PHOENIX, AZ – Golf equipment testing entered a recent phase this week as GOLF launched “Fully Fit 2026,” a comprehensive platform evaluating 2026 gear through full-bag fittings for six content creators at six major club manufacturers in Phoenix and Carlsbad, California. The initiative aims to provide golfers with insights tailored to their individual games, moving beyond traditional testing methods.
The first stage of the program took place at Ping’s Proving Grounds in Phoenix, the sole OEM facility not located in Southern California. Six GOLF content creators – Jack Hirsh, Johnny Wunder, Jake Morrow, Maddi MacClurg, and Wadeh Maroun (with Sean Zak joining the following day) – underwent the fitting process. According to GOLF, the goal is to allow golfers to “see shades of your own game” in the panelists’ experiences.
A surprise element emerged during the Ping fitting: the new Ping G440 K driver. Initial expectations positioned the G440 K as a high-spin, forgiveness-focused driver for slower swing speeds, but panelists found it performed exceptionally well across a range of swing profiles. Johnny Wunder, a participant in the fittings, noted that the driver defied preconceptions. “You have your preconceived notions of what that driver is supposed to be,” Wunder said. “What it actually is thoroughly surprised me. Typically a driver like that for me is something I’m always worried about it spinning too much…and this driver was significantly better than everything else that I hit.” Wunder, along with Hirsh and Maroun, expressed confidence in playing the G440 K.
Beyond the driver, the fittings revealed individual adjustments within the Ping lineup. Wadeh Maroun anticipated being fit into Ping’s players irons but ultimately found a better fit with the company’s new, unreleased hollow-bodied players distance irons. Maddi MacClurg focused on optimizing gapping throughout her bag, ensuring minimal overlap between clubs.
The first day of fittings also included a visit from six-time PGA Tour winner and Fully Equipped contributor Rocco Mediate, who currently plays a full bag of Ping equipment. Mediate reportedly advised Wunder to finalize his club selection, suggesting the testing process was complete for him.
The Fully Fit 2026 initiative is designed to provide a more holistic and personalized approach to golf club selection, acknowledging the evolving landscape of golf media and equipment information. GOLF’s previous testing platform, “ClubTest,” involved golfers convening at a single location for extensive club testing. The new approach emphasizes individual fittings at manufacturer facilities, incorporating insights from digital platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
Panelists are documenting their experiences throughout the six-day fitting process. GOLF encourages golfers to explore fitting options through True Spec Golf, a partner in the Fully Fit 2026 program.
