Curious about the gear inside golf’s biggest YouTuber’s bag? You’ve come to the right place. We're breaking down exactly what golf clubs Rick Shiels uses, but we'll go deeper than just a list. We’ll look at his current setup from driver to putter, explain the thinking behind each choice, and discuss what you can learn from his setup to improve your own game.
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A Quick Note on Rick's Ever-Changing Bag
Before we get into the specifics, it’s important to remember that Rick Shiels is one of the most prolific golf equipment reviewers on the planet. His job is to test and showcase the latest gear, which means his bag is in a constant state of flux. He might game a driver for a few months, only to switch it out when a newer model catches his eye.
That said, we can identify a core setup he has been consistently using in his recent on-course videos and "What's In The Bag" features. His bag typically reflects a blend of a top brand's latest releases (he often has a strong relationship with one or two brands at a time) and a few personal favorites that have stuck around. As of early 2024, his bag is heavily dominated by TaylorMade, sprinkled with a few specialized items that suit his game perfectly.
This article reflects the most up-to-date and consistent setup he is currently gaming. Let's get into it.
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What Golf Clubs Does Rick Shiels Use? (2024 Edition)
Here is a detailed breakdown of the equipment Rick Shiels trusts on the golf course, along with some coaching insights into why these clubs work for him.
Driver: TaylorMade Qi10
For the big stick, Rick has put the TaylorMade Qi10 (9 degrees) in play. This isn't surprising, as the Qi10 line and its focus on "10K MOI" (Moment of Inertia) have been the talk of the golf world. A higher MOI means the clubhead is more stable and resists twisting on off-center hits. In simple terms? It's incredibly forgiving.
Why this choice makes sense:
Maximum Forgiveness: Even highly skilled golfers like Rick miss the center of the face. A forgiving driver like the Qi10 helps rein in those mis-hits, keeping the ball in play more often. The carbon-faced technology helps maintain ball speed across the entire face, so his misses don't lose as much distance.
The Golfer's Takeaway: Many amateurs think they need a "player's" low-spin driver, but the reality is that most of us benefit greatly from forgiveness. Rick’s choice validates the idea that even the best players prioritize hitting fairways. Don’t be afraid to choose a driver model geared towards forgiveness, it will likely save you more strokes than a low-spin "pro" model that punishes your everyday misses.
He pairs this driver head with a Fujikura Ventus Blue 6-X shaft, a very popular choice among strong players for its stability and ability to reduce unwanted twisting during the swing, leading to a tighter dispersion.
Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Qi10
Carrying on with the theme, Rick’s 3-wood is the TaylorMade Qi10 (15 degrees). The fairway wood is often one of the hardest clubs in the bag to hit consistently, so forgiveness and versatility are paramount.
Why this choice makes sense:
Versatility from Tee and Turf: The Qi10 fairway wood has a modern head shape that inspires confidence off the tee on tight par 4s, but it's also designed to be easy to launch off the ground. For Rick, this makes it a reliable weapon for his second shot on par 5s or for attacking long par 4s.
The Golfer's Takeaway: Your fairway wood needs to be more than just a mini-driver. Before buying one, think about its primary job. Do you need it mostly for tee shots, or for approach shots from the fairway? Rick’s selection gives him a club that excels at both, which is what most amateurs should seek. Look for a club that feels easy to hit high from the grass during a fitting.
Irons: TaylorMade P-Series Proto Irons and a Driving Iron
This is where things get really interesting and tailored. Rick doesn’t just play one set of irons, he uses a combo set, blending different models to optimize performance for each specific job. This is an advanced setup that offers great lessons for all golfers.
Driving Iron: TaylorMade P-UDI (2-Iron) or Srixon ZU-85
In place of a hybrid or another fairway wood, Rick often carries a utility or driving iron. While the model changes, the purpose remains the same. He likes the strong, penetrating ball flight a driving iron provides, which is great for windy conditions or for finding fairways when the driver is misbehaving. The TaylorMade P-UDI utility iron is a frequent flyer in his bag. It offers more forgiveness than a traditional long iron blade but produces a lower, more controlled flight than a hybrid.
The Core Irons: TaylorMade P7-RS Proto (4-PW)
For most of 2024, Rick has been using a very special set of irons: the TaylorMade P7-RS 'Rick Shiels' Proto irons. These are muscle back blades forged specifically for him - yes, they even have his logo on them! These are true "players'" irons.
Why this choice makes sense:
Ultimate Control and Feedback: As a former PGA professional and a very low-handicap golfer, Rick has the ball-striking skill to handle blades. Blades offer unmatched feel and the ability to shape the ball (work it left-to-right or right-to-left) on command. Every shot, whether good or bad, provides direct feedback through his hands, which is something skilled players value.
Consistent Turf Interaction: The thinner sole of a blade allows it to cut through the turf with minimal resistance, which is preferred by players who have a steep or "trapping" style of iron impact.
The Golfer's Takeaway: This is the most crucial lesson in Rick's bag. You probably shouldn't be playing blades. Rick can get away with them because he is an elite ball striker. For the average golfer, a cavity-back or player's-distance iron will provide far more forgiveness, distance, and consistency on mis-hits. However, the lesson from his combo set approach is huge. You don't have to play the same iron from 4-iron to pitching wedge. You can use more forgiving "game improvement" long irons and blend them with more "player" style short irons. This gives you help where you need it most (in the long irons) and control where you want it most (in the scoring clubs).
Wedges: TaylorMade MG4 or Titleist Vokey SM9/10
Rick’s wedge setup is all about versatility and precision, and he frequently swaps between the two titan brands in the wedge world: TaylorMade and Titleist.
He'll typically carry three wedges with the following lofts:
50 degrees (Pitching/Gap Wedge)
54 degrees (Sand Wedge)
60 degrees (Lob Wedge)
Lately, the TaylorMade Milled Grind 4 (MG4) wedges have been fixtures. The raw, un-plated face of these wedges is designed to rust over time, which many players believe enhances friction and spin, especially in wet conditions.
Why this choice makes sense:
Tour-Level Spin and Control: For covering those "in-between" yardages and controlling shots around the green, having wedges that produce predictable and high levels of spin is non-negotiable.
Specific Grind Options: Wedges come in different "grinds," which refer to the shape of the sole. Rick chooses specific grinds (e.g., a standard bounce on his 54-degree and a low bounce on his 60-degree) to match the types of shots he wants to hit and the classic parkland course conditions he often plays in the UK.
The Golfer's Takeaway: Don't overlook your wedges! Pay attention to your "gapping" - the yardage difference between each club. Having consistent 10-15 yard gaps between your pitching wedge, gap wedge, sand wedge, and lob wedge is vital. Also, get acquainted with the concept of "bounce." A simple rule of thumb: if you play mostly on soft, lush courses, more bounce is your friend. If you play on firm, tight lies, less bounce will help prevent skulling the ball.
Putter: L.A.B. Golf DF3 or Mezz.1 Max
For years, Rick's most consistent club has been a L.A.B. (Lie Angle Balance) Golf Putter. He has used various models, including the iconic Directional Force 2.1 "Broomstick" model, but more recently has been favoring the sleeker DF3 and Mezz.1 Max models.
Boosting Confidence: Putting is a mental game. Using a putter explicitly designed to make the stroke simpler can provide a huge psychological boost, allowing the player to focus on speed and read, not mechanics.
The Golfer's Takeaway: Rick's loyalty to such an unconventional putter brand proves that finding the right flatstick is intensely personal. Don't just buy the putter that the latest major winner used. Experiment with different head shapes, weights, and technologies. If you struggle with keeping the putter face square through impact, a face-balanced mallet or a L.A.B. putter could be a great choice for calming down a twitchy stroke.
Final Thoughts
Rick Shiels's golf bag is a masterclass in modern equipment selection, blending state-of-the-art forgiving technology in his woods with highly precise, player-focused irons and specialized wedges. His choices reflect a deep understanding of his own game, his strengths, and where he needs technology to help him out - a lesson every golfer can apply to their own equipment search.
Ultimately, while it's fascinating to see what clubs are in Rick's bag, the goal is always to find the right equipment for your swing and your strategy. Understanding your tendencies, managing your way around the course, and making smart shot selections will lower your scores faster than any new club. Our aim with Caddie AI is to equip you with that personalized strategic expert right in your pocket. You can get instant advice on club selection for a specific shot, a smart strategy for a tricky par-5, or even get feedback on a tough lie by just snapping a photo, helping you play with more confidence and make better decisions from tee to green.
Spencer has been playing golf since he was a kid and has spent a lifetime chasing improvement. With over a decade of experience building successful tech products, he combined his love for golf and startups to create Caddie AI - the world's best AI golf app. Giving everyone an expert level coach in your pocket, available 24/7. Caddie's mission is simple: make world-class golf advice accessible to everyone, anytime.
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