When is a club change more than just a club change?
Bubba Watson’s putter swap and Scottie Scheffler’s driver adjustment show that sometimes, it's about the mental game as much as the tech.
Marcus Santana · Founder & Lead Tester, Homie Golf · August 1, 2026
Original reporting & analysis · Homie Golf Tour desk
Bubba Watson's return to a familiar putter and Scottie Scheffler's driver adjustment aren't just about tweaking specs; they're strategic moves signaling a search for comfort and control in their games.
The setup
Let's talk about Bubba Watson. For years, his putter has been an extension of his unique, flowing stroke. Lately, though, he’s been dabbling. But this week, the Ping PLD Anser, a blade that’s been in and out of his bag, is back. It’s a classic shape, very clean, with that familiar Anser heel-toe weighting that’s been winning majors for decades. No fancy alignment aids, just a simple sightline. On the other hand, Scottie Scheffler, ever the tinkerer despite his consistency, has been experimenting with his driver setup. I’ve seen him testing a new TaylorMade Qi10 LS head, specifically a slightly different loft and face angle than his previous Stealth 2 Plus. Visually, the Qi10 LS is a sleek, low-spin head, no-frills, designed for maximum speed and workability.
What happened
Bubba’s putting has been a hot-and-cold affair this season. The switch back to the Anser immediately looked more natural in his hands. There’s a certain familiarity that allows him to just react rather than overthink. I saw him draining some mid-range putts in practice that had a much more confident roll. It's not about the putter suddenly having magical powers, but rather that returning to a comfort object can unlock better feel. For Scheffler, the driver change is subtle but significant. He’s already one of the best ball-strikers, but he’s been chasing a touch more spin consistency and a slightly tighter dispersion window, especially when he’s really going after it. The Qi10 LS with the adjusted specs seemed to be delivering that. His ball flight looked a little more penetrating, and he was able to hit his draws and fades on command with impressive consistency.
What it means
What do these changes mean for the average golfer? It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes, the best equipment for you isn't the newest, most technologically advanced club on the market, but the one that gives you the most confidence. Bubba's move illustrates that feel and familiarity can trump marginal gains in technology. If you’re struggling, don’t be afraid to go back to an old reliable if it brings back that mental comfort. For Scheffler, it shows that even the best players are relentlessly optimizing. They’re looking for that 1% edge, and often, that comes from a slight tweak that better matches their swing. It’s a lesson in getting fitted correctly, understanding your numbers, and recognizing that even minor adjustments can have a big impact on your overall game and, crucially, your confidence.
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