Disappearing 'Yongpum FA'... What About Kepka and Reed?

'Major Hunter' Kepka Joins Srixon, 'Masters Champ' Reed Moves to PXG, 'Number 1' Rahm Chooses Callaway's New Weapon

'Major Hunter' Brooks Koepka has been using Srixon clubs since this year.

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] Among the world’s top-ranked golfers, there are players who do not sign contracts with golf equipment companies.

This is because being tied to a specific brand prevents them from choosing the ‘weapon’ they prefer. Instead of signing equipment contracts, they aim to earn more prize money through good performance. However, this trend is changing. ‘Equipment free agents’ are gradually disappearing. Brooks Koepka (USA), a ‘major hunter,’ is a prime example. After rejecting numerous lucrative sponsorship offers from many equipment companies, he partnered with Srixon ahead of the 2022 season.

From this year, he will be under the same roof as Hideki Matsuyama (Japan), Shane Lowry (Ireland), Graeme McDowell (Northern Ireland), K.J. Choi (52, SK Telecom), and Noh Seung-yul (31, Givent). Koepka is a player who has won a total of 8 PGA Tour titles, including 4 majors. He achieved back-to-back wins at the U.S. Open and the PGA Championship. He reached world No. 1 in 2018 and was named Player of the Year in 2018 and 2019.

He dominated the tour with aggressive course strategies and powerful driver shots. Until now, Koepka’s golf bag contained a mix of products from TaylorMade, Nike, Srixon, Titleist, and Scotty Cameron. After clinching a come-from-behind victory at the Waste Management Phoenix Open last February using the Srixon ZX7 irons, he signed a contract with the equipment company. He expressed confidence, saying, "I like the clubs" and "I will lift the winner’s trophy with Srixon."

Patrick Reed (USA), who has accumulated 9 career wins including the 2018 Masters, signed with PXG. From this year’s first tournament, the ‘Tournament of Champions,’ he appeared wearing a hat with the PXG logo. His driver is the GEN4. Reed said, "I like the new driver’s launch angle, spin, sound, and feel," and added, "I’m looking forward to my performance this year," sharing his thoughts on the contract.

'Number 1' Jon Rahm switched his equipment from TaylorMade to Callaway.

Some players have also settled in new places. World No. 1 Jon Rahm (Spain) chose Callaway instead of TaylorMade, which he had used for the past five years. He changed not only his clubs but also his golf balls and golf wear. Last winter, Rahm recorded a 59 at Silverleaf Golf Club in Arizona, where his home is located, using the new clubs, expressing great satisfaction. He said, "I gained confidence in the new clubs and golf balls," and "They made a deep impression on me."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.