In a tense playoff, Freddy Schott secures his first DP World Tour win using only Ping clubs.
Freddy Schott clinched his maiden victory on the DP World Tour at the Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship 2026 in a nerve-wracking playoff on the final day. Only after the second extra hole against Scot Callum Hill and American Patrick Reed, who also finished the tournament at -17 under par, was it clear that the 24-year-old from Düsseldorf could bring his first major success to Germany. When it comes to his clubs, Schott remains loyal to the renowned Japanese brand Ping.
Driver: Mini-Driver as a Secret Weapon
Off the tee, the newly crowned winner of the latest DP World Tour event trusts a mini-driver, similar to Marco Penge, who recently started using one as well. Schott’s driver is a prototype model from the Japanese manufacturer that was only added to the USGA conforming list in January this year. Ping is thus one of the few manufacturers whose mini-drivers are not yet available in retail and currently used only by the world’s best players. Notable marks include the \”Prototype\” inscription on the sole of the driver and the adjustable weight system at the back. The adjustable hosel and the term \”Spinsistency\” on the clubface complete this previously unseen model.
Freddy Schott also carries a Ping utility iron in his bag. Previously, depending on course conditions, he used a 2- or 3-iron from the Ping iCrossover series but has recently been seen with the new Ping iDi utility iron introduced at the end of 2025. The PING iDi is known as a powerful long game iron combining modern technology with a compact shape, excellent feel, and high control. It aims to deliver maximum ball speed and stability, serving 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 standard irons (4-PW), Schott uses clubs from the Ping Blueprint-S series. This setup has been in use for about a year, with the Blueprint-S irons first introduced in early 2025. Previously, Schott played 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 line targets low handicap golfers who seek irons with excellent control and performance.
He also uses wedges from Ping’s S259 family. The S259 wedges feature precision-milled MicroMax grooves on the clubface, and their Hydropearl chrome finish maximizes friction to increase spin, especially in wet conditions. This series succeeded the popular S159, available since early 2026.
Freddy Schott’s Crucial Putter in the Playoff
The last club in Schott’s bag is also from Ping, a brand synonymous since 1959 with the distinctive ping sound when putting. Schott prefers the classic mallet design putters and has been seen with such models in the past. The Ping PLD Ketsch Custom Putter was crafted to Schott’s specifications to offer precise roll characteristics and clear feedback. This putter helped Schott achieve