What’s In My Bag: David Lingmerth

David Lingmerth

Age
28

Lives
Florida

Story
Won the 2015 Memorial Tournament in a playoff against Justin Rose.

Ryder Cup Ambitions
I’ve met with Darren Clarke and other European Ryder Cup players this summer. It’s cool they think I could contribute to their team. I’m going to do my best to qualify, which entails joining the European Tour next season. You know, just having my name mentioned in Ryder Cup talks is a pretty big thrill for me.

Keeping My Cool
Leading the US PGA and British Open this year was a thrill, and a learning experience on how to handle your emotions. 

First win at Jack’s? Pretty surreal
During the (college) NCAAs in 2009, Jack came and gave a talk to the teams. I was in awe of being in the same room as him. So I’ll always cherish winning his event.

Swedish connection
I played hockey growing up in Sweden. Since coming to the United States, I’ve become a Washington Capitals fan. This is me (left) with Nicklas Backstrom (centre), a fellow Swede and centre for the Capitals.

Keeping it simple
There’s nothing crazy  about the mark on my Titleist Pro V1x. It used to be blue and yellow for Sweden. Now it’s just a black dot.

DRIVER
Specs Ping G30, 10.5˚, Aldila Rogue 60-X shaft (tipped half an inch), 45.25 inches, D-4 swingweight
We added five grams to the toe to achieve the feel I want. It helps keep the clubhead from turning over on my go-to fade.

HYBRID
Specs Ping Anser, 17˚ (bent to 17.5˚), 1˚ flat, Matrix Ozik Altus Red, X-flex, D-2 swingweight
I can step on this club and trust it anytime I need to. It’s a huge club for me on the longer tour layouts.

3-WOOD
Specs Ping G25, 15˚ (bent to 14.5˚), Aldila Rogue 70-X shaft (tipped an inch), 0.5˚ flat, 42.5 inches. D-2 swingweight
My misses are controlled with this. I like a flat look at setup.

WEDGES
Specs Ping Glide wedges: 50˚ (bent to 50.5˚), 54˚ (bent to 55˚), 60˚, ZZ65 shafts
By adding a third wedge this year my ranking in short approaches from the rough jumped by more than 100 spots.    

IRONS
Specs Ping i25 (4-iron through pitching wedge), ¼ degree strong, Ping ZZ65 shafts
My natural ball flight is low compared to other pros. These cavity-back irons have a wider sole [compared to a blade] to give me a little help in launching my shots higher. That’s key for my long irons.

PUTTER
Specs Ping Cadence TR Ketsch (blue), 32 inches, 2.5˚ loft, 70˚ lie angle
The weight of the mallet-style putter works for me. I used an Anser for a couple months in 2013 but realised it wasn’t for me. Also, the contrasting lines help me with my aim.

*carry distance