Rod Pampling WITB 2023 | What’s In the Bag of Lightning Rod

Photo of author
Last Update:

Our website is supported by our readers. We may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. For more details see our disclaimers page.

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.

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.

As he concludes his third decade as a tour pro, we felt it right to conduct a Rod Pampling WITB 2023 edition in his honor. Senior Golf Source founder Erin Blakely sat down for a look at Lightning Rod’s bag with his caddie Perry Cameron.

After reading this review, you will know exactly what clubs he carries and whether they suit your golf swing. I also offer alternative options in the event that Pamps’ clubs are unsuitable for the average golfer. You will also come to learn that the man from down under is now sponsored by Callaway after more than 20 years of loyalty to Srixon.

Rod Pampling WITB 2023 Quick Table

Showing Rod Pampling what's in the bag photo of his golf bag with Paradym written on the side lying on the grass on the En-Joie Golf Course in 2023

 

Rod Pampling Quick Facts Table

Full NameRodney Pampling
BirthdaySeptember 23, 1969
BirthplaceRedcliffe, Queensland, Australia
Age53 years old
Year Turned Pro1994
Tournament Wins8 Wins
Greatest Achievement2006 Bay Hill Invitational
World Senior Ranking20
Equipment SponsorCallaway Golf

Rod Pampling Driver

Callaway Rogue ST Max LS Driver

$381.19 Amazon Prime

Updated on 2023-09-29

Driver – 8°

Rod Pampling WITB showing a Callaway Rogue ST Max LS Driver

The Queenslander ranks in the top 20 of the PGA Tour Champions for driving this season, averaging 288.4 yards. His big stick of choice is the Callaway Rogue ST Max LS, which is a super low-spinning design that requires explosive clubhead speed to consistently get the ball airborne.

In my experience, the Rogue ST Max LS 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 Rogue ST Max, which produced consistent velocity and minimal spin for my moderate swing speed.

🏌️‍♂️ Fun Fact: The 2021 Boeing Classic Winner will occasionally use his driver for fairway shots to increase his distance.

PROS

  • Low spin driver
  • Explosive ball speed
  • Maximum stability
  • Forgiving
  • Adjustable hosel

CONS

  • Moderately expensive
  • Not suited to moderate or slow swing speed

We may earn a commission, at no additional cost to you.

Rod Pampling Fairway Wood

Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond Fairway Wood

$349.99 Amazon Prime

Updated on 2023-09-29

Fairway Wood – 15°

Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond Fairway Wood

Perry explained that the Paradym Triple Diamond has done wonders for the 2004 International winner this season. Previously, Pampling would turn to his driver off the deck to maximize distance on approach. However, there is no need for these antics 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. I find the Speed and Stability Jailbreak Frame combines well with the Tungsten Speed Cartridge to stabilize the clubface at contact and prompt a high-launching shot.

Although I enjoy the velocity assistance from the Steel Face Cup, I feel the excessively low spin makes it difficult to achieve consistency with the 3 wood. Instead, amateurs should think about the easier launching, slice combatting Callaway Paradym X.

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

We may earn a commission, at no additional cost to you.

Rod Pampling – 7 Wood

Callaway Epic Max Fairway Wood

Price not available

Updated on 2023-09-29

7 Wood – 21°

Callaway Epic Max Fairway Wood

According to Perry Cameron, the 21-degree Callaway Epic Max 7 wood is the Australian’s favorite club. He is a man after my own heart, as I also favor my 7 wood that has remained in my bag for over 20 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

We may earn a commission, at no additional cost to you.

Rod Pampling Irons

Callaway X Forged Irons

est $309 – $714

Irons (4 – PW)

Callaway X Forged Irons

Unlike many modern professionals, Pamps has little time for hybrids and proceeds straight into the long irons. The Callaway X Forged are his irons of choice and have guided him to 71% greens in regulation record this season.

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 in 2023

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

We may earn a commission, at no additional cost to you.

Rod Pampling Wedges

Callaway JAWS Raw Wedges

$172.00

Updated on 2023-09-29

50°, 54°, 60°

Callaway JAWS Raw Wedges

Perry Cameron mentioned that Pamps plays Callaway RAW wedges. Since most other Callaway PGA Tour Champions play the JAWS Raw wedges, it makes sense these are his short game clubs of choice.

The RAW club face and Total Spin 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

We may earn a commission, at no additional cost to you.

Rod Pampling Putter

Callaway Odyssey Eleven Triple Track S Putter

$275.53 Amazon Prime

Updated on 2023-09-29

Putter

Callaway Odyssey Eleven Triple Track S Putter

Cameron mentioned that his boss from down under uses a putter that matches the Callaway Triple Track ball. From the images, it appears he strokes the Callaway Odyssey Eleven Triple Track S. It clearly performs for Pampling, who ranks in the top 20 on tour for 3-putt avoidance and birdie or better conversion.

The Eleven Triple Track alignment aid matches the lines on the Callaway Chrome Soft X Triple Track. I find the forward CG and enhanced moment of inertia (MOI) produce the perfect combination of stability, consistent friction, and optimal topspin.

The forgiving toe hang mallet is a desirable flat stick for most golfers with slight to moderately arched strokes.

PROS

  • Forgiving putter
  • Consistent topspin
  • Robust alignment aid
  • Glare resistant
  • Built for moderately arched strokes

CONS

  • Pricey

We may earn a commission, at no additional cost to you.

Final Thoughts on Rod Pampling WITB

Our Rod Pampling WITB 2023 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 Callaway Golf Rogue ST Max.

WITB Articles to Read Next

Subscribe to Our Newsletter!

We don’t spam (privacy policy)!

Photo of author

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.