Justin Leonard, the 1997 Open Champion at Royal Troon, carries a genuinely comprehensive Callaway setup on the Champions Tour: a driver he plays a full degree weaker than stock, two hybrids for real approach-shot versatility, and an Odyssey putter built specifically for his stroke.
In The Bag
- Driver Callaway Elyte Triple Diamond, 10.5° (playing 9.5°)
- Fairway Woods Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond, 3-wood (15°), 5-wood (18°)
- Hybrids Callaway Apex Pro, 3H (20°), 4H (23°)
- Irons Callaway Apex TCB 24 Elevate Tour or VSS shafts
- Wedges Dynamic Gold-shafted wedges brand not specified in current tracking
- Putter Odyssey Ai-ONE Milled One T CH
A Genuinely Complete Approach-Shot Arsenal
Two hybrids (20° and 23°) alongside two fairway woods gives Leonard real depth in the mid-to-long-iron replacement range, a setup built to give him the most controllable, forgiving option at nearly every approach distance rather than forcing a traditional iron into a role it might not suit as well on the Champions Tour.
What This Bag Tells Regular Golfers
- Adjusting your driver loft weaker or stronger than stock (Leonard plays 9.5° from a 10.5° head) is a real, simple fitting tweak worth exploring.
- Carrying two hybrids instead of traditional long irons is a legitimate strategy for players who want more forgiveness as they age or as swing speed changes.
- A putter model chosen specifically for your stroke pattern, rather than a generic "popular" model, is worth prioritizing with a professional fitter.
Conclusion
Justin Leonard's 2026 bag reflects a genuinely thoughtful Champions Tour setup: a Callaway Elyte Triple Diamond driver tuned to a weaker loft, dual hybrids for real approach-shot depth, and an Odyssey putter built for his specific stroke. It's a real example of adapting equipment to an evolving game.