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If you follow the PGA Tour Champions, you’re probably curious about Rod Pampling WITB (what’s in the bag?) or related queries. Read on for the full details.
In 2023, he concluded his third decade as a tour pro, and we felt it right to conduct a Rod Pampling WITB in his honor.
Senior Golf Source founder Erin Blakely caught up again with “Lightning Rod” and caddie Perry Cameron at the 2024 Chubb Classic to get the latest scoop on what he swapped out and kept for this season.
After reading this review, you will know exactly what clubs he carries and whether they suit your golf swing. I also offer alternative options if Pamps’ clubs are unsuitable for the average golfer. You will also learn that the man from Down Under is now sponsored by Callaway after more than 20 years of loyalty to Srixon.
Rod Pampling WITB 2024 Quick Table
Driver: Callaway Rogue ST Max LS (8°)
Shaft: TPT Nitro driver shaft
3 Wood: Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond (13.5°)
Shaft: TPT Nitro fairway wood shaft
7 Wood: Callaway Epic Max (21°)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX
4 Iron: Callaway X Forged Irons
5-10 Irons: Callaway Apex CB Irons 5-10 Irons
Wedges: Callaway JAWS Raw Wedges (50°, 54°, 60°)
Rod Pampling Quick Facts Table
| Full Name | Rodney (Rod) Pampling |
| Birthday | September 23, 1969 |
| Nickname | Pamps or Lightning Rod |
| Birthplace | Redcliffe, Queensland, Australia |
| Age | 54 years old |
| Year Turned Pro | 1994 |
| Tournament Wins | 9 Wins |
| Greatest Achievement | 2006 Bay Hill Invitational |
| World Senior Ranking | 30 |
| Equipment Sponsor | Callaway Golf |
Rod Pampling Driver
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond Max
Driver – 9°
The Queenslander ranks in the top 35 of the PGA Tour Champions for driving this season, averaging 280.2 yards. His big stick of choice is the new Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond Max, which is a super low-spinning design that requires explosive clubhead speed to consistently get the ball airborne.
A personal touch is the driver’s University of Michigan head cover, a nod to Perry Cameron’s Michigan roots, which he believes adds a touch of luck to Pampling’s game.
In my experience, this driver delivers outstanding stability at contact to preserve ball speed and lower spin. However, moderate and slow swing speed golfers will struggle to produce meaningful velocity for a consistent launch.
As an alternative, I recommend testing the Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max or Max Fast, which produced consistent velocity and minimal spin for slow to moderate swing speed golfers like myself.
🏌️♂️ Fun Fact: The 2021 Boeing Classic Winner will occasionally use his driver for fairway shots to increase his distance. His longest drive so far this season is 320 yards.
PROS
- Low spin driver
- Explosive ball speed
- Maximum stability
- Forgiving
- Adjustable hosel
CONS
- Harder to find the Triple Diamond Max
- Not suited to moderate or slow swing speed
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Rod Pampling Fairway Wood
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond
3 Wood HL – 15°
Perry explained that the Paradym Triple Diamond Ai Smoke has done wonders for the 2004 International winner. Past years before the Paradym series, Pampling would turn to his driver off the deck to maximize distance on approach. However, there is no need anymore as the desirable launch, carry, and total distance of Paradym Triple Diamond 3 wood provide everything he needs.
Like his driver, the Triple Diamond is a low-spin construction that aims to enhance distance off the tee and on approach. You’ll notice he is currently hitting the HL version to help give him a bit more launch.
I feel the excessively low spin makes it difficult to achieve consistency with the Triple Diamond 3 wood. Instead, amateurs should think about the easier launching Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Max.
PROS
- Low spin
- Explosive ball speed
- Adjustable hosel
- Promotes a high launch
- Optimal distance
CONS
- Expensive
- Slow swing speeds will struggle to consistently launch the low-spin design
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Rod Pampling – 7 Wood
Callaway Epic Max Fairway Wood
7 Wood – 21°
According to Perry Cameron, the 21-degree Callaway Epic Max 7 wood is the Australian’s long-time favorite club. He is a man after my own heart, as I also favor my 7 wood, which has remained in my bag for over twenty years.
Pamps appreciates the easy launching, soft landing, and forgiving nature of this magical golf club that more players should swing. The Epic Max delivers explosive ball speed off the clubface and carries an enlarged sweet spot to preserve speed and contain spin revolutions across the surface.
The lenient, towering flight of the Epic Max 7 wood suits fast and moderate swing speeds. But, it is challenging to find this model new. Alternatively, you could look at the Callaway Rogue ST Max 7 wood, which was released in 2022 and is relatively affordable.
PROS
- Forgiving golf club
- Easy launch
- Elevated flight
- Clean turf interaction
- Fast clubface
CONS
- Old model that is challenging to find new
- No adjustable hosel
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Rod Pampling – 4 Iron
Callaway X Forged Irons
4 Iron – 24° Iron
Unlike many modern professionals, Pamps has little time for hybrids and proceeds straight into the long irons. The Callaway X Forged have guided him to 71% greens in regulation record this season last season. We did notice that he swapped out the rest of his irons for the Callaway Apex CB irons.
The X Forged are sensational irons, just not for us amateurs who demand forgiveness more than feel and workability. I like the progressive center of gravity (CG) in these irons that boost workability in the mid and short irons.
Every golfer will appreciate the buttery soft feel and crisp acoustics from these irons. However, I advise mid and high-handicappers to steer clear. Instead, think about game improvement irons that offer accuracy, distance, and forgiveness, like the Callaway Rogue ST Max Set.
🏌️♂️ Related: Best of Callaway Irons
PROS
- Buttery soft feel
- Boosts workability
- Clean turf interaction
- Compact profile
- Generates a controlled low to mid launch
CONS
- Minimal forgiveness
- Difficult to find a new set
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Rod Pampling Irons
Callaway Apex CB Irons
5-10 Irons
While the Callaway X Forged 4 iron remains in Pamps bag, he did replace the prior seasons irons with the Callaway Apex CB Irons.
The new Callaway Apex CB 24 Irons are made explicitly for tour pros and ball strikers. These cavity back irons are designed with new forged construction for precise shot-making and workability.
PROS
- Pure feel for enhanced workability
- Forged construction
- High end, premium look
CONS
- Not recommended for high handicappers
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Rod Pampling Wedges
Callaway JAWS Raw Wedges
50°, 54°, 60°
Rod Pampling’s preference for Callaway RAW wedges is evident since they are one of the few clubs like the 7 wood he didn’t replace this year.
These wedges are favored among many PGA Tour Champions players for their precise short-game performance.
The RAW club face and razor-sharp grooves generate sublime friction off the clubface to boost spin. I also appreciate its buttery soft feel, crisp acoustics, and controlled flight it delivers. Given the reduced leniency, I suggest mid and handicappers consider the more forgiving Callaway Mack Daddy CB.
PROS
- Increased spin
- Controlled flight
- Smooth feel off the face
- Available in multiple sole grinds
- Reduced glare
CONS
- Expensive
- Not the most forgiving wedge for the average golfer
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Rod Pampling Putter
Callaway Odyssey AI-One Milled Putter
Two T (Crank Hosel)
Last year, Rod was carrying the Callaway Odyssey Eleven Triple Track S putter. It clearly performed for Pampling, who ranked in the top 20 on tour for 3-putt avoidance and birdie or better conversion.
We are excited to see what’s in store for Lightning Rod with the newly added Odyssey AI-One putter. When our senior testers tried out this new blade putter, they found it to be highly consistent, even on mishits.
PROS
- Very forgiving blade putter
- Glare resistant
- Comes with Ai-One Insert for improved distance control
- Front weights are interchangeable
CONS
- Pricey, as a new release
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Rod Pampling Golf Ball
Callaway Tour Soft X Triple Track
Golf Ball
The final item in Rod’s golf bag is his go-to golf ball from last season. The Callaway Chrome Soft X is designed for a wide range of golfers who want an outstanding feel, excellent distance, and incredible forgiveness.
Key performance characteristics include improved distance and a greater level of greenside control. Perry shared that Rod likes the lines that help provide an alignment aid when putting.
PROS
- The blue/red lines help as an alignment aid
- Low to mid spin
- Good for amateurs and pros
CONS
- On the pricier side for golf balls
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Final Thoughts on Rod Pampling WITB
Our Rod Pampling WITB 2024 review revealed a traditional set up with long irons, no hybrids, and a sneaky 7 wood, his favorite club. After more than two decades with Srixon, the Aussie signed with Callaway in 2022, which explains why he is completely kitted out by Ely’s brand.
Most of the clubs in Rod Pampling’s bag offer limited forgiveness or require the Pamps clubhead speed, which is not the reality for many senior golfers. The only golf club in the bag that most amateurs can swing is the Callaway Epic Max 7 wood. Unfortunately, it is an older model and not readily available. Alternatively, you can look at a newer model 7 wood like the Paradym AI Smoke Max.
