With the season winding down, we at the Lead Tape Report felt the time was right to take a backward look at some of the slabs we saw (and loved!) in 2026.
Wyndham Clark’s Pro Shop Pick-Up
This one putter purchase was a favorite to me because it’s something you would see on a Saturday morning game. One of your friends has a new putter. “Where did you get that?” They say they just picked it up in the shop, and it is time for its maiden voyage. Amplify the stakes and tournament setting, and you have Wyndham Clark with this trial of his Bettinardi Antidote SB1. Clark made one of the most notable putter switches this season, and the results back it up with wins at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, the U.S. Open, and the BMW Championship with his Ping Scottsdale TEC Ally Blue Onset putter. That all began with his win at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson.
Akshay’s Layers
I really like the look of this Callaway Opus 60-degree wedge from Akshay. The reason is the layers of tape. While getting the feel of the club, you may need to increase the weight of the clubhead. Here you can see he and his team went back to the drawing board a few times before making the decision. Cap that off with a raw finish on the wedge; it is ready for tournament action. Hitting so many different types of shots with a lob wedge, this club needs to check the boxes from the fairway, rough, bunkers, and short-sided shots.
Former Champion Returns With Long-Time Accomplice
Graeme McDowell qualified for the US Open this last year at Shinnecock. I cannot help but notice the long-time putter style he has used with his Odyssey White Hot #7, the original #7 at that, with a plumber’s neck and half-moon mallet shape. The lead tape has been on the putter so long there is no issue seeing the logo on the sole.
Hideki’s Driver
There are many things for me to highlight when it comes to Hideki. This one is the leader in the clubhouse right now for a recap with two things in focus. The custom driver face on this Srixon ZXi RKT LS makes it appear smaller at address, and the small piece of lead tape at the end of the grip. The level of feel and detail that Matsuyama has is something that is to the nth degree and extremely honed in for his equipment and his specifications.
The Glory of Tag Ridings
Tag Riding stole the lead tape show at the Simmons Bank Championship on the PGA Tour Champions last week. He has customized his clubs for years, and it was a bit, but our Tour Photographer Greg Moore tracked them down. The lead tape on the hosel of the club, more pieces throughout the woods, irons, wedges, and putter covered. This shows complete ownership of how the club should feel in his hands and makes for a set that fits his feel.
