Equipment: Spieth goes back to the Titleist 716 AP2's and Under Armour says no to the equipment industry
Jordan Spieth has used his Titleist 714 AP2 irons since June 2013 producing all of his 10 professional wins.
He tried the 716 AP2's briefly at the Barclays in 2015 but reverted right back to his old weapons after he missed the cut at the event.
However, it looks like he is open to giving them another opportunity from the photos we have seen of the practice rounds at the Australian Open.
The switch back makes complete sense as it can be the change that can inspire Spieth to get back to his prime form. He did win twice and came agonisingly close to winning a third major title but his iron play has been a let down by his standards.
In 2015, he ranked 11th in strokes gained: approach-the-green, 26th in hole proximity (1st in hole proximity from the rough) and 49th in greens-in-regulation percentage. Last season, those ranks dropped to 87th in strokes gained: approach-the-green, 91st in pin proximity (73rd from the rough) and 145th in greens-in-regulation.
In hopes of a comeback to his top form in 2017, Spieth has decided to play in more events closer to home and a more relaxed approach to the game. The 716's could become a part of the strategy if he can see the positive signs that he needs to see at Royal Sydney.
Under Armour has decided to put an end to all the rumours of the company entering the equipment business despite the exit of a giant like Nike.
There was wide talk about Under Armour coming in and taking advantage of the opportunity to expand into the equipment business.
However, speaking at the Fast Company Innovation Festival, Under Armour founder Kevin Plank explained the company's standpoint behind choosing against entering, he said the equipment biz is a “really tough, highly regulated” industry.
“There are not a lot of things you are allowed to do from an innovation standpoint,” Plank said. “It's not a very large market and the margins aren't great, so business-wise, there are not a lot of reasons to do it.”
Under Armour ambassador Jordan Spieth who is a member of Titleist's tour staff further backed Kevin Plank by saying it can be tough to for players to take a risk on new equipment as they grow attached to the set they play and become adverse to changing what has brought them success on the course.
“It's a sport where you develop a level of trust with what you have in your hand,” Spieth said. “It's difficult to change especially when you get into high pressure situations.”
