LPGA Hall of Famer Lydia Ko has entered the 2026 season as a true equipment free agent, making significant changes to her bag—including a notable driver switch—after her previous deal with Japan’s Proto Concept expired at the end of 2025.
The 28-year-old New Zealander, a three-time major champion, Olympic gold medalist, and recent inductee into the LPGA Hall of Fame, revealed the updates ahead of the season-opening Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions in Orlando. Speaking to reporters, Ko emphasized that she has “no club deals” and is not endorsed by any brand, allowing her to select equipment purely based on performance and testing.
The most prominent change came at the top of the bag, where Ko replaced her long-time favorite Ping G430 Max 10K driver with the newer Ping G440 K model. She described the switch as a “big move” and admitted an emotional attachment to the older club. “The 430 10K, my coach said I almost have like an emotional attachment to this driver, so it was a hard decision to make,” Ko explained. “But the numbers and the shot shapes that I’ve been seeing on the golf course with my new 440K has been great.”
Ko also updated her wedges, opting for Titleist Vokey SM11 models because “I truly believe the Vokey wedges are the best, so I just have those.” She carries a Scotty Cameron putter and even uses a Scotty Cameron bag this week—fulfilling a personal preference without any sponsorship tie-in. The rest of her setup includes Ping clubs through the irons, reflecting a mix-and-match approach now possible without contractual obligations.
This freedom marks a shift for Ko, who has previously played under various equipment deals, including with PXG earlier in her career. By going contract-free, she gains the flexibility to experiment and prioritize what works best on the course, a luxury afforded by her established success and financial security.
Early signs suggest the changes are paying off: Ko performed strongly in the opening events of 2026, sharing the 36-hole lead at the Tournament of Champions shortly after implementing the new setup. Her confidence in the adjustments underscores a player-focused mindset as she continues to compete at the highest level.
As Ko navigates the 2026 LPGA schedule—potentially eyeing more major contention and building on her remarkable resume—her equipment decisions highlight independence and performance-driven choices. The Hall of Famer’s bold start to the year as an equipment free agent could set the tone for a strong, unencumbered campaign ahead.
