In a thrilling playoff, Freddy Schott secures his first DP World Tour victory using exclusively Ping clubs.
Freddy Schott clinched his maiden DP World Tour title at the Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship 2026 after a nerve-wracking playoff on the final day. It took until the second hole of the shootout against Scotland’s Callum Hill and American Patrick Reed, who also finished at 17-under par, before the 24-year-old from Düsseldorf secured his first major success for Germany. Schott remained loyal to the renowned Japanese brand Ping for his club choices throughout the tournament.
Driver: Mini-Driver as Secret Weapon
Off the tee, the newly crowned winner relied on a mini-driver, similar to Marco Penge who recently started using one. Schott’s driver is a prototype model from the Japanese manufacturer, added to the USGA conforming list only in January 2026. Ping is one of the few brands whose mini-drivers are not yet available commercially and are currently used exclusively by top-ranked players. Notable features include the \”Prototype\” marking on the sole and an adjustable weight system on the back. The adjustable hosel and \”Spinsistency\” label on the clubface complete this previously unseen model.
Additionally, Schott carries a Ping utility iron in his bag. Depending on course conditions, he previously used a Ping iCrossover 2- or 3-iron but has now been seen with the newer Ping iDi utility iron. Introduced at the end of 2025 and quickly adopted by several pros, the Ping iDi is designed for long game performance, combining modern technology with a compact shape, excellent feel, and high control. It’s intended to provide maximum ball speeds and stability, serving reliably as a driving iron or for long approach shots.
Ping Blueprint-S for Control and Performance
For his standard irons (4-PW), Schott uses clubs from the Ping Blueprint-S series, a setup he has employed for about a year since their launch in early 2025. Before that, he played with Ping i59 irons for over two years. The Blueprint-S irons feature heads forged entirely from 8620 carbon steel, with a thin topline, narrow sole, and matte satin chrome finish. This series targets low handicap golfers seeking irons that offer great control along with excellent performance.
Schott’s wedges are also from Ping, part of the S259 family. These wedges boast precision-milled MicroMax grooves on the face, and the Hydropearl chrome finish aims to maximize friction and enhance spin, especially in wet conditions. The S259 series is a successor to the well-known S159 and has been available since early 2026.
Freddy Schott’s Crucial Putter in the Playoff
The final club in Schott’s bag is another Ping product, a brand synonymous with the distinctive sound at putting since 1959. Schott favors the trusted mallet-style putters and has been seen using this design throughout his career. His Ping PLD Ketsch Custom putter, crafted to his specifications, provides precise roll characteristics and clear feedback. This putter helped Schott achieve the best putting stats over the four tournament days and ultimately secured his playoff victory.