
USA Today via Reuters
Jun 19, 2021; San Diego, California, USA; Bubba Watson plays his shot from the fifth tee during the third round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Torrey Pines Golf Course. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Jun 19, 2021; San Diego, California, USA; Bubba Watson plays his shot from the fifth tee during the third round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Torrey Pines Golf Course. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Gerry Lester “Bubba” Watson’s career has seen its fair share of highs and lows, but as of April 2025, the 46-year-old is still a force to be reckoned with in the golf world. He competes in the LIV Golf Mexico City event at Club de Golf Chapultepec. In the opening round on Friday, he delivered an impressive performance, shooting a 6-under-par 65, which places him in a tie for the lead alongside Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Smith.
This strong start follows his T14 finish at the 2025 Masters Tournament earlier this month. Watson continues to show that even in his 40s, he’s still got what it takes to compete at the highest level. The two-time Masters champion is now a fixture in the LIV Golf series, leading the RangeGoat GC team. Bubba Watson’s powerful swing and evolving gear keep him competitive in the 2025 season, whether at LIV events or majors. Here’s a look at the clubs fueling his game.
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Bubba Watson’s long game: Power and precision off the tee
Watson’s ability to shape the golf ball has always been one of his defining traits. Known for his high fade and ability to control flight paths, Watson requires equipment that complements his creative style of play. At the top of his bag is the Ping G430 LST driver, set to 9° with a $549.99 Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX 60 shaft. This driver is a low-spin model designed to deliver maximum distance with added control, which suits Watson’s preference for shaping the ball off the tee. His distinctive ability to hit big cuts with this setup has been a trademark of his game throughout his career, and the G430 LST gives him all the performance he needs.
For fairway woods, Watson sticks with the Ping G430 Max 3-wood, boasting 15° of loft and a Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX 80 shaft at $349.99. This club delivers both power and versatility, allowing Watson to confidently attack tight par-4s or long par-5s. The G430 Max is known for its forgiving characteristics, helping Watson stay in play even when his swing isn’t perfect, and it’s been a reliable weapon in his arsenal since its release.
In terms of irons, Watson continues to play with a set of $1,199.99 Ping Blueprint S irons (3-PW), fitted with the True Temper Dynamic Gold X100 shaft. These compact, player-focused irons offer precision and workability, perfect for Watson’s feel-first approach to the game. Their minimal offset and clean lines make them ideal for a shot-maker like Watson, who thrives on shaping the ball both directions, particularly when hitting into greens with difficult pin positions.
Bubba Watson’s short game: Wedges and putting for a touch of genius
Bubba Watson isn’t just about booming drives—he’s all about style and swagger, too. Known for customizing his gear to match his one-of-a-kind swing, he’s famously rocked pink shafts and flashy, personalized club designs that are as bold as his shot-making. He carries a trio of Ping Glide 2.0 wedges in 52°, 56°, and 60°, costing $159 each. These wedges are fitted with the True Temper Dynamic Gold X100 shafts, matching his irons for consistency in feel and performance. His Ping Glide 2.0 wedges have been key to his success, including a memorable bunker hole-out with the 60° wedge to win the 2018 Genesis Open. He also clinched the Travelers Championship with a flawless 73-yard approach, capped by a sizzling 63 in the final round.
For putting, Watson stays loyal to the $399.99 Ping PLD Anser D prototype putter, an evolution of the classic Anser blade design. Back in September 2023, Bubba Watson’s bag was rocking the Ping PLD Anser D putter, crushing drives with the same driver, and carving shots with those sleek Blueprint S irons. Watson has also experimented with a Ping Tyne H mid-mallet putter recently, but the Anser D remains his preferred option for consistently rolling the ball on his lines.
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Finally, Watson uses a Titleist Pro V1x golf ball at $49.99/dozen, which is known for its combination of high launch, low spin, and incredible control around the greens. This ball helps Watson take advantage of his impressive short game while still maintaining the distance he’s become known for off the tee.
His shoes are often just as bright, adding to his distinctive style. In recent times, Watson has been seen sporting both Jordan golf shoes and FootJoy footwear. Watson is known to change his shoes regularly, depending on the tournament. Bubba Watson brings serious swagger to the course with his ever-changing kicks. He’s rocked bold Air Jordan golf shoes like the AJ4 and AJ12, blending basketball flair with golf function, and teamed up with G/FORE for eye-catching high-tops like the Gallivanter and Disruptor—custom looks that match his fearless style.
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This flexibility and style-consciousness further solidify his reputation as a golfer with a flair for individuality both on and off the course. From his high-powered Ping G430 LST driver to his precise Ping Blueprint S irons and versatile Ping Glide 2.0 wedges, every club in Watson’s bag is designed to help him shape shots and attack pins with flair. Despite the changes in his career trajectory with LIV Golf, his commitment to his craft and his ability to adapt to new technology ensure he remains a major threat in PGA events, too. With majors still in his sights and a possible Augusta return, Watson’s 2025 season promises to be another thrilling chapter in his storied career.
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Is Bubba Watson's flair and individuality the secret to his lasting success in golf?