provided forgiveness without sacrificing distance, a combination that proved invaluable on Pinehurst's unforgiving fairways. Players like Xander Schauffele used this driver to bomb drives down the centre of the fairway.
- Ping G430 LST Ping's low-spin option was a favourite among players seeking to maximise carry distance while maintaining control. The G430 LST's lightweight carbon crown and strategic weight placement contributed to its popularity among the longer hitters in the field, including some who had recently played well at the PGA Championship.
- Titleist TSR4 Titleist's TSR line was delivered, and the TSR4 model stood out for its low spin characteristics and compact profile. Players who prioritised workability and trajectory control gravitated towards this option. We saw several players who had success with this driver at the recent Pebble Beach Pro-Am stick with it for the US Open.
Fairway Woods: Versatility from the Fairway and Rough
The strategic importance of fairway woods was evident throughout the championship, with these clubs often serving double duty from both the fairway and challenging lies:
- Cobra Aerojet LS Cobra's low-spin fairway wood caught our eye with its sleek design and impressive performance. The Aerojet LS's PWR-Bridge weighting system provided stability and consistent ball speeds, even on off-centre hits. This club was particularly effective for players looking to hit bombs off the tee on shorter par 4s.
- Mizuno ST-Z 230 Mizuno's offering stood out for its compact head shape and ability to cut through thick rough. The ST-Z 230's Wave Technology in the sole helped maintain ball speeds across a larger portion of the face, a feature that proved invaluable in Pinehurst's varied conditions.
- Srixon ZX Mk II Srixon's Rebound Frame technology shone in their fairway wood, providing exceptional energy transfer and ball speeds. Players praised the ZX Mk II for its versatility, using it effectively both off the tee and for long approach shots. We noticed several players, including those who had performed well at the Zurich Classic, relying on this club for crucial shots.
Irons: Precision Tools for Approach Shots
The demanding greens at Pinehurst No. 2 put a premium on precise iron play. Several sets stood out for their performance:
- Titleist T200 (2024 model) Titleist's players' distance irons received an update for 2024, and the results were impressive. The new T200s offered a blend of forgiveness and workability that suited a wide range of players in the field, including some who had recently found success at the Wells Fargo Championship.
- TaylorMade P770 These compact players' irons were a favourite among skilled ball-strikers. The P770s provided the feel and workability expected from forged iron, with added forgiveness from their SpeedFoam-filled heads. We saw players like Rory McIlroy using these irons to shape shots with precision.
- Callaway Apex Pro Callaway's Apex Pro irons impressed with their consistent distance control and soft feel. The AI-designed face architecture contributed to impressive ball speeds, even on slight mishits. Several players who had performed well in recent majors stuck with these irons for the US Open.
Wedges: Short Game Precision
Around Pinehurst's notoriously challenging green complexes, wedge play was crucial. These models stood out for their versatility and spin control:
- Vokey SM10, The latest iteration of Bob Vokey's wedge design, dominated the wedge count. The SM10's refined sole grinds and groove technology provided players with the versatility needed to tackle a variety of short game shots, from high flops to low runners.
- Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore Cleveland's ZipCore technology, combined with their UltiZip grooves, delivered exceptional spin control. The RTX 6 wedges were particularly effective in the moist morning conditions often encountered at Pinehurst, allowing players to attack pins with confidence.
- Ping Glide 4.0 Ping's Glide 4.0 wedges impressed with their precision-milled face texture and versatile sole options. Players praised their consistent spin rates and soft feel, particularly on delicate pitch shots around Pinehurst's undulating greens.
Putters: The Final Touch
On Pinehurst's lightning-fast greens, putting was often the difference between contention and an early exit. These putter models rose to the challenge:
- Scotty Cameron Phantom X 5.5 The winged mallet design of the Phantom X 5.5 provided stability and alignment aid without sacrificing feel. Its multi-material construction helped dampen vibrations, leading to improved distance control. We saw several players, including some who had recently won on tour, using this putter to great effect.
- Odyssey Tri-Hot 5K Three Odyssey's Tri-Hot line impressed, with the Three models finding particular favour. Its blend of mallet stability and blade-like feel appealed to players looking for the best of both worlds. This putter helped several players drain crucial putts during the weekend rounds.
- TaylorMade Spider Tour The TaylorMade Spider Tour, a longtime favourite on the PGA Tour, continued to perform well. Its high MOI design provided stability on long putts, while the Pure Roll insert helped improve roll and distance control. We saw players like Rory McIlroy stick with this trusted putter for the championship.
Looking Ahead: Equipment Trends for the Future
Based on what we observed at the 2024 US Open, we at Click Golf anticipate several equipment trends to watch in the coming years:
- Continued refinement of carbon-face driver technology for more distance and forgiveness
- Increased use of AI in club design, particularly for irons and wedges
- Further exploration of 3D printing in golf club manufacturing
- Growing emphasis on customisation and fitting across all club categories
- Development of new materials to enhance feel and performance, especially in putters
The Eternal Quest for the Perfect Club
As we reflected on the array of equipment used at the 2024 US Open, we were reminded that there's no one-size-fits-all solution in golf. The diverse range of clubs used by the world's best players underscored the importance of finding equipment that suits your individual swing and playing style.
At Click Golf, we're passionate about helping golfers of all skill levels find the clubs that will elevate their game. Whether you're in the market for a new driver to bomb down the fairway or a putter to help you drain more birdie putts, we're here to provide expert advice and fitting services.
The US Open always serves as a showcase for the latest and greatest in golf technology, and the 2024 edition at Pinehurst was no exception. As we look ahead to future majors and the continued evolution of golf equipment, one thing is certain: the quest for the perfect club never ends, and that's what makes our sport so endlessly fascinating.
Remember, while it's exciting to see what the pros played, the most important factor in choosing your clubs is how they perform for you. We invite you to visit us at Click Golf to experience firsthand how the latest technology can be tailored to your game. Who knows? With the right equipment in your hands, you might just feel like you're playing like a US Open champion yourself!
Whether you're gearing up for a fun weekend round or dreaming of your own major championship moment, the right clubs can make all the difference. So visit our online store, and let's find the perfect set to help you play your best golf and have more fun on the course!
