Equipment
Tiger vs. Phil: WITB for my top 5 duels
The title says it all.
I’m sure there will be some back and forth on the top 5, but these are my picks based on the WITB and overall entertainment.
No. 5: 2007 Deutsche Bank Championship (TPC Boston)
SCORES
Phil Mickelson -16 (Winner)
Tiger Woods -14 (T2)
What Transpired: Phil fired a final round 66 to edge TW (67) by 2.
Why in the Top 5: Like one of the other match-ups, both players fired rounds in the mid-60s.
What was in the Bag
Phil Mickelson
DRIVER: Callaway FT-5 Tour 8.5 with Mitsubishi Chemical Diamana White Board 73x5ct
3-WOOD: Callaway X-Hot 15 Degrees with Mitsubishi Chemical Diamana White Board 73x5ct
HYBRID: Callaway FT 2H 18 Degrees with Mitsubishi Chemical Diamana Blue Board 93x5ct
IRONS: Callaway X-Forged CB with Project X Rifle (Satin) 7.o
WEDGES: Callaway X Forged (52, 56, 60) with Project X Rifle (Satin) 7.o
PUTTER: Odyssey #9 PM Proto @33.5 Inches
GRIPS: Royal Grip Sand Wrap
Tiger Woods
DRIVER: Nike Sasquatch @8.5 with Mitsubishi Chemical Diamana Blue Board 83x5ct
3-WOOD: Nike Sasquatch @15 with Mitsubishi Chemical Diamana Blue Board 103x5ct
5-WOOD: Nike T40 Tour 5T @19 Degrees with Mitsubishi Chemical Diamana Blue Board 103x5ct
IRONS: (3-PW) Nike Forged MB (Red TW Logo) with True Temper Dynamic Gold X100 (Tipped 1/4 w/ Wooden Dowel Inserts)
WEDGES: (56) Nike Forged Pro Combo (60) Nike Forged SV with Dynamic Gold S400
PUTTER: Scotty Cameron GSS Newport 2 with Ping Man Grip (Blacked Out) 35 Inches
GRIPS: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Chord “Logo Down”
No. 4: 2001 Arnold Palmer Championship (Bay Hill Club & Lodge)
SCORES
Tiger Woods -15 (Winner)
Phil Mickelson -14 (T2)
What Transpired: Tiger was in a “slump” and finally, after five arduous weeks, broke through to outduel Phil.
Why in the Top 5: The two players separated themselves from the pack, and if it weren’t for some 72nd hole heroics by Tiger, a playoff (the first and maybe only Tiger/Phil version) would have ensued.
What was in the Bag
Tiger Woods
DRIVER: Titleist 975D @7.5 w/ Dynamic Gold X100 (tipped to length) @43.5 inches long
3-WOOD: Titleist 970 @15 w/ Dynamic Gold X100 (tipped to length) @42.5 inches long
IRONS: 2-P Titleist 681T (Endo Forged) with Dynamic Gold X100 (Tipped 1/4)
WEDGES: Titleist Vokey 258/08 @56, 260/06 with Dynamic Gold S400
PUTTER: Scotty Cameron GSS with PingMan “blackout” grip
GRIPS: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Cord
GLOVE: Nike
Phil Mickelson
DRIVER: TaylorMade 360 8.5 degrees w/ Fujikura Speeder 757 X
3-WOOD: Yonex Titanium 13 degrees with Yonex Tour Graphite Proto X
IRONS: (2-PW) Titleist 990 with Royal Precision Rifle FCM 7.0
WEDGES: Titleist Vokey 252/08, 256/10, 60 “P Grind” with Royal Precision Rifle FCM 7.0
PUTTER: Scotty Cameron Santa Fe Terryllium (Stainless Steel) @33.5 Inches
GRIPS: Royal Grips Sand Wrap
GLOVE: Titleist
No. 3: 2009 Tour Championship (East Lake GC)
SCORES
Phil Mickelson -9 (Winner)
Tiger Woods -6 (2nd but Won Fed Ex Cup)
What Transpired: Phil fires a final-round 65 to claim the title and bounce up from 14th to 2nd in the FedEx Cup final standings. If it weren’t for a late birdie surge by TW, Phil could have taken home the $10 million.
Why in the Top 5: It’s symbolic of the relationship. Phil won the day and the trophy but TW won the war. Bittersweet for both. If memes were a thing back then it would look like this.
What was in the Bag
Phil Mickelson
DRIVER: Callaway FT-9 Tour 8.5 with Mitsubishi Chemical Fubuki K 73x5ct
3-WOOD: Callaway Diablo 15 Degrees with Mitsubishi Fubuki K 73x5ct
HYBRIDS: Callaway PM Prototype (19,22) with Mitsubishi Chemical Diamana Thump Hybrid 100X
IRONS: (4-PW) Callaway Pro MB1 with Project X Rifle (Satin) 7.o
WEDGES: Callaway X Forged MD (54, 60) with Project X Rifle (Satin) 7.o
PUTTER: Odyssey PT82 PM Proto @33.5 Inches
GRIPS: Golf Pride MCC Black/White
Tiger Woods
DRIVER: Nike Dymo 380CC Prototype @8.5 with Mitsubishi Chemical Diamana White Board 83x5ct
3 WOOD: Nike Sasquatch @15 with Mitsubishi Chemical Diamana Blue Board 103x5ct
5 WOOD: Nike Sasquatch @19 Degrees with Mitsubishi Chemical Diamana Blue Board 103x5ct
IRONS: (3-PW) Nike Forged MB (Red TW Logo) with True Temper Dynamic Gold X100 (Tipped 1/4 w/ Wooden Dowel Inserts)
WEDGES: (56) Nike Forged Pro Combo (60) Nike Forged “FastBack” with Dynamic Gold S400
PUTTER: Scotty Cameron GSS Newport 2 with Ping Man Grip (Blacked Out) 35 Inches
GRIPS: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Cord “Logo Down”
No. 2: 2002 US Open (Bethpage Black)
SCORES:
Tiger Woods -3 (Winner)
Phil Mickelson Even (2nd)
What Transpired: Tiger Woods put on a warrior’s performance and at times physically overpowered Bethpage Black. However, the hearts of the NY State crowd were with Phil who put up a titans effort but in no way ever threatened TW.
Why in the Top 5: It was the first major in which TW was winning but Phil had all the energy behind him. Its the first time I heard “People’s Champion” in reference to Phil and I believe the love affair with NYC and Mickelson started here.
What was in the bag
Tiger Woods
DRIVER: Nike TW Prototype 310CC @8.5 w/ True Temper Dynamic Gold X100 (tipped to length) @43.5 inches long
3-WOOD: Titleist 970 @15 w/ Dynamic Gold X100 (tipped to length) @42.5 inches long
IRONS: 2-P Titleist 681T (Endo Forged) with Dynamic Gold X100 (Tipped 1/4)
WEDGES: Titleist Vokey 258/08 @56, 260/06 with Dynamic Gold S400
PUTTER: Scotty Cameron GSS with PingMan “blackout” grip
GRIPS: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Cord
Phil Mickelson
DRIVER: Titleist 975 J-VS 8.5 with Graphite Design PM702 X
3-WOOD: TaylorMade 300 Tour 13 Degrees Graphite Design PM902 X
IRONS: 2-P Titleist 731PM with Royal Precision Rifle FCM 7.0
WEDGES: Titleist Vokey 252/08, 256/10, 60 “P Grind” with Royal Precision Rifle FCM 7.0
PUTTER: Scotty Cameron Napa PM Proto 33.5 Inches
GRIPS: Royal Grip Sand Wrap
No. 1: 2005 Ford Championship (Doral Resort and Spa)
SCORES:
Tiger Woods -24 (Winner)
Phil Mickelson -23 (2nd)
What Transpired: An absolute slugfest that came all the way down to an almost chip in by Phil at the 72nd. It was a non-major, low scoring free for all.
Why in the Top 5: Some of the best golf you will watch by these two. Tiger’s Haney swing was just now starting to kick in and both players were airing it out with the driver and airtight with the irons. It was just a fun watch whether you love golf or not.
What was in the bag
Tiger Woods
DRIVER: Nike Ignite 8.5 with Mitsubishi Chemical Diamana Blue Board Prototype (Matte Blue) 73X5ct
3-WOOD: Nike Ignite T60 @15 with Mitsubishi Chemical Diamana Blue Board 103x5ct
IRONS: (3-PW) Nike Forged MB (Black Swoosh on Muscle) with True Temper Dynamic Gold X100 (Tipped 1/4 w/ Wooden Dowel Inserts)
WEDGES: (56) Nike Forged Pro Combo (60) Nike Forged “Fast Back” with Dynamic Gold S400
PUTTER: Scotty Cameron GSS Newport 2 with Ping Man Grip (Blacked Out) 35 Inches
GRIPS: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Chord “Logo Down”
Phil Mickelson
DRIVER: Callaway FT-3 8.5 with Graphite Design PM702 X
3-WOOD: TaylorMade V-Steel T/S 13 Degrees with Graphite Design PM702 X
IRONS: Callaway X Tour with Project X Rifle (Satin) 7.0
WEDGES: Callaway Vintage Forged (52, 56, 60) with Project X Rifle (Satin) 7.0
PUTTER: Odyssey PM Proto Blade
GRIPS: Royal Grip Sand Wrap
Tour Edge Golf has today introduced the all-new Exotics mini driver, engineered to deliver a powerful combination of speed, control, and versatility in the long game.
The Exotics Mini combines a titanium face with a stainless-steel body in design to balance ball speed with stability and control, creating a versatile option at the top end of the bag.
At the core of the design is Tour Edge’s proprietary Combo Brazing technology, a high-precision thermal bonding process that seamlessly fuses a titanium cup face to a stainless-steel body into a single, continuous structure. By eliminating energy loss found in traditional multi-piece constructions, Combo Brazing is designed to deliver faster face response, more efficient energy transfer, and a uniquely powerful yet controlled feel.
The multi-material construction also allows mass to be positioned lower and deeper in the head in a bid to increase stability, while the thin titanium face is engineered to maintain ball speed across a wider impact area.
“While the initial goal was to enhance control and versatility in the long game, Combo Brazing ultimately drove measurable gains in ball speed and distance within the mini driver category. In robot testing, we’ve documented higher ball speeds, higher launch, reduced spin, and increased carry and total distance compared to leading models.” – Vice President of R&D Matt Neeley
In addition to distance performance, the Exotics mini emphasizes forgiveness through a heavier stainless-steel body that shifts mass toward the perimeter. This configuration increases MOI relative to traditional all-titanium mini drivers, helping preserve ball speed and directional stability on off-center strikes. Paired with Pyramid Face Technology from the Exotics metalwood line, the design is intended to support consistent speed across the face.
To further enhance MOI, a lightweight carbon fiber crown frees additional mass that is strategically repositioned low and deep in the head in design to improve stability and promote optimal launch with controlled spin.
“We designed the Mini to be about five millimeters shallower than other mini drivers on the market. That change improves playability off the deck. From a clean fairway lie, it can function as a strong 3-wood alternative while still providing control off the tee.” – Tour Edge CEO David Glod
An adjustable hosel system allows for loft and lie tuning to dial in trajectory and shot shape, while a fixed 13-gram rear weight helps stabilize the head through impact to improve dispersion consistency. The Exotics Mini Driver is available in 11.5 and 13.5-degree lofts in right-handed models.
Pricing & Availability
The Exotics Mini Driver is available for pre-order beginning today for $399.99 USD at touredge.com, and will be available for purchase at retail outlets worldwide on May 22, 2026.
In our forums, our members have been pitting a Srixon ZXi combo against a TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo. WRXer ‘edutch22’ is on the hunt for a new set of irons and kicks off the thread saying:
“Looking at picking up a new set of irons and think I’ve narrowed it down to Srixon ZXi combo or Taylormade P7CB/770 combo. I am currently a 5 cap and allbeit I feel irons are my weakness. My miss is a little to the toe side. I am decently steep at 4-5 down. Always thought I am high spin but recently on trackman my 7 was spinning at 5800 roughly.
My question or looking for thoughts on which one would benefit me more from a forgiveness standpoint? Or is there another iron is should be looking at entirely? I only get to play about once or twice a week, if I am not playing a 2-3 day event. Thanks in advance.”
And our members have been sharing their thoughts and suggestions in response.
Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- manima1: “You just can’t go wrong with Srixon ZXi7.”
- MattM97: “You have to hit them to know, the V-Sole on the Srixon can be make or break for many.”
- dmeeksDC: “P7CB is more forgiving for me than ZXi7 because my main miss is low middle and the P7CB still flies and spins great on that miss. These are both really nice irons but I like the P7CB more than the Zxi7 and the P770 (or P790) more than the Zxi5. The Srixons are larger so if that gives you confidence that is the way to go. I don’t feel like I get any benefit from the V-sole and the P7CBs live up to their high Maltby forgiveness rating so the TaylorMades have been great for me.”
Entire Thread: “Srixon ZXi combo or TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo? – GolfWRXers discuss”
At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals who all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.
It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.
Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, @pianoman0123 has a 2024 Wilson Staff CB/Blade combo up for grabs.
From the listing: “2024 Wilson Staff CB/Blade Combo. 4-8 irons are CB’s and the 9,PW are Blades. 5-PW have Project X 6.0 Shafts and the 4 Iron has a Steelfiber CW110 Stiff Shaft. Standard Length, Lie and Lofts. These are in very good condition the shafts just don’t work for me. Like new Lamkin Grips on the 5-PW and a stock Golf Pride on the 4 Iron. $525 OBO.”
To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link. If you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum, you can learn more here: GolfWRX BST Rules
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Stanley
May 23, 2020 at 2:36 pm
Oooooooo those Nike blades…..
Baldrick
May 23, 2020 at 7:10 pm
Mix in an editor next time.
“7.o”
“Chord”
Nack Jicklaus
May 24, 2020 at 12:51 pm
I always drooled over those in the golf shop years ago…