Retief Goosen WITB 2023 | The Two-Time Major Winner

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Interested to learn what’s in the bag of Retief Goosen? In this article, we cover the “secret sauce” that supports this two-time major winner.

Retief “The Goose” Goosen is a two-time major winner now plying his trade on the PGA Tour Champions. In this post, I review the Retief Goosen WITB 2023 setup to see what the South African has in store for us this season.

With two top-ten finishes to his name this season already, it is evident his Callaway equipment works for him. But, the more pertinent question is whether his clubs will work for you.

Through the post, I will evaluate which golfers his equipment suits and why you should or should not swing them.

⛳️ Read Next: Ernie Els WITB 2023 | Favorite Golf Clubs of The Big Easy

Retief Goosen Quick Facts Table

Retief Goosen WITB showing him walking back to his golf ball laying just off the golf green on the Tiburon Golf Course in Feb 2023.
Retief Goosen at Chubb Classic in Naples, Florida – Feb 2023
Full NameRetief Goosen
BirthdayFebruary 3, 1959
BirthplacePolokwane, Limpopo Province, South Africa
Age54 years old
Year Turned Pro1990
Tournament Wins33
Major Wins2 – US Open 2001, 2004
World Senior Ranking13
Equipment SponsorCallaway, Jumbo Max

Retief Goosen WITB Quick Summary

Driver: Callaway Rogue ST Triple Diamond LS (8.5 degrees)
Shaft: HZRDUS Smoke 6,5 TX Low Spin 60 gram

3 wood: Callaway Rogue ST LS (15 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Flex-X Speeder 757TR

Utility Iron: Callaway X Forged UT (18 Degrees)
Shaft: True Temper Elevate Tour X-Flex

Irons: Callaway X-Forged 2018 4-GW 

Wedges: Callaway Jaws Raw 10x MD5 56 and 60 Degrees
Shafts: True Temper Elevate Tour X-Flex

Putter: Odyssey O-Works 2-Ball
Golf Grip: FlatCat

Golf Ball: Callaway Chrome SoftX

Retief Goosen Driver

Driver 8.5°

Callaway Rogue ST Triple Diamond LS Driver; what's in the bag retief goosen

Overview

My compatriot operates a stiff 8.5-degree Callaway Rogue ST Triple Diamond LS Driver, built to deliver low spin and explosive ball speed. It is clearly effective for the man from Limpopo, as he is the 5th longest hitter on Tour this season.

While the low spin, fast pace, and neutral flight are attractive qualities, the low loft on this driver is not suited to slower swing speed mid and high handicappers. I find the average player is better suited to the forgiveness of the Callaway Rogue ST Max or ST Max Draw Driver.

PROS

  • Generates low spin
  • Accelerates ball speed
  • Neutral flight
  • Low launch
  • Optimal distance

CONS

  • Expensive
  • The lower loft is challenging for the average golfer to launch.

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Retief Goosen Fairway Wood

3 Wood 15°

Callaway Rogue ST LS Fairway Wood - 3 Wood 15 Degrees

Overview

The Golden Goose trusts the Rogue series for his fairway wood needs, opting for the ST Low Spin addition. Its compact face, low and forward center of gravity (CG), and fast C300 clubface deliver a powerful launch and optimal carry distance.

Like his driver, I find Goosen’s fairway wood choice unsuitable to the average golfer. Instead, I recommend testing the Callaway Rogue ST Max D Fairway Wood, which launches high and offers splendid forgiveness on all shots.

PROS

  • Produces exceptionally low spin
  • Rapid ball zip
  • Enhanced carry distance
  • Elevated launch
  • Neutral ball spin

CONS

  • The low launch is not ideal for slow swing speeds
  • No adjustable hosel

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Retief Goosen Utility Iron

Callaway X-Forged Utility Iron - 2-iron 18 degrees

Overview

The 2001 US Open Champion transitions into the irons with an 18-degree Callaway X-Forged Utility Iron. In my experience, this high-quality construction induces explosive ball speed, a soft feel, and optimal trajectory to maximize distance.

For a utility iron, it delivers a surprising degree of leniency, which contains velocity on mishits and restricts spin. However, it is insufficient for a high handicapper to rely on, so I recommend the average player sticks to hybrids golf clubs or a 5 wood.

PROS

  • Pure feel
  • Explosive pace out of the sweet spot
  • Optimal launch
  • Low flight
  • Ideal for links courses and windy conditions

CONS

  • Not conducive to a mid or high-handicap golfer
  • Slower swing speeds might struggle to produce a consistent launch.

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Retief Goosen Irons

Callaway X-Forged Irons (4 - GW)

Overview

The Golf Hall Of Famer stays loyal to Callaway in his iron set and does not stray from the X-Forged range. These forged muscle back irons offer exceptional workability, a buttery-soft feel, and superior feedback.

Callaway optimized the CG location in each iron to achieve the desired flight, and the refined sole produced clean turf interaction. While the X-Forged irons are a masterpiece by the equipment giant, they offer minimal forgiveness and consistency to the average golfer.

PROS

  • Buttery-soft feel
  • Clean turf interaction
  • Crisp acoustics
  • Boosts workability
  • Stunning profile

CONS

  • Minimal forgiveness for the average golfer 
  • Difficult to find a new set

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Retief Goosen Golf Wedges

Callaway JAWS Raw – 56, 60 Degrees

$179.99 Amazon Prime

Updated on 2024-05-07

Wedges 56° and 60°

Callaway JAWS Raw - 56, 60 Degrees

Overview 

Retief’s Callaway loyalty continues into the wedges, where he employs the JAWS Raw range. He swings the 56-degree sand wedge and the 60-degree lob wedge, which produce sensational spin revolutions, clean turf interaction, and an impeccable feel.

Callaway crafted multiple sole grinds in the lower lofts to cater to various attack angles and turf conditions. Finally, superior golfers will appreciate the controlled flight, soft feel, and restricted glare at address.

Overall, I feel mid, and low-handicappers will thrive with these golf wedges. However, they still offer insufficient forgiveness for high-handicappers.

PROS

  • Generates exceptional spin
  • Feels incredible
  • Produces controlled flight
  • Clean turf interaction
  • Glare resistant finish

CONS

  • Not the cheapest wedge
  • Not enough forgiveness for the average golfer

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Retief Goosen Putter

Putter

Odyssey O Works 2 Ball Putter

Overview

The one golf club that Goosen uses, which I find suitable for an array of golfers, is outdated and difficult to find in new conditions.

My countryman keeps it old school and strokes the 2018 Odyssey O Works 2 Ball putter, although the two balls on his putter have long faded.

The older 2 Ball design carries the famed Microhinge insert, which enhances topspin across the putter face for a consistent roll. Plus, the insert softens the touch of each strike to increase feedback to better judge the force of each stroke.

PROS

  • Produces optimal topspin
  • Generates consistent roll
  • Soft feel
  • Glare resistant finish
  • Forgiving

CONS

  • Difficult to find new
  • The stock double-bend shaft is not ideal for players with arched strokes

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Frequently Asked Questions

What clubs does Retief Goosen use?

Retief Goosen uses all Callaway clubs, starting with the Rogue ST Triple Diamond LS driver and Rogue ST LS fairway wood. Next, he swings an X-Forged Utility 2-iron before moving into his X-Forged irons. Finally, he plays Callaway JAWS Raw wedges and caps off the bag with an Odyssey O Works 2 Ball Putter.

What is Retief Goosen doing now?

Retief Goosen now plays golf on the PGA Tour Champions, competing against veterans, including Ernie Els, Fred Couples, and David Toms. Since joining the Tour in 2020, he has claimed two victories, including the Bridgestone Senior Players Championship, one of the five senior majors.

Are Ernie Els and Retief Goosen friends?

Yes, Ernie Els and Retief Goosen are friends. The pair have known each other since they were 13 and served in the South African Air Force together. They were neighbors at one stage in George, South Africa, London, England, and Orlando, Florida.

Is this an up-to-date WITB Retief Goosen Article?

Often professional golfers change out their golf clubs. Based on our findings, this is an accurate and updated account of Retief Goosen WITB 2023 (March).

Final Thoughts on Retief Goosen WITB

The two-time major champion has enjoyed a successful run since jumping ship to the PGA Tour Champions in 2019. However, given the high standards he sets for himself, he will be looking to add more silverware to his cabinet in his fourth season on the veteran’s Tour.

So far so good in 2023, with top-ten finishes in four outings, a sign of positive play to come. After looking at the Retief Goosen WITB 2023 setup, it is clear that most of his clubs are not conducive to the average golfer.

His woods spin and launch low, requiring higher swing speeds, while his irons are unforgiving and demand precise ball striking. My suggestion is to always stick to lenient, consistent golf clubs that make the game easier for you.

Related Articles to Read Next

WITB articles are researched before publishing. While we strive to ensure our content is accurate, there may be inaccuracies. Players may change clubs after our content is published. In addition, players may choose to use different clubs depending on the course or for other reasons. If you notice something that appears to be incorrect, please let us know here.

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AUTHOR

Matt Callcott-Stevens has lived and breathed golf since he was four. As a junior, he played competitively, until he discovered his talents were better suited to writing about the game. Matt holds a Postgraduate in Sports Marketing through the Johan Cruyff Institute in Barcelona and has provided golf game improvement tips to seniors and the average golfer for seven years.

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