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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.
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
Driver: Callaway Rogue ST Max LS (8°)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 6 X
3 Wood: Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond (13.5°)
7 Wood: Callaway Epic Max (21°)
Irons: Callaway X Forged Irons
Wedges: Callaway JAWS Raw Wedges (50°, 54°, 60°)
Putter: Callaway Odyssey Eleven Triple Track S Putter
Ball: Callaway Chrome Soft X Triple Track
Grips: Golf Pride New Decade MCC Plus4
Rod Pampling Quick Facts Table
Full Name | Rodney Pampling |
Birthday | September 23, 1969 |
Birthplace | Redcliffe, Queensland, Australia |
Age | 53 years old |
Year Turned Pro | 1994 |
Tournament Wins | 8 Wins |
Greatest Achievement | 2006 Bay Hill Invitational |
World Senior Ranking | 20 |
Equipment Sponsor | Callaway Golf |
Rod Pampling Driver
Driver – 8°
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
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Rod Pampling Fairway Wood
Fairway Wood – 15°
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
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Rod Pampling – 7 Wood
Callaway Epic Max Fairway Wood
Updated on 2023-09-29
7 Wood – 21°
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
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Rod Pampling Irons
Callaway X Forged Irons
est $309 – $714
Irons (4 – PW)
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
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Rod Pampling Wedges
Callaway JAWS Raw Wedges
Updated on 2023-09-29
50°, 54°, 60°
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
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Rod Pampling 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
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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.