This week, we’re shining the spotlight on another MyGolfSpy Forum member, Bill Howard, whose bag features a mix of modern performance and classic reliability. Bill’s journey in golf has been a long one, dating back to his childhood, and his current setup reflects both his dedication to the game and the adjustments he’s made over the years to continue enjoying it.
Let’s take a look at what’s in Bill Howard’s bag:
Driver: TaylorMade Sim2
About the club: Bill recently upgraded to the Sim2 from his old R9 driver. The new driver has delivered a consistent shot shape off the tee, along with some added yardage—exactly what he was looking for. It has a Fujikura Ventus 5-R shaft installed.
3-Wood: TaylorMade R9
About the club: Despite upgrading his driver, Bill has held onto his trusty R9 3-wood. The familiar feel and performance of this club keep it in his bag, providing reliable distance and accuracy when needed. It includes a Fujikura Motore 70 Regular flex shaft.
5-Wood: TaylorMade R540 XD
About the club: Another classic club, the R540 XD 5-wood has been a reliable option for Bill for years. The soft tip shaft helps him with higher, softer landings on approach shots from longer distances. This club has a TaylorMade regular flex, SS M.A.S.2, Mid Torque Soft Tip shaft.
Hybrid: TaylorMade Rescue 25°
About the club: This hybrid fills the gap between his woods and irons, offering versatility and forgiveness, especially on longer par-3s and second shots into par-5s.
Irons: Tommy Armour 845s 5-GW
About the clubs: Bill assembled these irons himself after finding them in a local deal on Facebook. Paired with graphite shafts, these irons have served him well, proving that you don’t need the latest gear to play great golf. He switched from TaylorMade Tour Preferred irons, which became too challenging to hit consistently, to these more forgiving 845s, which have been a game-changer for him.
Wedges: Callaway Jaws Raw 54° and 58°
About the clubs: Fitted for these wedges by a Callaway rep, Bill finds the 12 W grind perfect for the tight fairways of Florida. The 58-degree is his go-to club out of the sand, while the 54 is his choice for shots around the green.
Putter: PING Craz-E with Super Stroke Counter Weighted Grip
About the club: The PING Craz-E putter, equipped with a counter-weighted Super Stroke grip, provides Bill with the stability and confidence needed to manage his tremors and sink those crucial putts.
Ball: Vice Pro Plus
About the ball: After reading MyGolfSpy’s ball testing articles, Bill decided to give the Vice Pro Plus a try. He’s found it to be an excellent fit for his game, offering the right balance of spin and distance.
Range Finder: Nikon Coolshot II Stabilized
About the range finder: With shaky hands due to partial disabilities, Bill relies on the stabilization feature of the Nikon Coolshot II to lock onto the pin with ease. It’s been an invaluable tool in his bag.
Summary
Bill Howard’s WITB is a testament to making the most out of every piece of equipment. From classic clubs that have stood the test of time to newer, fitted wedges, Bill has curated a bag that suits his game and his needs perfectly. His dedication to improving his game, despite physical challenges, is truly inspiring.
Want to see your bag featured next? Share your WITB with photos and a brief background on each club in the Forum thread.
What do you think of Bill Howard’s setup? Are you familiar with any of the classic clubs he’s using? Let us know in the comments below!
