Most pros chase high launch by cranking their drivers to 10 degrees or more. Adam Hadwin is doing the exact opposite with a 9-degree setup for the 2026 season. This counterintuitive choice suggests he needs less spin and a lower ball flight to control his drives. GolfWRX confirmed the specific gear list in September, showing a Callaway Triple Diamond Max driver set at 9+ degrees.
The shaft choice reinforces this low-spin mission. He pairs that head with a stiff Mitsubishi Diamana PD 60 TX shaft. That combination points to a player who generates massive speed and needs to keep the ball down. It is a bold move for a tour player who usually favors high flight. The data shows he is willing to sacrifice carry for total control on the fairway.
The Long Irons Are Gone
Hadwin has ditched the traditional long iron in favor of a modern utility. The 2026 bag features a Callaway Apex UW at 19 degrees to replace the difficult 3-iron. This club uses a heavy Mitsubishi Diamana TB 80 TX shaft to ensure stability. It bridges the gap between the driver and his mid-irons with precision.
His iron set is a mix of game improvement and player-only looks. He plays Callaway Apex TCB irons from the 4-iron down to the wedge. These clubs use True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue AMT Tour White X100 shafts. The setup gives him forgiveness on the long irons while keeping the short irons workable. It is a smart split that balances distance with feel around the greens.
Wedge Gaps and Putter Choice
Short game precision requires exact gaps between clubs. Hadwin carries three Callaway Opus SP wedges at 52, 56, and 60 degrees. Each wedge uses a True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 shaft for consistent swing weight. This uniformity helps him feel the same weight through every shot around the hole.
The putter choice is surprisingly classic for a modern tour bag. He uses an Odyssey White Hot OG 7 S putter to roll the ball. The grip is a standard Golf Pride Tour Velvet to match his other clubs. This simple setup suggests he trusts his stroke more than any fancy technology. The ball remains a Callaway Chrome Tour X to match the rest of his equipment.
What This Means for Your Bag
This gear list proves that more loft does not always mean more distance. Hadwin’s 9-degree driver shows that speed and spin control matter more than launch angle. If you have a fast swing speed, dropping your loft might help you find more fairways. Do not just follow the marketing hype about high launch. Look at the shaft and head combo that fits your swing speed.
Nick Gabrelcik uses a different approach with a Cobra driver at 9 degrees too. GolfWRX reported that Gabrelcik also runs a Project X HZRDUS Yellow shaft. It seems the trend is moving toward lower lofts for better players. The 2026 season will show if this becomes the new standard for the tour. Watch the fairway hit rates to see if the lower flight works for everyone.
