Last year, Austin Eckroat’s career took a dramatic turn when he made his way to PGA National. His maiden triumph at the 2024 Cognizant Classic didn’t just mark his first PGA Tour win, but it also opened a Pandora’s box of golden opportunities. The victory not only netted him a cool $1.62 million but also brought him a coveted Masters spot, an invitation to the Tour’s marquee events, and a significant leap in his FedExCup ranking. However, the most precious reward was the two-year job security on Tour.
This monumental win ushered in a new era of freedom and a shift in mindset for Eckroat. The constant pressure and anxiety of retaining his tour card dissipated, replaced with a more relaxed and liberated approach to the game. As he prepares to defend his title at the Cognizant Classic at PGA National this week, the spotlight is on Eckroat’s newfound perspective and how it will influence his performance. So, what weaponry will Eckroat be wielding to protect his crown?
Eckroat’s arsenal this season boasts drives that have reached a staggering 400 yards, earning him a 39th rank. This impressive feat is possible thanks to the Ping G430 LST (10 degrees @8.5), coupled with the Project X HZRDUS Smoke Green 70 6.5 shaft (tipped 1 inch). This equipment is a perfect match for those with high clubhead speed and a preference for a piercing trajectory. The 440cc LST’s new Carbonfly Wrap and a freshly optimized face with Spinsistency enhance ball speed while reducing spin, resulting in longer drives and a more gratifying impact feel. This driver is priced between $500 to $550.
Eckroat’s 3-Wood choice is the Ping G430 Max (15 degrees @14.25) with the Graphite Design Tour AD DI 8 X shaft, priced at a reasonable $650. The innovative face-design optimization of these clubs facilitates increased flexing, leading to a substantial distance gain. Further, they feature a 25-gram movable backweight position. For his irons, Eckroat relies on the Ping Blueprint S (3), and the Ping Blueprint T (4-PW), which improve his GIR. He uses these with the Project X 6.5 shaft, and the set comes at a hefty $1,487.
A devoted PING user, Eckroat’s go-to for the greens is the Ping Glide Forged Pro (50-10S, 54-10S, 60-06T) wedges. Equipped with the True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue Onyx X100 shaft, these wedges provide higher spin rates, enhancing his short game, and are priced at $200. When faced with a ball hanging on the edge of the hole, Eckroat’s trust lies with his Ping PLD DZB Custom putter, which has helped him secure the 35th spot in putting average. This unique putter comes with a $1490 tag. Eckroat completes his set with the Golf Pride ZGrip Cord ($11.99) and the enduring Titleist Pro V1 ball ($55).
With this impressive line-up of golfing essentials, will Eckroat be able to defend his Cognizant Classic title? We’ll have to wait and watch!