LIV Golf Adelaide: Major Equipment Shifts Unveiled
As the LIV Golf series revs up for its electrifying return to Adelaide, players are fine-tuning their arsenals with strategic equipment changes. Set against the scenic backdrop of The Grange Golf Club, this tournament promises high-stakes drama, and the gear swaps could be the edge that separates contenders from champions. From irons to drivers and putters, here's a deep dive into the notable adjustments top pros are making ahead of the February 11, 2026, tee-off.
Why Equipment Matters in LIV Golf
In the fast-paced world of professional golf, equipment isn't just about aesthetics—it's a performance multiplier. LIV Golf's unique format, with its team-based competition and shotgun starts, demands precision and adaptability. Players often tweak their setups based on course conditions, recent stats, and personal feel. For Adelaide's undulating fairways and tricky greens, these changes aim to optimize ball flight, control, and consistency. Drawing from strokes-gained data supplied by World Tour Survey, we analyze how these shifts might impact play.
Charles Howell III: Reviving Old Favorites
Veteran Charles Howell III is leaning into familiarity with a return to PXG 0317CB irons, swapping out the Srixon ZXi7. These cavity-back irons, last seen in his bag during a T2 finish at Korea in 2025, offer a blend of forgiveness and workability ideal for Adelaide's demands. Howell's driver head also evolves from the PING G440K to the Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond, marking consecutive events with this model.
Last week's stats paint a mixed picture: Howell lost 0.80 strokes per round off the tee and 0.28 on approach. These changes could stem the tide, potentially boosting his iron play where precision is key. Analysts predict a more stable setup might help him climb the individual standings.
Thomas Pieters: Putter Precision Overhaul
Belgian standout Thomas Pieters is ditching the high-MOI TaylorMade Spider for the Titleist Scotty Cameron Fastback 1.5, shifting to a compact mallet blade for enhanced feel and face control. This move prioritizes touch over stability, a gamble on greens that reward finesse.
Pieters was neutral with the putter last week (+0.04 strokes), but his prior iron switch in Riyadh—from Titleist 620 to Miura TC-202—sparked a career-best approach game, gaining 1.15 strokes per round (2nd in the field). If the new putter clicks, Pieters could contend for a top-10, blending his approach prowess with improved short-game magic.
Branden Grace: Full Miura Commitment
South Africa's Branden Grace is going all-in on Miura with a complete TC-202 iron set, replacing Callaway X-Forged (7–PW) and swapping a 7-wood for a Miura 3-iron. This setup favors a penetrating ball flight and tee-shot control, perfect for Adelaide's windy conditions.
Grace was neutral on approach last week (+0.05), but the added long-iron versatility might unlock distance gains without sacrificing accuracy. For a player known for steady play, this could elevate his team contributions in LIV's format.
JoaquĂn Niemann: Driver Reversion for Stability
Chile's JoaquĂn Niemann is circling back to the PING G440 driver head after a brief stint with the G430 LST, his second driver change this season. Seeking reliability, this tweak addresses any inconsistencies from the prior model.
Niemann gained 0.41 strokes off the tee last week—a solid but sub-elite showing by his standards. With the G440's proven forgiveness, he could push toward his dominant form, especially in a field stacked with power hitters.
Bryson DeChambeau: Shaft Swap Back to Roots
The larger-than-life Bryson DeChambeau is reverting to his LA Golf driver shaft after experimenting with the True Temper Project X D70 Prototype. This return to a trusted setup underscores his data-driven approach to equipment.
DeChambeau's tee game was borderline elite last week (1.13 strokes gained), so the switch aims to refine spin rates and launch angles for Adelaide's layout. As a LIV mainstay, his adjustments often set trends—watch for ripple effects across the tour.
Insights from Last Week's Riyadh Action
The momentum from Riyadh carries over, where equipment tweaks yielded mixed results. Sergio Garcia's bold moves—a switch to an Underground Golf ball from TaylorMade TP5 and a putter change to the Golfyr The Maker Tour from Scotty Cameron—netted 0.59 strokes on approach but cost 0.74 with the flatstick. It's a reminder that innovation carries risks.
Jon Rahm, meanwhile, dominated off the tee with 1.43 strokes gained using the new Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond driver (up from Elite Triple Diamond). Leading the field by a mile, Rahm's performance highlights how driver tech can swing tournaments. These Riyadh lessons inform Adelaide strategies, emphasizing the blend of new and proven gear.
The Bigger Picture for LIV Golf Adelaide
LIV Golf Adelaide isn't just about individual brilliance; it's a team spectacle backed by partners like Aramco and Riyadh Air. With standout fields and global appeal, the event elevates golf's innovation narrative. Equipment changes like these reflect the league's forward-thinking ethos, where players leverage cutting-edge tech to challenge PGA norms.
As stats evolve—tracking strokes gained in real-time—fans can expect deeper insights via the LIV app and broadcasts. Will Howell's irons revival or DeChambeau's shaft fidelity pay dividends? Tune in to find out. For tickets and fantasy leagues, visit the official LIV Golf site. This tournament could redefine equipment trends for 2026.
In a sport where margins are razor-thin, these tweaks underscore LIV's dynamic edge. Stay locked on Everythiiing.com for live updates and analysis.
