It’s been a rocky road to start 2025 for Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. The 23-year-old came into the season riding momentum from a breakout 2023 Ryder Cup and rising status on both the DP World and PGA Tours—but so far, it’s been a struggle. Four consecutive missed cuts have defined his spring swing: +2 at THE PLAYERS, a Friday exit at the Valspar after a second-round 75, a +1 fade at the Texas Houston Open, and a disappointing +6 at Augusta. His last made cut came at the Cognizant Classic in early March. Add to that a FedEx Cup ranking outside the top 100, and it’s clear Nicolai’s 2025 campaign needs a spark. Enter: the Zurich Classic of New Orleans.

Teaming up with his twin brother Rasmus Højgaard, the Højgaards reminded the golf world why they’re considered one of the most exciting duos in the sport. In Thursday’s opening round four-ball format, the brothers fired a jaw-dropping 13-under 59, tying the tournament record and electrifying TPC Louisiana with a blend of precision and brotherly chemistry. With their games syncing and spirits lifted, let’s dive into what Nicolai Højgaard had in the bag during that record-tying 59, as per Today’s Golfer.

Højgaard’s long game: Distance meets control

At the top of the bag, Højgaard games a Callaway Elyte TD Max driver (9°), with a Fujikura Ventus TR Black 7-X shaft ($649.99). It’s a low-spin bomber made for aggressive players, and Nicolai fits that bill to a tee—literally. The TD Max gives him a neutral-to-fade bias and elite ball speed when he’s swinging freely.

For fairway woods, Højgaard mixes in two different models. His primary is a Callaway Elyte fairway wood with a Mitsubishi Chemical Tensei 1K Pro White 80-TX shaft ($349.99). That’s complemented by a TaylorMade Stealth 2 fairway wood ($449.99), using the same Tensei 1K shaft for consistency across the board. It’s a power combo designed to handle tight tee shots and long par 5 approaches with equal confidence.

In the irons, Nicolai sticks with Callaway X Forged (4-PW), shafted with Project X LZ 6.5 steel ($1,470.00). These irons aren’t for the faint of heart—compact, blade-like looks with a little help on off-center strikes. They suit his feel-first style and allow him to flight the ball both directions without sacrificing control.

Højgaard’s short game: Shot-making tools with a touch of feel

Around the greens, Højgaard relies on a precise mix of wedges. He carries two Callaway Opus wedges—a 50°-10S and a 56°-12S ($179 each)—both fitted with Project X LZ 6.5 shafts for consistent weight and feel with his irons. For specialty shots and added spin, he also keeps a Callaway Jaws Raw 50° wedge ($149.99) in the rotation, particularly useful from tight Bermuda lies and bunkers.

When it comes to putting, Nicolai isn’t chasing the latest models. He’s loyal to an Odyssey O-Works Jailbird Mini ($299.99), a classic mallet that delivers face-balanced stability. It’s center-aligned and consistent, perfect for the clean rolling stroke that helped him pour in birdie after birdie in that Zurich opener.

As for the golf ball? It’s the Callaway Chrome Tour X+ ($54.99/dozen), a ball built for elite spin control and high-speed launch—ideal for players like Højgaard looking to shape shots without sacrificing distance or feel.

Nicolai Højgaard’s game is still a work in progress in 2025, but Thursday’s fireworks with Rasmus Højgaard may just be the confidence jolt he’s needed. The talent is undeniable. The tools are Tour-proven. If the twin synergy stays hot, this Zurich Classic could be the launching pad that resets his season.