What YOU can learn from Fred Couples’ bizarre bag set-up

Fred Couples has always had one of golf’s sweetest swings. If you wanted to copy someone’s tempo on the golf course, you might not want to look past the 1992 Masters champion. You might also want to copy what he does in his golf bag.

Couples, who now plays on the Champions Tour, certainly hasn’t lost that sweet action. But, by his own admission, the power from his swing is fading.

Back issues, which saw him toil at the Masters earlier this year have meant a decrease in swing speed for the 65-year-old. And a decrease in swing speed means a change in approach is required. That change in approach calls for different equipment.

Speaking to the PGA Champions Tour, Couples, who was playing at Pebble Beach in the Pure Insurance Championship, explained why he carries six woods, with his longest iron in the bag a seven.

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“People have been talking about my woods, there they are,” he says.

“Everyone keeps talking about it. I’m like, ‘My longest iron is a seven. Who cares?’ I’m hopefully going to hit one here.”

However, the yardage of 177 yards to the front of the green on Pebble Beach’s eighth hole meant that Couples was reaching for his most lofted wood, the six rescue.

Fred Couples’ longest iron in his bag is a 7-iron.

He takes us through his clubs while playing No. 8 at Pebble Beach.

Stay until the end for a classic Joe LaCava story @PUREFirstTee. pic.twitter.com/HEzhojSP44

— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) September 21, 2024

“A little six rescue for the boys,” Couples says, as his ball sailed towards the green.

“Six rescue, better than the five. You know, I couldn’t hit that with the 6-iron. I’m not strong enough anymore. I hate to say that. Very soft.”

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Now, this might not be the most flamboyant way to get around the course, but if it gets the ball in the hole, then who are we to argue?

Long irons are, for almost any level of golfer, difficult to hit well. That’s why we’re seeing lots of the best players in the world turning to 7-woods, rather than driving irons.

Freddie might be taking things to the extreme, but as one comment under the original post states, we’re all marking scorecards, not postcards.

If carrying more hybrids works for you and – spoiler alert – it probably will, then don’t be afraid to switch it up at the top of the bag.

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Lewis Fraser As bunkered’s Performance Editor, Lewis oversees the content that’s designed to make you a better player. From the latest gear to tuition, nutrition, strategy and more, he’s the man. A graduate of the University of Stirling, Lewis joined bunkered in 2021. Formerly a caddie at Castle Stuart Golf Links, he is a member of Bathgate Golf Club where he plays off four.

Performance Editor