In a thrilling playoff, Freddy Schott secures his first DP World Tour victory using only Ping clubs.
At the Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship 2026, Freddy Schott clinched his maiden DP World Tour victory in a nerve-wracking playoff on the final day. It was only after the second playoff hole against Scotsman Callum Hill and American Patrick Reed, who also finished the tournament at -17, that the 24-year-old from Düsseldorf secured his first major success for Germany. Throughout the tournament, Schott remained loyal to the well-known Japanese brand Ping for his clubs.
Drive: Mini Driver as a Secret Weapon
From the tee, the newly crowned DP World Tour winner relies on a mini driver, similar to Marco Penge, who recently also adopted such a club. Schott’s driver is a prototype model from the Japanese manufacturer, added to the USGA’s Conforming List just this January. Ping is among the few manufacturers whose mini drivers are not yet available to the general public and currently used only by the top players worldwide. Notable features include the ‘Prototype’ marking on the sole and an adjustable weight system at the back. The adjustable hosel and the inscription ‘Spinsistency’ on the clubface complete this previously unseen model.
Freddy Schott also carries a Ping utility iron in his bag. Previously, depending on the course setup, he used a 2- or 3-iron from the Ping iCrossover series but was lately seen with the Ping iDi utility iron. This iron, introduced at the end of 2025, quickly found its way into the bags of various golf pros. The PING iDi is designed as a powerful long game iron that combines modern technology with a compact shape, excellent feel, and high control. It aims to maximize ball speed and stability, especially as a reliable option off the tee (as a driving iron) or for long approach shots.
Ping Blueprint-S for Control and Performance
For his regular irons (4-PW), Schott uses clubs from the Ping Blueprint-S series, a setup in place for about a year since the series was first introduced in early 2025. Before that, Schott played the Ping i59 irons for over two years. The Blueprint-S heads are fully forged from 8620 carbon steel featuring a thin topline, narrow sole, and a matte satin chrome finish. This series targets low-handicap golfers seeking irons with excellent control and performance.
His wedges are also from Ping, specifically the S259 family. These S259 wedges feature precision-milled MicroMax grooves on the clubface. The Hydropearl chrome finish maximizes friction and spin, especially in wet conditions. This is the successor to the well-known S159 line, available on the market since early 2026.
Freddy Schott’s Crucial Putter in the Playoff
The final club in Schott’s bag also comes from Ping, a brand synonymous since 1959 with the iconic putter sound. Schott prefers the classic mallet design for his putters and has been seen with this shape previously. The Ping PLD Ketsch Custom Putter was made to Schott’s specifications, designed to provide precise roll characteristics and clear feedback. This