Kurt Kitayama has quietly built a reputation as one of the toughest grinders on tour, and in 2025, the 32-year-old is proving that his rise through the global golf ranks was no fluke. He finished rounds of 66-65-68 at TPC Craig Ranch—his best PGA Tour result of the year so far. That top-5 came on the heels of a missed cut at the Valero Texas Open and a volatile 61-75 showing at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, but it’s clear Kitayama is trending upward again. The California native, known for his compact swing and fearless approach, continues to sharpen his game with a full TaylorMade setup and precision-tuned equipment. Here’s a detailed look at the clubs powering Kitayama’s 2025 season.
Kurt Kitayama’s long game: Control and confidence across the bag
Kitayama has always leaned into consistency and accuracy, and his current driver setup reflects that. He’s switched into a TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus (10.5°) with a Graphite Design Tour AD UB 7 TX shaft, a $264.99 combo optimized for better spin control and dispersion off the tee. The Stealth 2 Plus model has become a favorite among fast-swinging pros looking to balance distance and workability—and it fits Kitayama’s needs to a tee.
His fairway woods continue the theme. He carries a TaylorMade Stealth 2 HL (16.5°, Graphite Design Tour AD UB 8 TX shaft) and a TaylorMade Stealth 2 (21°, Graphite Design Tour AD UB 9 TX shaft), each priced around $229.99. These woods give him a high-launching, high-spin option off the turf or tee, key for navigating tight fairways and par-5s in two. Kitayama has reportedly worked closely with the TaylorMade Tour team to dial in his spin rates and distance gapping, making this pair a true scoring asset.
Kurt Kitayama goes bogey-free for a 65 in Round 2 and climbs to -11, T3 at #THECJCUPByronNelson
Steady, sharp, and surging into the weekend. #THECJCUP #ByronNelson #PGA #PGATOUR #MoreThanAGame pic.twitter.com/syiXAjPyIE
— THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson (@cjbyronnelson) May 3, 2025
When it comes to irons, Kitayama runs a blended set that showcases his need for both forgiveness and precision. His 4- through 6-irons are the TaylorMade P7MC, paired with True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 shafts ($699.97), offering a slightly more forgiving profile for longer approaches. From 7-iron to PW, he plays the TaylorMade P7MB, priced at $1,499.99 for the set. These blades provide the crisp feedback and tight dispersion needed to take on tucked pins—a must-have for a shotmaker like Kitayama, especially on firm PGA Tour greens.
Kurt Kitayama’s short game: Dialed wedges and a reliable flatstick
Kitayama’s wedge setup showcases his preference for trusted feel and precise gapping. He uses a trio of TaylorMade MG3 wedges in 52° and 56° ($129.98–$179.99), each shafted with True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400s. But for added spin and versatility around the greens, his 60° wedge is a Vokey Design SM9, also with a Tour Issue S400 shaft and priced at $149.99. That mixed-brand approach is not uncommon on tour and speaks to Kitayama’s focus on maximizing performance over brand loyalty when it matters most—inside 100 yards.
His putter choice leans classic with a modern twist: the TaylorMade Spider X Hydro Blast, a stable mallet-style putter that blends feel and forgiveness. Retailing at $249.98, the Spider X helps Kitayama maintain consistent roll and alignment—especially on the subtly breaking greens he faced at Bay Hill during his 2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational win, where he famously held off McIlroy, Scheffler, Spieth, and Cantlay.
Kitayama rounds out his setup with the TaylorMade TP5x golf ball ($39.99/dozen), known for its firm feel, high launch, and wind-resistant flight. It’s the perfect ball for his compact, efficient swing, helping him stay in control under pressure.
As for his look, Kitayama keeps it sharp and functional with Chervo apparel, a premium Italian brand that blends technical performance with tailored, modern style. Whether teeing it up in Texas heat or navigating gusty coastal conditions on the DP World Tour, Kitayama’s gear is built for performance and polish.
From his steady Stealth 2 Plus driver to his dialed wedge combo and slick Spider X putter, every club in Kurt Kitayama’s bag plays a role in his continued rise. The Californian has earned victories around the world, and with a proven setup and relentless work ethic, he remains one of the most quietly dangerous players in the game. As the 2025 season heats up, don’t be surprised if Kitayama adds another marquee win to his already global résumé.
The post Kurt Kitayama WITB May 2025: PGA Tour Pro’s Golf Bag Explored appeared first on EssentiallySports.
