LIV Golf Hong Kong: Equipment Changes & Player Updates 2024/2026

Hong Kong is set to host a traditional golf test this week as LIV Golf arrives at Hong Kong Golf Club’s Fanling course for the HSBC LIV Golf Hong Kong 2026. Beyond the competition itself, the event is notable for a series of equipment changes being made by several prominent players, signaling strategic adjustments as the season progresses.

Shifting Irons for a Veteran

Charles Howell III is making a subtle but potentially impactful change to his iron setup. The veteran player is transitioning his 4-6 irons from PXG 0317CB models to LA Golf CB-26 irons. This move suggests a desire for a different experience or performance characteristic in that specific range of clubs, potentially aiming for improved distance control or workability. Howell, currently competing on the Crushers GC team, has been a consistent presence on the PGA Tour and now LIV Golf, and such equipment tweaks are common as players fine-tune their games.

Kokrak Overhauls His Bag

Jason Kokrak, a member of Smash GC, is undertaking a far more extensive equipment overhaul. The changes span nearly his entire bag, indicating a significant reassessment of his equipment choices. Kokrak is swapping out his Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond Max driver for the Callaway Quantum Max model, suggesting a search for optimized launch conditions and forgiveness. His fairway wood is also undergoing a change, moving from a PXG Lightning 3 Wood to a TaylorMade 3 Wood.

The most substantial changes are in his irons and wedges. Kokrak is replacing his PXG 0311T Tungsten irons with Callaway X-Forged irons, and his PXG BP-GRIND wedges with Cleveland RTZ Tour Rack wedges. This complete shift in iron and wedge technology suggests Kokrak is looking for a different feel, trajectory, and spin profile to better suit his swing and the demands of the course. The breadth of these changes underscores a commitment to optimizing every aspect of his equipment for peak performance.

Other Notable Adjustments

Several other LIV Golf players are also making equipment adjustments for the Hong Kong event. Sebastián Muñoz is changing his putter from a L.A.B. Golf model to a PING Vault 3, a change that could impact his performance on the greens. Sergio Garcia is upgrading the shafts in his driver and fairway woods, moving from Ventus Black 7X shafts to Attomax Pro Atom Black 7X shafts. These unreleased tour-grade shafts, produced in Japan, are expected to offer a different feel and performance characteristics, potentially enhancing distance and control.

Talor Gooch is making a minor adjustment to his fairway wood, switching from a Callaway Elyte to a Callaway Elyte Titanium model. Danny Lee is making a significant change at the top of his bag, replacing his TaylorMade Qi4D driver with a Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond driver.

The Significance of Equipment Changes

These equipment changes, while often subtle to the casual observer, are a critical part of professional golf. Players are constantly seeking marginal gains, and equipment adjustments represent one avenue for achieving those gains. The decision to change clubs or shafts is rarely taken lightly, involving extensive testing and analysis to ensure the new equipment complements the player’s swing and playing style.

The Hong Kong Golf Club’s Fanling course presents a unique challenge, and players are likely tailoring their equipment choices to suit the course’s specific demands. The course is known for its narrow fairways and challenging greens, requiring precision and control. The equipment changes announced this week suggest players are prioritizing those qualities as they prepare to compete.

The fact that Jason Kokrak is undertaking such a comprehensive overhaul is particularly noteworthy. It indicates a potential dissatisfaction with his current equipment setup or a desire to experiment with different technologies to unlock new levels of performance. The results of these changes will be closely watched by fans and fellow professionals alike.

The ongoing evolution of golf equipment continues to play a significant role in the professional game. Players are always searching for the latest innovations that can deliver them a competitive edge, and the equipment changes announced this week are a testament to that pursuit. As LIV Golf continues its season, these adjustments will undoubtedly influence performance and contribute to the dynamic nature of the competition.