At the 2024 Boeing Classic, Fred was told he had an “old man’s bag” by a social media worker from the PGA Tour Champions crew because he had six woods in his bag.
In Fred’s usual swagger, he replied with a smile:
“I have 6 woods. A driver, 3-wood, 5-wood, 4-rescue, 5-rescue, and 6-rescue….and I’m loving life!”
When we caught up with Boom Boom a few months earlier at the 2024 Chubb Classic, he had more irons in his bag than woods.
So, what caused the change?
Following the 2024 Masters, Freddie came to a realization that he needed to make equipment changes:
“…My back is shot,” he said. “The longer the club, I’m OK. I didn’t have any speed. I was driving it 260, but most of them were going straight. It was fun. It was really difficult. If I’d have had more woods, honestly, yesterday, I probably could have shot 75, but I didn’t know – I kind of downplayed how bad I felt.” –Fred Couples, PGA Tour
With his changes, we also needed to make some adjustments to our Fred Couples WITB.
Below we share what we know thus far on the changes he’s made to his bag.
Fred Couples WITB Quick Summary
Keep in mind, Freddie adjusts for course conditions and his back, so we are listing more than 14 clubs.
One of the interesting details about Boom Boom is that he’s reluctant to shake hands or have people touch his clubs. He prefers fist bumps, for example to avoid getting oils, sweat, sunscreen, or other things onto his hands or onto velvet grips.
He’s a super nice guy, so we assume it’s due to not wearing a golf glove.
So, let’s take a deeper look at the latest Fred Couples WITB in 2024.
Fred Couples Quick Facts Table
Fred Couples at The Chubb Classic in Naples, Florida
Full NameFrederick Steven CouplesBirthdayOctober 3, 1959NicknameBoom Boom BirthplaceSeattle, WashingtonAge64 years oldYear Turned Pro1980Tournament Wins64Major Wins1 – Masters 1992World Ranking82Equipment SponsorBridgestone, Ashworth, Ecco
Fred Couples Driver
Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond Driver
Since our last Fred Couples WITB, Couples now hits a Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond Driver replacing his 9-degree TaylorMade Stealth Plus Driver. He currently uses a TENSEI™ 1K Pro Blue shaft.
Built to deliver minimal spin and a mid-launch without sacrificing forgiveness. While he usually prefers a stronger loft (9 or 9.5 degree), it may not suit the seniors with slower swing speeds, lower handicappers may appreciate the reduced launch.
However, the driver is fitted with an adjustable hosel to strengthen or weaken the loft for your desired launch.
⛳️ Read More: Fred Couples Golf Swing: Hit Like Boom Boom
Fred Couples Fairway Wood
The gentleman from the “Gateway to Alaska” carries a unique fairway wood, opting for the Callaway FTI Squareway. Its technology is from the last decade, albeit with minor customizable tweaks Couples requested to match his needs.
I struggle to get on board with the look, but it is incredibly effective thanks to its accuracy, launch, and distance.
Its unique square clubhead allowed engineers to apply mass around the entire perimeter to resist twisting during the swing. It supposedly encourages a square clubface at contact to produce straighter flight.
* Note: At the 2024, Chubb Classic we observed Fred Couples using the a TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver. However, in his most recent interview he doesn’t mention a mini driver in his setup. So for now, we haven’t replaced this old favorite.
Fred Couples Fairway Woods
Fred Couples Rescue
The 1992 Masters Champions transitions from fairway woods to the TaylorMade Stealth Rescue clubs. Like other hybrids, it is built to simplify your launch from the tee and off the deck, prompting consistent carry distance and a soft landing.
The Fujikura Ventus Red is your only stock shaft option, but Fred appears to be using the Kai’li™ Blue 60TX.
Fred Couples Irons
Fred Couples Utility Iron
Since this Fred Couples WITB is for the year of 2024, he was seen using his Callaway X-Forged 21 Utility Iron in February.
We assume it’s been replaced by his new setup of rescue clubs and woods. However, that doesn’t mean he won’t return to it either.
You’ll also note from our photo Fred Couples is a supporter of axeALS, an organization that helps fund ALS treatments. His clubhead covers show the company logo clearly on them.
Fred Couples Wedges
Fred Couples Putter
The Fred Couples DASS SS28 is priced at a premium, fetching a cool $3,000 (and currently sold out at the time of our article).
Freddie keeps it interesting by swapping between Bettinardi putters with five different ones that we are aware of.
His grips also change depending on the style of the putter. At the Chubb Classic he was utilizing a SuperStroke grip (seen above) with the Fred Couples SS28 Gamer. Then more recently, at the Boeing Classic he was using a traditional Bettinardi grip.
One thing that remains constant…his loyalty to Bettinardi.
Final Thoughts on Fred Couples WITB
Compared to some of his peers on the PGA Tour Champions, like Bernhard Langer, our Fred Couples WITB shows the American has a more consistent setup.
His Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond driver is better suited to lower handicappers with high swing speeds. However, the remainder of his gear could work for the average senior amateur.
His fairway woods and golf irons are easy to launch, feel good, and are forgiving, while his wedges are versatile and high spinning.
Overall, his golf equipment is better suited to superior low handicap golfers. However, mid and high-handicappers can get away swinging these fairway woods, irons, and golf wedges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in the bag for Fred Couples?
Fred Couple’s bag contains an eclectic mix of clubs, from long-time favorites to more recent picks, including Callaway, Bridgestone, Bettinardi, and Ping for his driver, woods, irons, wedges, putter, and golf balls. In 2024, he relied more on woods and rescue clubs than in prior seasons.
What putter does Fred Couples use?
Fred Couples uses a Bettinardi Fred Couples SS28 Gamer putter.
What yellow ball does Fred Couples play?
Fred Couples uses a yellow matte Bridgestone Tour B RXS golf ball. The yellow color helps him see the golf ball better.
Is Fred Couples Italian?
Fred Couples is of Italian descent on his father’s side of the family. His dad, Tom Couples is the child of Italian immigrants. Their last name was originally Coppola, and it was changed to Couples to sound less Italian.
How far does Fred Couples hit his driver?
Fred Couples hits his driver on average 260+ yards.
What golf shoes does Fred Couples wear?
Fred Couples wears Asics golf shoes, which are known for their comfort and water resistance.
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WITB articles are researched before publishing. While we strive to ensure our content is accurate, there may be inaccuracies. Players may change clubs after our content is published. In addition, players may choose to use different clubs depending on the course or for other reasons. If you notice something that appears to be incorrect, please let us know here.
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