At the 2024 Boeing Classic, Fred was lightheartedly chided by a social media team member from the PGA Tour Champions for having what’s jokingly referred to as an "old man’s bag," primarily due to the presence of six woods. As always, Fred took it in stride, flashing his trademark smile and saying:
“I have 6 woods. A driver, 3-wood, 5-wood, 4-rescue, 5-rescue, and 6-rescue….and I’m loving life!”
Fast forward to 2025, and we find Fred, affectionately known as Boom Boom, has largely stuck with his trusty selection from his 2024 setup, with just a few tweaks here and there.
When looking at Fred Couples’ WITB (What’s In The Bag) for 2025, it’s important to note that he tweaks his clubs to match the course conditions and manage discomfort from his back. Thus, we’ve accounted for more than 14 clubs in his lineup.
Fred has an interesting quirk; he tends to shy away from handshakes and prefers fist bumps. He isn’t shy about saying he wants to avoid any oils or sunscreen that might end up on his grips or hands. Not surprisingly, he skips the golf glove often, which may explain this preference.
Let’s delve further into what Fred Couples is working with in his 2025 lineup.
Fred Couples Quick Facts Table
- Full Name: Frederick Steven Couples
- Birthday: October 4, 1959
- Nickname: Boom Boom
- Birthplace: Seattle, Washington
- Age: 65 years old
- Year Turned Pro: 1980
- Tournament Wins: 65
- Major Wins: 1 – Masters 1992
- World Ranking: 62
- Equipment Sponsor: Bridgestone, Ashworth, Ecco
Fred Couples Driver
Fred has updated his driver to the Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond Driver, which replaces the TaylorMade Stealth Plus Driver he was swinging last year. This new piece of equipment features a TENSEI™ 1K Pro Blue shaft, and Fred can still drive the ball an impressive average of 285 yards.
This driver is crafted for reduced spin and mid-launch yet remains forgiving. While Fred prefers a stronger loft, the driver might not resonate with all seniors with slower swing speeds. However, low handicappers might find the lower launch beneficial.
Fred Couples Fairway Woods
Fred’s choice of fairway wood brings us the Callaway FTI Squareway Wood. Although it might not win any beauty contests, its performance is undeniable with its accuracy, launch, and distance efficacy. The unique square head design helps maintain stability through the swing and aims to keep the face square upon impact, leading to more accurate shots.
We did spot Fred using a TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver during the 2024 Chubb Classic. But, as of his last chat, this driver doesn’t seem to have solidified its place in his bag just yet.
Fred Couples Rescue Clubs
Transitioning from fairway woods, Fred puts on a show with TaylorMade Stealth Rescue clubs. These clubs are designed for ease of launch from any position, ensuring consistent carry and soft landings. While the default shaft option is the Fujikura Ventus Red, Fred opts for the Kai’li™ Blue 60TX.
Fred Couples Irons
In February, Fred was seen with a Callaway X-Forged 21 Utility Iron, although it appears he might switch it out now and then with his preferred woods and rescues. Noteworthy is his support for the axeALS foundation, visible through the company’s logo on his club covers.
Fred Couples Wedges
The notable addition to Fred’s bag for this year is the National Custom Works 54-degree wedge, making adjustments to fine-tune his short game.
Final Thoughts on Fred Couples WITB
Unlike several of his fellow PGA Tour Champions competitors, Fred’s club selection displays a steadier setup. While his Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond driver might cater to lower handicap players with faster swing speeds, his other choices could easily serve the average senior golfer. His irons and woods are forgiving and easy to launch, and his wedges boast versatility and high spin capabilities. In essence, Fred’s gear is ideal for seasoned, low-handicap golfers, but many elements would work for players of varied skill levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What’s in Fred Couples’ bag?
Fred Couples’ bag contains a diverse array of clubs, from longtime favorites to recent additions, including brands like Callaway, Bridgestone, Bettinardi, and Ping. -
What putter does he use?
Fred Couples relies on a Bettinardi Fred Couples SS28 Gamer putter. -
What yellow ball does he play with?
Fred prefers the yellow matte Bridgestone Tour B RXS golf ball for visibility. -
Is Fred Couples of Italian descent?
Indeed, Fred is of Italian heritage on his father’s side. The original family name, Coppola, was altered to Couples to sound less Italian. -
How far does he drive the ball?
Fred’s driver swings average over 260 yards. - Which golf shoes does he favor?
For footwear, Fred opts for Asics, known for their comfort and water resistance.
Stay tuned for more insights from the golf world, and remember, while player setups are carefully researched, they might change based on various circumstances on the course.
