Tommy Fleetwood and Adrian Rietveld are real two punches.
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The absolute best thing I have on the tour is to be the best fitter racer in the world among the best players in the world.
The work itself is far from what you see in a local fit. I mean, all of these players hit the middle of the face almost every time the shots were shot in a consistent pattern.
In my experience, the overall needs of travel agencies and the strategies to optimize their strategies can really help you. how? Well, simply put, all of these fitters’ strategies involve consistency, efficiency and risk reduction – never hit further. In all my time on the truck, I have never heard of players asking for distance. On Tour All Start Line, publish and rotate.
Another thing I’ve had on the tour is my friendship with OEMs like Karen Watson, Adrian Rietveld (Taylormade), Kenton Oates (ping), Aaron Dill (Vokey), Cody Hale (Odyssey), and Ben Schomin (Cobra). All are their skills and have very different relationship styles with the players.
The best travel fitters are good at the art of saying “no”. Yes, some players can solve bad games by changing the way the club can be changed to a week. It rarely works, and only unicorn KJ Choi can do it at will, but still win. Good means knowing when to reject the player and let the technology develop with proper equipment.
This six-part series introduces each part of the package as we will ask the tour representatives for their best secrets to help you. Today, we start with Adrian Rietveld in Taylormade.
In the first part, he leads us through the importance of golf and how he gets a part of that part of the bag, dialing out for Tommy Fleetwood, Rory McIlroy, Colin Morikawa and others. He is a master of his craft and I’m sure you will learn a lot. enjoy.
ball
Adrian Rietveld, Senior Manager Taylormade Tour
Rory McIlroy switched to Taylormades TP5 in early 2025 and has since won the Players and Masters.
Taylormade
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Philosophy: Strengthening advantages and solving weaknesses
My philosophy on installing golf balls for tour players is to choose a ball that enhances the player’s strengths while addressing your own disadvantages while minimizing performance tradeoffs. For example, if the player is working hard to generate enough spin, I prioritize golf balls with flying characteristics that promote higher spin rates, the number of intermediate grounds of the target can be optimized for control without sacrificing distance. Essentially, the goal is to install a ball that makes up for the player’s limitations so that they can perform at the peak. Golf bags can be divided into different areas – driver, fairway, hybrid, iron, wedge and putter – my goal is to find the best balls to compromise the overall performance of these segments as little as possible.
Process: Systematic approaches from extreme to core
My installation process started with the end of the bag – the top (driver and fairway woods) and the bottom (wedge lenses such as pitching and debris) – before solving the middle (middle, Elon, long iron, hybrid and 5 and 7 wood). I used putting as a reason, and this was greatly affected by the feeling. This sequence is intentional. At the top and bottom of the bag, the variables used to optimize the launch characteristics are limited due to club design and shooting requirements. For example, using a driver, the focus is on distance ball speed, start angle and rotation rate, while the wedge requires rotation and control for precision. First call in these areas, I set the foundation for golf performance.
Once the top and bottom were optimized, I moved to the middle of the bag. Here, the club’s geometry and lofts provide greater flexibility for fine-tuning performance through equipment adjustments, making it easier to supplement the selected golf ball. This is in stark contrast to the top and bottom, the ball itself is the main driver of performance optimization. By working inward from extremes, I make sure the ball can support the player’s game as a whole.
Consistency: Final Verifier
Consistency is the king of golf. High-quality golf balls provide reliable launch characteristics – ball speed, rotation and trajectory – shot after shot. The evidence for successful installation lies in the consistency of these numbers, which builds players’ trust in the device. When players know exactly how the ball is performing, they can swing confidently, knowing that the results are predictable.
Neglected factors: Coverage and aerodynamics
One often overlooked aspect of golf performances is the cover and dent patterns, which significantly affects aerodynamics. Players with different swing speeds and launch profiles have unique needs. For example, some players, especially those with lower swing speeds, benefit from balls that help get in the air or maintain lift. Instead, high-speed players usually need a ball that lowers drag to prevent excessive heights and maintain consistent flight. Choosing a ball with the correct dent pattern and cover design is critical to optimizing flight consistency and tailoring performance to the specific needs of the player.
in conclusion
Pairing golf with tourists is an art and science that combines data-driven analysis with understanding players’ unique games. By focusing on their weaknesses, systematically addressing each area of the bag, prioritizing consistency and fine-tuning aerodynamic details, my goal is to provide a ball that unleashes the full potential of the player. The result is a setting that inspires confidence and provides performance under professional pressure.
What to learn
Enter the right process with an open attitude. For whatever reason, we are watching a certain golf ball. Yes, some are long, some are spinning a bunch, some are spinning, and high. The trick is to find the balance of everything your game. It all boils down to being honest and honest about what you have. Golf can solve many problems if appropriate. When a new player signs with a company, the biggest obstacle to jump is always the ball, because it is personal for that player. This is something to trust and you won’t find that much with the rest of your bag.
Whether it’s TP5, Pro V1, Chrome Tour or Kirkland, you can get your energy right. If you have to lose a code or two to be more efficient, then that’s it. In many cases, if you know what to look for, you will become longer and more efficient.
Happy hunting.
Want to overhaul 2025? Find a club location near your True Spec Golf.
Johnny Wunder
Golf.comEdit
Johnny is currently the equipment director of Golf.com, and has contributed to fully equipped golf and other platforms. Prior to this position, he was a content marketing manager for Callaway Golf, where he led the “Winder of Wunder”, a platform dedicated to in-depth content in golf equipment. Prior to joining Callaway, he was the director of original content on Golfwrx.com and host of the “Gear Dive” podcast. Aside from his professional efforts, Johnny is an avid golfer with a passion for the game since he played in Seattle, Washington when he was young.
