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With much talk about how Windham Clark’s racquet was built as a copy of Rickie Fowler, a club that didn’t get the recognition it deserved for its unique construction specification, Windham’s 3 woods, which not only helped him win the 2023 US Open …but it can also help you.
The club in question is a TaylorMade Stealth 2 HL (high firing) 3-wood, which has a loft of 16.5 degrees. To put that in perspective, most standard 3-woods have 15 degrees of loft, while stock 5-woods sit about 18 degrees. Another way to think of a 3-wood high launch is a 4-wood, the only real difference being the name.
What makes it unique
Windham’s wood specs are tailored to his playing style, and as one of the longest players in the field at the US Open (finishing seventh with an average of 325.2 yards for the week), he doesn’t need a fairway wood to deliver near the same distance as his driver. Instead, its 3-barrel is engineered to achieve accuracy and distance control with a much shorter build than the standard 43 long.
This shorter length, combined with the head’s less lofted head (bent to 15 degrees), helps enhance his stock’s fade shot and solid face-to-face contact from almost any lie. The torque on this style also makes it easy to deliver more loft on impact when needed.
**Although the general public is unable to bend wood heads to specifications, adjustable sleeves provide the opportunity to obtain the same customization at the round level without the risk of head fracture. **
Specifications:
head: TaylorMade Stealth 23HL
the attic: (16.5°) bent to 15°
aperture: ProjectX HZRDUS RDX smoke 80 tex
Length: almost. 41.75
control: Golf Pride velvet round cord;
Why should you try it
Just as in Windham, a shorter fairway wood with a bit more loft helps promote the more solid contact because the shorter shaft allows you to hit more down into the ball, and a slightly downward stroke is the proper technique for hitting fairway wood.
Given that far too many golfers are already struggling with golf courses’ woods and trying to “lift” them into the air causing lead shots, the shorter length combined with the added loft provides a more confidence-inspiring appearance when positioned behind the ball for swings down and through.
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Last but not least, more loft also helps produce more spin and more spin produces height allowing any golfer the opportunity to hit the ball higher and stop it faster, a perfect combination for getting closer to longer par-4s or par-5s, or in Windham Affair – Winning the US Open.
Want to fix your bag for 2023? Find a suitable location near you at True Spec Golf.