2026 New Years Resolution: Simplify Golf, Going full Dechambeu

Simplifying Golf in 2026

With 2026 around the corner, New Year’s resolutions are in full swing—and mine is golf-specific: simplify the game.

As a gear nerd, golf coach, club fitter, builder, and low-handicap player, I’m keenly aware of how small variables can help—or completely derail—a golfer’s performance. Golf is already hard enough, so why not use modern technology to eliminate unnecessary complexity?

That’s the mission for 2026. I’m going full Bryson DeChambeau.

Known as “The Scientist,” Bryson has dedicated his career to understanding golf’s physics and reducing inconsistency through simplification. For the entire 2026 season, this 5-handicapper is committing to the DeChambeau philosophy:

• An aggressive but forgiving driver setup

• Single-length irons

• Larger, properly fit counterbalanced grips

I’ll be documenting the process and results throughout the year.

Understanding the Variables

Simplification starts with awareness. No two bodies—or swings—are alike. Hands, arms, torsos, mechanics, tendencies: everything varies. Expecting golfers to use identical equipment the same way simply doesn’t work.

Proper fitting goes beyond clubheads and shafts. Grips and golf balls matter just as much. When equipment matches your body and motion, the variables become clearer—and scores drop. Over the coming weeks, I’ll break down the most important builds and decisions that help simplify and solidify your game.

Part 1: The Big Stick & Grip Fitting

Getting Fit for Grips

Grip fitting is massively underrated. Bryson DeChambeau—and John Daly—would agree. I firmly believe 95% of amateurs are playing the wrong grip size.

I spent over 20 years in grips that didn’t suit me and had no idea how much they affected face control and my game. The grip is your only connection to the club. When holding it, your fingertips should just touch your palm—no digging in.

After a recent fitting, I landed on JumboMAX Tour (Small) grips. “Small” in JumboMAX is still +¼” over standard—equivalent to a Golf Pride Jumbo. Every brand sizes differently, so avoid a one-size-fits-all mindset. For reference, Bryson uses XL JumboMAX Tour grips (+⅜” and +123g in weight). Since Im following in Brysons model this season I will not be using my standard 57 Gram Tour velvets, I will transition to a counterbalanced setup meaning more weight towards the handle of the club. Counterbalancing a golf club can lead to increased clubhead speed, consistency and promotes a lighter overall clubhead feel. Counterbalancing might not be for everyone though so if you would like to try JumboMax grips without counterbalancing I would suggest the JumboMAX Ultralight grips which weigh similar to standard grip weights.

Expect immediate changes in feel and ball flight when grip size is right. I will be following up with a full review of the JumboMax Tour grips in early January stay tuned.

The Big Stick: Bulge, Roll, and Forgiveness

Next up is the driver. This is where ego regularly interferes with consistency.

The goal is simple: build a driver that frees the swing and minimizes your miss. That means choosing the right head—whether it’s high-MOI or low-spin—and pairing it with a shaft that matches the proper weight, flex, length, and bend profile for your transition.

With a 120+ mph swing speed, spin control is critical. I’m running a 5° Krank Formula Fire Pro LD head, one of the best low-spin heads available. Krank’s use of bulge and roll reduces spin axis through gear effect, keeping mishits straighter at high speed.

The shaft is a House of Forged MLD by L.A. Golf, which has proven excellent at tightening dispersion and delivering predictable head control through my aggressive transition.

After testing, my final setup is:

• 5° loft

• 1° upright

• 45” playing length

Results: 320-yard carry, peak height of 117 feet, and 335 yards total on average.

I’ll be testing the Callaway Quantum and Cobra OPTM when available, but for now, the driver is locked in for 2026.

Part 2: Same-Length Irons (Coming Soon)

In early January, I’ll dive into single-length, combo length and traditional iron lengths and why single-length can benefit a wide range of golfers. I’ll break down the two standout brands—Avoda Golf and Cobra—and explain which set I’m choosing and why.

Follow along as we work to make golf simpler, more consistent, and more enjoyable in 2026.