Connect with us

Equipment

The 3 most popular driver shafts used by the top-50 golfers in 2023

Published

3 years ago

on

FujikuraVentusTR

The story below seeks to answer the question: “What are the most commonly used driver shafts by the top-50 players in the Official World Golf Rankings?”

The story below does NOT answer the question: “What driver shaft should YOU use?”

It’s an important distinction to keep in mind before continuing.

Golfers at the top level of the game are, of course, some of the most influential tastemakers in the sport. Their equipment decisions, fashion choices, and even swing changes help to shape the golfing decisions of the general public, whether it’s for the better or worse. For some golf fans, the equipment that the top players in the world use help to determine the clubs and shafts they test or buy for themselves.

The mentality goes something like, “Hey, if it’s good enough for Rory McIlroy or Jon Rahm, it’s probably good enough for me.”

The flaw in that line of thinking, at least when it comes to driver shafts, is that McIlroy currently averages 326.2 yards off the tee on the PGA Tour so far in the 2022-2023 season, and Jon Rahm averages 311.5 yards. The AVERAGE driving distance on the PGA Tour in 2022-2023 is 298.7 yards, and the AVERAGE ball speed off the tee is 172.95 mph.

The top golfers in the world do not play golf, or swing the golf club, anything like an everyday golfer who pays greens fees.

In reality, PGA Tour players don’t swing like each other, either. Even though most of them hit the ball over 300 yards on the regular, they each have different speeds, swing transitions, release patterns, angles of attack, launch angles, spin rates, and they even have different goals in mind for how to achieve maximum efficiency with their driver swings.

The point is, it’s extremely likely that your personal golf swing, and launch monitor data, looks nothing like any of the players on the list below.

I know…but you drove it 330… on that one hole… during that one round… a couple weeks back. Great drive, and I hope you made birdie, but I do hope you understand that driver fitting works to help minimize your typical misses and optimize your average drive – not to fuel a sense of pride by playing a shaft that’s too stiff and too heavy for you because you caught the speed slot on hole 14 last month and now you think you’re knocking on top-20 PGA Tour speed.

I’m not trying to be mean, either. I’m trying to say the best driver shaft for you is the one that actually helps you hit it long and straight, not the one that most closely resembles a PGA Tour player’s driver setup.

So, my suggestion is to use this story as either pure entertainment, or as a starting point of information gathering on what shafts you would like to test during your next fitting or testing session. I’ve provided a link to each shaft in the story so you can explore the shaft profile and see if it’s in your wheelhouse to test.

Every single golfer on this list is using the driver shaft they’re using because they hit a multitude of shafts with varying lengths, weights, flex profiles, torque profiles, and a myriad of other characteristics. They tested various shaft offerings with the help of a fitter, and they tracked each shot with a launch monitor, ultimately determining that a particular shaft best suits their game and preferences, and works in conjunction with their driver head and grip of choice.

Everyday golfers can most easily find their perfect driver shaft by getting with a fitter and trying out different models for themselves. It’s also important to keep in mind that each model comes in different flexes and weights, and each family of shafts typically has different design categories. For example, maybe the low-spinning “Fujikura Ventus Black” flies a bit too low for your swing and speed, but maybe the higher-spinning “Fujikura Ventus Red” is right in your window. There’s a lot of moving parts when it comes to shafts, which is why I so strongly suggest consulting a professional fitter.

OK, now, with that being said, let’s get into the results.

The scientific process for this story was simple: I looked up the top-50 golfers in the Official World Golf Rankings, and then cross-referenced each player with the extensive GolfWRX.com WITB database to see what driver shaft each player has used most recently. The full list is down at the bottom of the story, and the shafts that appeared most often in the top-50 list were awarded the “most popular” tag below.

Hopefully this list can provide a jumping off point for your next driver shaft testing session!

1) Fujikura Ventus TR Blue (6-of-50 players)

According to Fujikura, the Ventus TR Blue is a mid-launch, low-spin shaft

“A powerful combination of stability and feel, TR Blue maintains an ultra-stiff tip section for superior control at impact,” Fujikura says. “Increased torsional stiffness creates a profile with enhanced load capabilities for more aggressive swings while maintaining a smooth overall feel.”

  • Rory McIlroy (No. 3): Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 6X
  • Cameron Smith (No. 9): Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 6X
  • Justin Rose (No. 28): Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 6X
  • Adam Scott (No. 37): Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 7X
  • Harris English (No. 41): Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 6X
  • Patrick Reed (No. 47): Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 6X

Read more here

2) Fujikura Ventus Black (5-of-60 players)

According to Fujikura, the Ventus Black is a low-launch shaft.

Fujikura speaks on the Ventus technology: “The exceptionally engineered Ventus is designed to significantly tighten shot dispersion and maximize ball speed especially on off-center shots. Ventus is a Tour-inspired profile and the first to include Fujikura’s all-new VeloCore Technology in an accelerated taper, ultra-stiff tip profile. Maximum energy transfer from the tip section boosts the clubhead’s performance and a straight taper design enhances loading and feel.”

  • Scottie Scheffler (No. 1): Fujikura Ventus Black 7X
  • Keegan Bradley (No. 24): Fujikura Ventus Black 6X
  • Si Woo Kim (No. 30): Fujikura Ventus Black 6X
  • Tom Hoge (No. 36): Fujikura Ventus Black 6X
  • Ryan Fox (No. 42): Fujikura Ventus Black 7TX

Read more here

T3) Fujikura Ventus Blue (4-of-60 players)

According to Fujikura, the Ventus Blue is a mid-launch shaft, and is constructed with the same VeloCore technology as the aforementioned Ventus Black.

Fujikura explains more about VeloCore: “A multi-material bias core construction that delivers ultimate stability through transition and impact (maximizing clubhead MOI) – increasing velocity and smash factor. The multi-material core is crafted with full-length, ultra-high modulus Pitch 70 Ton Carbon Fiber — 150 percent stronger and more stable than T1100g — for ultimate stability, and 40 Ton bias layers ensure incredible feel.”

  • Jordan Spieth (No. 10): Fujikura Ventus Blue 6X
  • Sam Burns (No. 14): Fujikura Ventus Blue 7X
  • Denny McCarthy (No. 35): Fujikura Ventus Blue 6X
  • Chris Kirk (No. 39): Fujikura Ventus Blue 6TX

Read more here

T3) Graphite Design Tour AD-DI (4-of-60 players)

According to Graphite Design, the Tour AD-DI (which stands for “Deep Impact”) uses NanoAlloy material and aerospace-quality carbon fiber t0 promote shaft stability and greater speed without the loss of feel. It has a soft mid-section to create load, but a stiff tip section to encourage high launch and low spin.

  • Sungjae Im (No. 19): Graphite Design Tour AD DI 7X
  • Hideki Matsuyama (No. 25): Graphite Design Tour AD-DI 8TX
  • Joaquin Niemann (No. 34): Graphite Design Tour AD-DI 6X
  • K.H. Lee (No. 46): Graphite Design Tour AD DI 6X

Read more here

5) Honorable mention

*Each of these shafts appeared more than once on the top-50 list:

The Full Top-50 List of Driver Shafts

  1. Scottie Scheffler: Fujikura Ventus Black 7X
  2. Jon Rahm: Aldila Tour Green 75TX
  3. Rory McIlroy: Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 6X
  4. Patrick Cantlay: Mitsubishi Diamana ZF 60TX
  5. Viktor Hovland: Fujikura Speeder 661 TR X
  6. Xander Schauffele: Mitsubishi Diamana PD 70TX
  7. Max Homa: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K Black 65TX
  8. Matt Fitzpatrick: Mitsubishi Tensei AV Raw Orange 65TX
  9. Cameron Smith: Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 6X
  10. Jordan Spieth: Fujikura Ventus Blue 6X
  11. Will Zalatoris: Fujikura Ventus TR Black 7X
  12. Tony Finau: Mitsubishi Diamana D-Limited 70TX
  13. Brooks Koepka: Mitsubishi Diamana D-Limited 70TX
  14. Sam Burns: Fujikura Ventus Blue 7X
  15. Justin Thomas: Mitsubishi Diamana ZF 60TX
  16. Tyrrell Hatton: Mitsubishi Diamana TB 80TX
  17. Cameron Young: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K Pro White 70TX
  18. Collin Morikawa: Mitsubishi Diamana D+ Limited 60TX
  19. Sungjae Im: Graphite Design Tour AD-DI 7X
  20. Kurt Kitayama: Graphite Design Tour AD UB 7TX
  21. Tom Kim: Fujikura Atmos Tour Spec Black 6X
  22. Jason Day: TPT Prototype
  23. Tommy Fleetwood: Mitsubishi Kuro Kage XTS 70X
  24. Keegan Bradley: Fujikura Ventus Black 6X
  25. Hideki Matsuyama: Graphite Design Tour AD-DI 8TX
  26. Shane Lowry: Mitsubishi Diamana D+ Limited 70TX
  27. Sahith Theegala: Project X HZRDUS Black 60TX
  28. Justin Rose: Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 6X
  29. Corey Conners: UST Mamiya Elements LIN-Q M40X 6F5
  30. Si Woo Kim: Fujikura Ventus Black 6X
  31. Russell Henley: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black 70TX
  32. Wyndham Clark: Accra TZ Six ST 60 M5
  33. Sepp Straka: Mitsubishi Kai’li White 60TX
  34. Joaquin Niemann: Graphite Design Tour AD-DI 6X
  35. Denny McCarthy: Fujikura Ventus Blue 6X
  36. Tom Hoge: Fujikura Ventus Black 6X
  37. Adam Scott: Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 7X
  38. Billy Horschel: Fujikura Ventus TR Black 6X
  39. Chris Kirk: Fujikura Ventus Blue 6TX
  40. Brian Harman: Graphite Design Tour AD-IZ 5S
  41. Harris English: Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 6X
  42. Ryan Fox: Fujikura Ventus Black 7TX
  43. Emiliano Grillo: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K Blue 60TX
  44. Rickie Fowler: Mitsubishi Diamana Prototype 70X
  45. Seamus Power: Accra TZ6 Proto 65
  46. Kyoung-Hoon (K.H.) Lee: Graphite Design Tour AD-DI 6X
  47. Patrick Reed: Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 6X
  48. Adrian Meronik: Fujikura Speeder 661 Evolution IV X-Flex
  49. Taylor Moore: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K Blue 60TX
  50. Pablo Larrazabal: Fujikura Pro 63

Check out GolfWRX.com’s full WITB database here

Related Topics:

He played on the Hawaii Pacific University Men's Golf team and earned a Masters degree in Communications. He also played college golf at Rutgers University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism.

9 Comments

9 Comments

  1. Pingback: 10 most-read equipment stories on GolfWRX in 2024 - Sports Success

  2. Pingback: 10 most-read equipment stories on GolfWRX in 2024 – GolfWRX

  3. geohogan

    Jun 8, 2023 at 10:05 am

    First very stiff tip and butt sections with soft mid section was
    the Nunchuk, patented back ca 1990… one shaft for juniors, men, women and pro’s.

    Reply Report comment

  4. Gavin

    Jun 7, 2023 at 3:14 pm

    Can we have a similar list for LPGA?

    Reply Report comment

  5. MCA

    Jun 7, 2023 at 12:25 pm

    I feel like D-Limited and D+ are the same shaft which would put it in #3 but it is also accurate to list them as different model names.

    Sincerely,
    A Diamana D Limited Fan

    Reply Report comment

  6. Edward g Bardoe

    Jun 7, 2023 at 11:06 am

    ONE OTHER CAVEAT, EVEN IF YOU BUY THE BRAND AND MODEL LISTED, YOU MAY NOT BE GETTING THE SAME SHAFT AS THE PRO USES. ESPECIALLY IF IT CAME INSTALLED IN A DRIVER ASSEMBLED IN THE HOME OF ALL GOLF CLUBS, CHINA. EVEN IF YOU GET IT FROM A FITTER(SALESMAN) AT THAT GOLF STORE, THE SHAFTS AVAILABLE TO HIM MAY ONLY BE COSMETICALLY THE SAME AS THE PRO PLAYERS EQUIPMENT.

    Reply Report comment

  7. Boydenit

    Jun 7, 2023 at 5:26 am

    Great read with one glaring omission! You should have added what country each of these shafts is manufactured in, to better understand the true cost of a +$400 shaft.

    Reply Report comment

  8. P Kessler

    Jun 6, 2023 at 7:35 pm

    What’s Annika Playing??

    That’s where I am at these days.

    Reply Report comment

    • Kim

      Jun 7, 2023 at 11:09 am

      Would be more interested to see top 50 LPGA shafts. More applicable to my game

      Reply Report comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Equipment

Tour Edge unveils all-new Exotics mini driver

Published

2 days ago

on

May 12, 2026

By

Tour Edge Golf has today introduced the all-new Exotics mini driver, engineered to deliver a powerful combination of speed, control, and versatility in the long game. 

The Exotics Mini combines a titanium face with a stainless-steel body in design to balance ball speed with stability and control, creating a versatile option at the top end of the bag. 

At the core of the design is Tour Edge’s proprietary Combo Brazing technology, a high-precision thermal bonding process that seamlessly fuses a titanium cup face to a stainless-steel body into a single, continuous structure. By eliminating energy loss found in traditional multi-piece constructions, Combo Brazing is designed to deliver faster face response, more efficient energy transfer, and a uniquely powerful yet controlled feel.

The multi-material construction also allows mass to be positioned lower and deeper in the head in a bid to increase stability, while the thin titanium face is engineered to maintain ball speed across a wider impact area.

“While the initial goal was to enhance control and versatility in the long game, Combo Brazing ultimately drove measurable gains in ball speed and distance within the mini driver category. In robot testing, we’ve documented higher ball speeds, higher launch, reduced spin, and increased carry and total distance compared to leading models.” – Vice President of R&D Matt Neeley

In addition to distance performance, the Exotics mini emphasizes forgiveness through a heavier stainless-steel body that shifts mass toward the perimeter. This configuration increases MOI relative to traditional all-titanium mini drivers, helping preserve ball speed and directional stability on off-center strikes. Paired with Pyramid Face Technology from the Exotics metalwood line, the design is intended to support consistent speed across the face.

To further enhance MOI, a lightweight carbon fiber crown frees additional mass that is strategically repositioned low and deep in the head in design to improve stability and promote optimal launch with controlled spin.

“We designed the Mini to be about five millimeters shallower than other mini drivers on the market. That change improves playability off the deck. From a clean fairway lie, it can function as a strong 3-wood alternative while still providing control off the tee.” – Tour Edge CEO David Glod

An adjustable hosel system allows for loft and lie tuning to dial in trajectory and shot shape, while a fixed 13-gram rear weight helps stabilize the head through impact to improve dispersion consistency. The Exotics Mini Driver is available in 11.5 and 13.5-degree lofts in right-handed models.

Pricing & Availability

The Exotics Mini Driver is available for pre-order beginning today for $399.99 USD at touredge.com, and will be available for purchase at retail outlets worldwide on May 22, 2026. 

Continue Reading

Equipment

Srixon ZXi combo or TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo? – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

2 days ago

on

May 12, 2026

By

In our forums, our members have been pitting a Srixon ZXi combo against a TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo. WRXer ‘edutch22’ is on the hunt for a new set of irons and kicks off the thread saying:

“Looking at picking up a new set of irons and think I’ve narrowed it down to Srixon ZXi combo or Taylormade P7CB/770 combo. I am currently a 5 cap and allbeit I feel irons are my weakness. My miss is a little to the toe side. I am decently steep at 4-5 down. Always thought I am high spin but recently on trackman my 7 was spinning at 5800 roughly. 

My question or looking for thoughts on which one would benefit me more from a forgiveness standpoint? Or is there another iron is should be looking at entirely? I only get to play about once or twice a week, if I am not playing a 2-3 day event. Thanks in advance.”

And our members have been sharing their thoughts and suggestions in response.

Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.

  • manima1: “You just can’t go wrong with Srixon ZXi7.”
  • MattM97: “You have to hit them to know, the V-Sole on the Srixon can be make or break for many.”
  • dmeeksDC: “P7CB is more forgiving for me than ZXi7 because my main miss is low middle and the P7CB still flies and spins great on that miss. These are both really nice irons but I like the P7CB more than the Zxi7 and the P770 (or P790) more than the Zxi5. The Srixons are larger so if that gives you confidence that is the way to go. I don’t feel like I get any benefit from the V-sole and the P7CBs live up to their high Maltby forgiveness rating so the TaylorMades have been great for me.”

Entire Thread: “Srixon ZXi combo or TaylorMade P7CB/770 combo? – GolfWRXers discuss”

Continue Reading

Equipment

From the GolfWRX Classifieds: 2024 Wilson Staff CB/Blade combo

Published

2 days ago

on

May 12, 2026

By

At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals who all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.

It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.

Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, @pianoman0123 has a 2024 Wilson Staff CB/Blade combo up for grabs.

From the listing: “2024 Wilson Staff CB/Blade Combo.  4-8 irons are CB’s and the 9,PW are Blades.  5-PW have Project X 6.0 Shafts and the 4 Iron has a Steelfiber CW110 Stiff Shaft.   Standard Length, Lie and Lofts.  These are in very good condition the shafts just don’t work for me.  Like new Lamkin Grips on the 5-PW and a stock Golf Pride on the 4 Iron. $525 OBO.”

To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link. If you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum, you can learn more here: GolfWRX BST Rules

Continue Reading

Announcement

Our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use have been updated as of January 29th, 2026. Please review the updated policies here Privacy Policy | Terms of Use. By continuing to use our site after January 29th, 2026, you agree to the changes.

WITB

Whats in the Bag3 days ago

Alex Fitzpatrick WITB 2026 (May)

Driver: Ping G440 LST (9 degrees) Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 6 X 3-wood: TaylorMade Qi4D (15 degrees) Shaft: Fujikura Ventus...
Whats in the Bag3 days ago

Kristoffer Reitan’s winning WITB: 2026 Truist Championship

Driver: Ping G440 Max (9 degrees) Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K White 60 TX 3-wood: Ping G440 Max (15 degrees) Shaft:...
Whats in the Bag1 week ago

WITB Time Machine: Rory McIlroy’s winning WITB, 2021 Truist Championship

Rory McIlroy’s victory at the 2021 Wells Fargo Championship 2021 (now the Truist Championship) marked a significant return to form,...
Whats in the Bag1 week ago

Collin Morikawa WITB 2026 (May)

Driver: TaylorMade Qi4D LS (8 degrees) Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana D+ Limited 60 TX 3-wood: TaylorMade SIM Tour (14 degrees) Shaft:...

Facebook

Trending