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When it comes to golf, a player’s equipment plays a vital role in their success on the course.
For many, understanding a golfer’s WITB (What’s In The Bag) offers insights into the gear and choices that fuel their game.
One name that often comes up when discussing golf stars of the 2000s is Anthony Kim.
His rapid rise, combined with his explosive talent and distinct style, made him a fan favorite. But just what was in Anthony Kim’s bag during his peak years?
In this blog, we’ll take a deep dive into Anthony Kim’s WITB, exploring the clubs, balls, and accessories that made him one of the most talked-about golfers on the circuit during his heyday.
Anthony Kim: A Brief Overview of His Career
Before we get into the details of Anthony Kim’s WITB, it’s important to understand the man behind the clubs. Born in 1985, Anthony Kim turned professional in 2006 and quickly made a name for himself on the PGA Tour.
Known for his dynamic personality, youthful energy, and explosive game, Kim became one of the most promising American golfers of the late 2000s.
His most notable achievements include winning the 2008 Wachovia Championship and the 2009 Shell Houston Open. Additionally, Kim was a key part of the U.S. team in the 2008 Ryder Cup, where he earned a reputation for clutch performances under pressure.
However, his career was sadly cut short by injuries, and by 2012, Kim vanished from the limelight, leaving golf fans wondering what might have been.
The Key Clubs in Anthony Kim’s WITB
Anthony Kim’s bag was a combination of high-performance, precision, and reliability.
Let’s take a closer look at the gear he used to make a mark on the PGA Tour.
Driver: TaylorMade R9
Kim was known for his long drives, and his TaylorMade R9 driver played a key role in his ability to attack par-5s and hit impressive distances off the tee.
The R9 driver was known for its adjustable loft and weight, offering players like Kim the ability to fine-tune the club to match their swing mechanics.
- Specs: 9.5-degree loft, Fujikura Motore F1 shaft
- Performance: Known for a high launch and forgiving sweet spot, making it a popular choice for golfers seeking distance with accuracy.
Fairway Wood: Titleist 913F
When it came to fairway woods, Anthony Kim opted for the Titleist 913F.
This fairway wood provided a reliable, low-spin trajectory, which was perfect for Kim’s aggressive style of play.
- Specs: 15-degree loft, Aldila RIP shaft
- Performance: Great for distance and versatility, allowing for both accurate approach shots and powerful tee shots on shorter par-4s.
Irons: Nike Pro Combo
As one of Nike’s premier athletes during his prime, Anthony Kim relied on the Nike Pro Combo irons.
These clubs featured a cavity-back design with a thin, solid face for maximum feel and control.
- Specs: 3-PW, steel shaft
- Performance: The Nike Pro Combo irons are known for their exceptional playability, offering a blend of forgiveness and precision.
Wedges: Nike VR Pro
Short-game performance was another area where Anthony Kim excelled.
His Nike VR Pro wedges helped him to approach difficult bunker shots, chip around the greens, and perform delicate flop shots with ease.
- Specs: 52°, 56°, and 60° lofts, True Temper Dynamic Gold shafts
- Performance: These wedges were designed for maximum spin and control, ideal for players with a versatile short game like Kim.
Putter: Scotty Cameron Newport 2
For putting, Kim favored the Scotty Cameron Newport 2 putter.
This putter is renowned for its craftsmanship, feel, and precision.
- Specs: 35-inch shaft, stainless steel head
- Performance: Known for its clean lines, stability, and exceptional feel, the Newport 2 allowed Kim to consistently drain putts, whether from mid-range or with a delicate touch around the hole.
Golf Ball: Titleist Pro V1
When it came to the golf ball, Anthony Kim trusted Titleist Pro V1.
The Pro V1 is one of the most iconic balls in the game, known for its incredible spin control, durability, and distance.
- Performance: The Pro V1 ball provides a soft feel, excellent spin around the greens, and high performance in all weather conditions.
It was the perfect match for Kim’s game, helping him control his ball flight and achieve precision shots.
The Signature Gear of Anthony Kim
Beyond the clubs, Anthony Kim had a few signature pieces of gear that were a part of his WITB setup.
Bag: Nike Performance Golf Bag
As a Nike-sponsored athlete, Anthony Kim carried the Nike Performance Golf Bag during his competitive years.
The bag was spacious, lightweight, and durable, making it ideal for long rounds and travel.
- Design Features: A sleek, professional design with multiple compartments to organize clubs, balls, and accessories.
Gloves: Nike Dri-Fit Golf Gloves
For grip and comfort, Kim often used Nike Dri-Fit Golf Gloves. These gloves were designed with moisture-wicking technology, ensuring a secure grip even in hot, sweaty conditions.
- Performance: The Dri-Fit gloves offered a soft feel and great flexibility, perfect for maintaining a consistent grip on the club throughout a round.
Anthony Kim’s Playing Style and Equipment Synergy
It’s clear that Anthony Kim’s WITB was a reflection of his aggressive yet controlled playing style.
The driver, irons, and wedges in his bag were all chosen for their performance under pressure, allowing Kim to execute his fast, dynamic approach to the game.
His ability to hit long drives, approach shots with precision, and finish off holes with his trusty putter made him a formidable force on the PGA Tour.
Though his time on tour was relatively short-lived, the equipment choices Anthony Kim made during his career show that he was ahead of his time.
His WITB was a mixture of precision, power, and versatility—qualities that made him a standout player.
FAQs About Anthony Kim’s WITB
Q1. What driver did Anthony Kim use?
Anthony Kim used the TaylorMade R9 driver during his peak years, known for its adjustability and long-distance capabilities.
Q2. What irons were in Anthony Kim’s bag?
Kim played with Nike Pro Combo irons, a set known for its combination of control and forgiveness.
Q3. Why did Anthony Kim retire early?
Kim retired early due to injuries, which prevented him from maintaining his physical and mental sharpness on the course.
Q4. What wedges did Anthony Kim use?
Kim used the Nike VR Pro wedges, which provided excellent spin control and feel around the greens.
Q5. Was Anthony Kim a part of any major tournaments?
Yes, Anthony Kim was part of the 2008 Ryder Cup U.S. team and won multiple PGA Tour events, including the 2008 Wachovia Championship.
Q6. What golf ball did Anthony Kim use?
Kim trusted the Titleist Pro V1 golf ball, known for its soft feel, spin control, and excellent durability.
Conclusion
Anthony Kim’s career, though brief, left an indelible mark on the golf world. His WITB was a reflection of his playing style—aggressive, versatile, and precise.
Whether it was his TaylorMade driver off the tee or his Nike VR Pro wedges around the greens, every piece of equipment in Kim’s bag had a role to play in his exciting, albeit short, career.
While the golf world may never see the same combination of talent and flair that Kim brought to the game, his choice of equipment continues to influence both amateurs and professionals alike.
