Fred Couples WITB 2025: Exploring the Secrets Behind His 6 Woods
At 65 years old, Fred Couples continues to impress golf fans and fellow players alike—not just with his smooth swing but also with the unique setup in his golf bag. Known for his precision and experience as a 15-time PGA TOUR winner, Fred’s bag features an unusual but intriguing choice: six woods. In this exclusive article, we dive deep into Fred Couples WITB (what’s in the bag), exploring the specs, trajectory, and performance of these clubs during a full range session.
Table of Contents
- Why Six Woods? Understanding Fred Couples’ Unique Club Setup
- Trajectory and Distance: How Fred Couples Uses His Woods
- Specs and Shaft Choices: The Importance of Consistency
- Fred Couples’ Advice: It’s Not About Age, It’s About Smart Golf
- Trusting Your Clubs: The Mental Game with Woods
- FAQs About Fred Couples WITB and Golf Woods
- Conclusion: Fred Couples WITB Offers a Masterclass in Smart Golf
Why Six Woods? Understanding Fred Couples’ Unique Club Setup
Golfers often wonder why Fred would carry six woods instead of the traditional mix of irons and woods. The answer lies in his approach to trajectory control and distance management. Fred explains that these woods provide a range of heights and distances that suit his style of play, especially as he manages his game at 65.
He discusses the lengths and lofts of the clubs, noting that they are “short for standard,” which suits his swing and shot preferences perfectly. The variation in shafts and club lengths allows him to fine-tune the trajectory and distance for each shot, providing flexibility on the course that irons might not offer him at this stage.
Trajectory and Distance: How Fred Couples Uses His Woods
One of the key points Fred emphasizes is the difference in trajectory between woods and irons. While a six iron might have a certain height and distance, Fred notes that his six wood has a slightly higher trajectory, which works better for his game. He highlights that the higher ball flight helps him get the ball in the air, which is crucial for stopping it on the greens.
Fred also discusses the benefit of having multiple shafts and club lengths, which helps him adjust not just distance but also ball flight depending on the shot and conditions. For example, he mentions hitting a 168-yard uphill shot into a slight wind with his seven iron, landing it six feet from the pin—a testament to his precise control.
Playing in the Wind
Fred shares his experience hitting shots in windy conditions, recounting an instance where he tried to hit a low drive into strong wind but ended up with a poor shot. He admits that adjusting stance for wind shots is something he has tried but hasn’t mastered fully, which many recreational golfers can relate to.
His woods, however, offer an advantage in the wind. The lower ball flight and controlled spin from these clubs help him manage the conditions better than traditional irons might.
Specs and Shaft Choices: The Importance of Consistency
Fred is meticulous about specs. He measures his clubs to ensure consistent length differences—typically about an inch between clubs—which is ideal for smooth distance gapping. He mentions that even small changes like an eighth or quarter of an inch can affect trajectory and spin, but he prefers not to alter the trajectory too much.
The shafts he uses are stiff and tight, such as the Mitsubishi Tensei, which help control trajectory and reduce spin. Fred points out that using a shaft that’s too soft would cause the ball to balloon, which he wants to avoid.
Interestingly, Fred also references other players like Davis Love and Sam Reeves, noting how these woods have been “life-changing” for players even at an advanced age. The woods allow for easier launch and better distance control, making them a smart choice for senior golfers who want to maintain performance.
Why Not Use a Four Iron?
Fred questions the use of traditional long irons like the four iron, which he finds harder to hit and less forgiving. He describes the four iron as “pitchy” and “a shoe” in comparison to his woods, which provide a cleaner look and easier playability. For him, woods offer better control and confidence.
Fred Couples’ Advice: It’s Not About Age, It’s About Smart Golf
Fred challenges the notion of “old man golf” by emphasizing that good golf is just good golf—regardless of age. He encourages players, even those in their 90s, to use clubs that help get the ball in the air and make the game more enjoyable and effective.
His setup with six woods reflects this philosophy: it’s about choosing the right tools to fit your swing and needs rather than sticking to traditional club sets. This mindset has helped Fred maintain a competitive edge and enjoy the game fully.
Trusting Your Clubs: The Mental Game with Woods
Fred admits that trusting these woods, especially when switching from irons, takes time. At the range, without yardage markers, he sometimes struggles with distance control, but after using them consistently for two weeks, he notices better shots and confidence.
He also touches on the feel of the clubs—saying that hitting on the toe is common for him but the woods still perform well. The key is to trust the clubs and their trajectory, which are designed to optimize flight and stopping power on the greens.
FAQs About Fred Couples WITB
Why does Fred Couples carry six woods instead of traditional irons?
Fred finds that woods provide better trajectory control, easier launch, and more forgiveness than long irons. This setup helps him manage his distance and ball flight more effectively, especially as a senior golfer.
How do the shafts affect the performance of Fred’s woods?
Fred uses stiff, tight shafts like Mitsubishi Tensei to control trajectory and reduce spin. Softer shafts can cause the ball to balloon, which he wants to avoid for consistent shot-making.
Are woods easier to hit than long irons for senior golfers?
Yes. Woods generally have a larger sweet spot and higher launch, making them more forgiving and easier to control, which is why many senior golfers, including Fred, prefer them over traditional long irons.
Does using multiple woods affect distance gapping?
Fred ensures his woods have consistent length differences—usually about an inch apart—to maintain proper distance gapping and shot consistency. This helps cover a range of distances efficiently.
Can these woods be used in windy conditions?
Yes. Fred mentions that his woods perform well in the wind due to their controlled trajectory and spin, which helps keep the ball from ballooning and losing control.
Conclusion: Fred Couples WITB Offers a Masterclass in Smart Golf
Fred Couples’ choice to carry six woods in his bag is more than just a quirk—it’s a strategic approach tailored to his game and needs. His focus on trajectory, shaft selection, and club length highlights the importance of customization and trust in your equipment.
For golfers looking to improve their game, especially seniors, Fred’s WITB offers valuable lessons on adapting your club selection to fit your swing and conditions. Whether it’s managing wind, controlling distance, or simply making the game more enjoyable, Fred Couples shows that smart golf transcends age.
