The Enduring Appeal of “Old” Tech: How Golf’s Winning Ways Signal a Shift in Equipment Trends
A rookie’s victory on the PGA Tour isn’t usually a story about equipment from 2022. But Steven Fisk’s win at the 2025 Sanderson Farms Championship, fueled by a three-year-old Mizuno ST-Z 230 driver, is a compelling signal that golfers – even at the highest level – are increasingly finding value and performance in established technology. Fisk’s success isn’t an anomaly; Marco Penge’s two DP World Tour wins with the same driver further solidify this trend. This isn’t just about saving money; it’s about a growing recognition that marginal gains from the latest releases aren’t always worth the cost, and that a well-fitted, older club can outperform brand-new equipment.
Beyond the Hype Cycle: Why Golfers Are Sticking with What Works
The golf industry thrives on innovation, releasing new drivers, irons, and wedges annually promising increased distance, forgiveness, and feel. However, the returns on these innovations are diminishing. We’ve reached a point of diminishing returns where the performance difference between a 2022 driver and a 2025 model is often negligible for the vast majority of golfers. Fisk’s win highlights a counter-trend: a focus on optimizing what you have, rather than chasing the latest and greatest. This is particularly true for drivers, where the USGA’s limitations on COR (Coefficient of Restitution) have constrained significant performance leaps.
The Value Proposition: Performance Doesn’t Always Equal Price
The Mizuno ST-Z 230, now available at a significant discount, exemplifies this value proposition. Selling for $300 – $200 off its original price – it demonstrates that high performance isn’t exclusive to premium price tags. This affordability opens up access to quality equipment for a wider range of golfers. The fact that it continues to perform at the highest level, as evidenced by Fisk and Penge’s victories, challenges the notion that you need to spend $600+ on a driver to compete. This trend is likely to accelerate as economic pressures increase and golfers become more discerning about their equipment purchases.
A Mixed Bag: The Rise of the “Curated” Golf Bag
Fisk’s winning WITB (What’s In The Bag) is a fascinating case study in this trend. He doesn’t rely solely on older technology, but rather a carefully curated mix of new and established clubs. His bag included Mizuno Pro 245 and 243 irons alongside older MP-20 blades, Ping fairway woods, Titleist Vokey wedges, and an Odyssey putter. This demonstrates a strategic approach to equipment selection, prioritizing clubs that best suit his individual swing and preferences, regardless of their release date. This “best of both worlds” approach is becoming increasingly common, with golfers opting for specialized clubs from different generations to optimize performance in specific areas of their game.
The Role of Custom Fitting and Shaft Technology
Crucially, Fisk’s success isn’t just about the age of his equipment; it’s about how well it’s fitted to his swing. He utilizes Mitsubishi shafts – Kuro Kage XD in his driver and Tensei 1K Blue in his fairway woods – known for their performance and consistency. The importance of a professional club fitting cannot be overstated. Even the most advanced club won’t perform optimally if it doesn’t match the golfer’s swing characteristics. This emphasis on personalized fitting is a key driver of the trend towards retaining older equipment, as golfers are less likely to replace clubs that are already properly fitted and performing well.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Golf Equipment
The trend highlighted by Fisk’s victory suggests a potential shift in the golf equipment landscape. Manufacturers may need to focus less on incremental improvements and more on offering greater customization options and long-term value. We could see a rise in “lifetime warranty” programs or trade-in initiatives that encourage golfers to maintain and upgrade their existing equipment rather than constantly replacing it. Furthermore, the secondary market for used golf clubs is likely to continue to grow, providing golfers with access to high-quality equipment at affordable prices. Golf Data Tech reports a significant increase in pre-owned golf club sales over the past five years, indicating a growing consumer preference for value and sustainability.
Ultimately, Steven Fisk’s win is a reminder that the best golf equipment isn’t always the newest or most expensive. It’s the equipment that fits you best and allows you to play your best. As golfers become more informed and discerning, we can expect to see a continued embrace of established technology and a greater emphasis on personalized fitting and long-term value. What clubs are you holding onto, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
