Bryson DeChambeau’s equipment adventures in 2026 have taken a turn some may not have expected. No, it’s not just a prototype driver he’s figuratively putting through its paces around Shinnecock Hills Golf Club ahead ot the 126th U.S. Open, but he’s literally doing the same with the shoes on his feet.
After spotting the mystery TaylorMade Qi4D Proto 200+ on the USGA Conforming List Monday morning, GolfWRX proved all rumors correct that DeChambeau had been at the forefront of the design when the driver was found in his bag later that day.
“I’ve been working on something that can maybe go a little faster with the same curvature and it’s quite interesting what’s gone on so far. So it’s working well. We’ll see how it works in the golf course.”
The driver features an ultra-smooth sole, along with what seems to be a multilayer carbon composite face with considerably more bulge and roll than a standard TaylorMade driver; both keys that the driver was built for maximum speeds that DeChambeau can create. More information and first-hand looks at the driver are available here.
“I’ve been talking about how the curvature works really well for me,” DeChambeau said. “I don’t really know how it’s tested for everybody else, but for me it’s really helped. So hopefully that’ll help me hit a little straighter.”
While some have been critical about DeChambeau’s unique equipment setup, you can’t fault the 32-year-old for his passion to develop new equipment to better his game and put it to the test at some of the biggest stages in world golf.
“If it works, it works,” DeChambeau added. “If it doesn’t, we’re going to keep trying.”
Along with the driver, DeChambeau’s testing continues with a new pair of unreleased Reebok golf shoes, which he’s had plenty of influence in the design to help with his impressive speed and power generated – which could be even more with the new driver – thanks in part to his footwork.
“Also got some new kicks here, trying to stabilize my footwork a little bit more,” DeChambeau said. “… This is my own personal design with Reebok. They’re pretty sleek. Cool looking, and a lot more stable.”
The stability (or STBL-T as it is written on the heel of the new kicks) is created from a “wider toe box” and a “sharper edge” on the inner tip of the shoe by DeChambeau’s big toe to counter slippage and “more of a blocking mechanism” when he takes the club back and his weight shifts onto that part of the foot.
“Hopefully a little bit more stability with the shoes and pairing that with the driver, that can go maybe a little farther and have that same straightness, it could make for a cool combo,” DeChambeau said.
The new driver and shoes add to a lengthening list of equipment updates the two-time U.S. Open champion has made to his bag.
Earlier in the year, DeChambeau was in the process of switching up his iron setup, telling media at the Masters that “it’s my own personal clubs I’m building.” He went on to play the first major of the season with a 1-of-1 5-iron he designed and 3D-printed himself.
DeChambeau spoke more about the iron design and it seems that there’s a growing team behind him to get the clubs fully fitted to his needs.
“I’ve got some 3D printers that we’re working on, so it’s a great testing phase,” DeChambeau told GolfWRX. “I’m in a place where we’re getting really close, got some good hires and we’re creating something quite special in the irons that I cannot wait to put in play.
“But right now it’s just taking a little bit of time, making sure the CG, MOIs are right and good offset for me, or a perfect place of offset to onset and the right curvature of face, and the right thickness of face,” DeChambeau said. “There’s so much that goes into it more than people realize and it takes longer, so I’m excited for it and hopefully we can get something here pretty soon.”
Look for the new driver and shoes in play come Thursday, and while it’s never very wise to think too far ahead, by the time DeChambeau tees it up next, we could see the looks to see if there’s another installment of his equipment adventures.
