Love Earns Lifetime Exemption with Win at Disney
November 10th, 2008
Titleist Brand Ambassador Davis Love III won the Children’s Miracle Network Classic presented by Wal-Mart, closing with a second consecutive 8-under 64 for a one-shot victory in the final PGA TOUR event of the year. Love scrambled for pars on the final two holes, including a tough bunker shot to 3 feet on the 18th, to hold off a late charge from the runner-up. Love, who finished at 25-under 263, saved the best for last, as his weekend 64s were both season-low rounds. The win was the first in more than two years for the 22-year PGA TOUR veteran who last won at the 2006 Chrysler Classic of Greensboro (now the Wyndham Championship). It was also his 20th career victory, earning him a lifetime exemption on the PGA TOUR. Only three other active players have won more than 20 TOUR events.
Hear what Davis had to say in his post-victory interview by clicking on the video player below.
Here’s what Davis had in the bag for his 20th PGA Tour win:
 Davis Love III |
Golf Ball | Pro V1x |
| Driver |
909D3 (8.5°) UST Proforce V2 75X |
|
| Fairways |
F3•05 prototype (13°) UST Proforce V2 85X 906F3 prototype (18°) UST Proforce V2 85X |
|
| Irons |
Forged 680 (3-9) True Temper Dynamic Gold X-100 |
|
| Wedges |
Vokey Design wedges (50°, 55° & 60-E) True Temper Dynamic Gold |
|
| Putter | Scotty Cameron Studio Select Newport | |
Entry Filed under: PGA Tour Players, Tour, Vokey
Social tagging: 909 Drivers > Davis Love III > Scotty Cameron > Vokey Design
I had the opportunity to follow Davis at Grayhawk two weeks before Disney. He played well, but more importantly, I was impressed by how he carried himself on the golf course. As spectators wished him good luck, Davis would look each of them in the eye and say, “thank you.” His lifetime exemption is well deserved.
Congrats on your lifetime exemption.
I notice that Davis always plays the newest Titleist irons when they first get released but then goes back to the 680s. Being a Titleist Brand Ambassador, is it in his contract to endorse the company’s latest product for a certain amount of time or does he just prefer the older model blades compared to the newer ones? Thanks.
What Titleist club is best for breaking sprinkler heads? That was a Vokey, right?
Just messin’ with ya - congrats on the lifetime exemption to a competitor and a gentleman!
-Jeff
What is Davis’ swing speed with the driver and if you know his approximate launch angle, I would like to know that also.
I notice the irons Davis uses are listed as 3-9. The standard 9 iron loft is 40°. The next wedge listed is 50°. That is an unusually large gap between short clubs. No pitching wedge (45°)?
Please see the comment below regarding Davis’ wedges. Also, the standard loft of most Titleist 9-irons is either 43° or 44°.
What ball will Davis more than likely play next season now that the Pro V1 will not be available after 12/31/2008?
From the Acushnet Company press release responding to the Pro V1 court ruling as posted on Titleist.com:
What was this about the Pro V1 not being able to be used after the new year?
Please see the Titleist Pro V1 litigation fact sheet at Titleist.com for responses to frequently asked questions about the litigation.
What’s the benefit of using a 50° wedge over the standard 52° gap and why bend a 56° to 55°?
In addition to making consistent gaps, bending a wedge to a stronger loft also reduces bounce. This can be a big issue. Fairway consistency (soft vs. firm) changes bounce requirements. Sometimes it’s just a matter of taste. Also bear in mind that touring pros often change their clubs depending on the golf course and the yardages needed on approach shots. I am a 0 handicap and by no stretch of the imagination play at Love’s level. I do, however, vary my 14 clubs according to where I’m playing, tees being used, length of the course and turf conditions.
Davis has his 680 9-iron bent 1° weaker than standard to 45°. He prefers 5° gaps in his wedges, and therefore uses a 50° Vokey for his pitching wedge, a 56° Vokey bent to 55° for his sand wedge, and a 60° Vokey for his lob wedge.
I like the traditional look of the 680 irons. Is it possible to still get a set?
Forged 680 iron sets are no longer available for custom order through Authorized Titleist Golf Shops.
Does Davis use extra wraps under his grips and what is the length of set?
Driver:
3 wood:
5 wood:
Irons:
Putter:
No extra wraps for Davis, just standard Golf Pride New Decade Multi-Compound 60R in Carolina Blue, logo underneath.
Lengths:
Driver: 45″
13° Fairway: 43″
18° Fairway: 42.25″
Irons: 0.25″ longer than standard, 1° flat
Putter: 34″
Davis gave Bob Vokey a lot of credit for his win. Can you tell us the specs of his three wedges (i.e., shafts, loft, bounce)?
As indicated above, Davis is using three Vokey Design wedges, all with True Temper Dynamic Gold shafts. The three models are:
200 Series 50° with about 5° bounce.
400 Series 56° bent to 55° with about 9° bounce.
Special Grind 60-E featuring a medium width sole, enhanced camber, softened trailing edge, and slight heel and toe relief.