In a nerve-wracking playoff, Freddy Schott clinched his first DP World Tour victory using only Ping clubs.
At the Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship 2026, Freddy Schott secured his maiden DP World Tour win in an intense playoff on the final day. It took until the second playoff hole against Scotland’s Callum Hill and American Patrick Reed, both finishing at -17, for the 24-year-old from Düsseldorf to claim his first major success for Germany. Schott remains loyal to the renowned Japanese brand Ping for his club selection.
Driver: Mini Driver as a Secret Weapon
The new champion relies on a mini driver off the tee, similar to Marco Penge, who recently adopted the same club style. Schott’s driver is a prototype from the Japanese manufacturer, added to the USGA conforming list only in January this year. Ping is one of the few manufacturers whose mini drivers are not yet commercially available and are primarily used by top players worldwide. Notable features include the \”Prototype\” inscription on the sole and an adjustable weight system at the back. The adjustable hosel and the \”Spinsistency\” label on the face complete this previously unseen model.
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 now been spotted with the newly introduced iDi utility iron from Ping. Released at the end of 2025, the PING iDi combines modern technology with a compact shape, excellent feel, and high control, aiming for maximum ball speeds and stability. It serves as a reliable 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 used for about a year since their debut in early 2025. Prior to that, he played the Ping i59 irons for over two years. The Blueprint-S heads are forged entirely from 8620 carbon steel, featuring a thin topline, narrow sole, and matte satin chrome finish. This series is designed for low-handicap golfers who prioritize irons offering excellent control along with high performance.
His wedges are also from Ping, belonging to the S259 family. These wedges feature precision-milled MicroMax grooves on the face. The Hydropearl chrome finish aims to maximize friction and increase spin, especially in wet conditions. This series replaces the well-known S159 and has been available only since early 2026.
Freddy Schott and His Crucial Putter in the Playoff
The final club in Schott’s bag is also from Ping, a brand known since 1959 for its distinctive putter sound. Schott prefers the classic mallet design and has been seen using putters of this shape throughout his career. The Ping PLD Ketsch Custom putter, made to Schott’s specifications, is designed to provide precise roll characteristics and clear feedback. This putter helped Schott achieve the best putting statistics over the four tournament days and ultimately led him to victory in the playoff.
Exceptionally, Schott uses a Titleist Pro V1