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Shaft Select: An app that fits golfers for every shaft in their bag

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Too busy. Too expensive. Too far away. Those are the most common reasons golfers cite when they tell us why they haven’t been fit for golf clubs. The good news for them is that the growth of the custom-club industry has led to options that are faster, more affordable and in this case, only as far as way as a golfer’s smartphone.

Online custom club fitter fairwayjockey.com has released an app called Shaft Select (available for Apple and Android devices) that can fit golfers for every shaft in their bag, sans the putter. Downloading the app is free, as is a wood-shaft fitting. If golfers want to learn what hybrid, iron or wedge shafts are for for them, however, an annual fee of $2.99 unlocks those tools. And those ready to take the plunge can then make their way to fairwayjockey.com to build their completely custom club or clubs.

Can an app really fit golfers accurately for shafts? To answer that question, we spoke to Mike Robinson, Founder of Fairway Jockey.

WRX: The Shaft Select app asks golfers to answer a few simple questions depending on the type of shaft that’s being fit. How did you come up with those questions and criteria?

MR: The series of questions ask the player the most important concepts that should be covered during a custom shaft fitting. Shaft Select uses a player’s tempo, transition, and shaft release to compute a high-level recommendation. It goes a step further and gets the player’s input on ball flight needs, directional miss information, and feel to narrow the recommendation down to specific models that will work for their swing.

WRX: How many shafts are in the Shaft Select database? And how does the app sort through the different shaft options to offer a recommendation?

MR: The Shaft Select database has every model, weight, and flex from 15 of the top shaft manufacturers. Through shaft testing and fitting knowledge, we programmed the fitting tool to sort through the data for each shaft to compute non-biased, data-driven recommendations for our clients.

WRX: As a fitter, what do you recommend for golfers who aren’t quite certain of their swing tempo, transition or release? How can they get that information so they can use the app effectively?

MR: The ideal solution would be to get the information from a PGA professional or a club fitter. However, there is not always access, so there are some general ways to diagnose your own swing tendencies. For example, a golfer can time their swing from start to finish. Closer to 1 second would be a fast tempo, and closer to 2 seconds would be a slow tempo. For transition, a golfer can determine if they are aggressive or smooth at the top when they start their downswing. The swing release is when the wrists typically unhinge during the downswing. Most mid-to-high handicap golfers have an early-to-mid release, and most low-handicap golfers have a late release. If there is any doubt, we are always a phone call or email away for assistance.

WRX: When golfers call you for assistance, what are the most common misconceptions about shafts and the fitting process?  

MR: There are a couple misconceptions that come to mind. Specifically, many golfers will focus primarily on swing speed as the only determinant for the proper shaft. We like to get the golfer thinking about other factors such as directional miss (to ensure proper weighting) and feel preferences (to select proper torque). The second misconception that comes to mind is in the selection of the proper playing length when having the shaft built by Fairway Jockey. Many golfers will request a playing length without considering the effect it has on the swing weight of the club. A swing weight that is too light or too heavy can have a negative impact on the golfer’s ball flight. We always recommend that our clients consult with us to ensure a proper setup.  

WRX: The last question golfers get when choosing a shaft on the app is about price. What advice do you have for golfers buying shafts on a budget?

MR: I would say the higher your swing speed, the more critical it is that you lean toward purchasing a more premium shaft. If you have a slower-to-average swing speed, I would recommend that you purchase a shaft that fits comfortably within their budget.

To download the Shaft Select app, click here

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11 Comments

11 Comments

  1. Sal

    May 20, 2016 at 8:45 am

    immediately asking for $2.99. no free wood fitting!! BULLS***!

  2. Justin Wells

    May 16, 2016 at 7:01 pm

    It won’t let me do anything without first giving them $2.99…immediate fail

  3. cgasucks

    May 15, 2016 at 10:16 pm

    Waste of money…each of the major shaft manufacturers can tell you that on their websites for free…

  4. You idiot

    May 15, 2016 at 9:15 pm

    Take this post down you fool!

  5. Sboss1

    May 15, 2016 at 9:23 am

    Why would anyone pay $3 ANNUALLY for this app? This is a blatant ripoff and a recurring revenue money grab. Assuming this app does what it claims, shouldn’t I be able to get all my shafts perfect to my personal specs…..ONCE? Why would I pay annually? Other than allowing the owners the opportunity to collect recurring revenue?
    This is very lame.

  6. tlmck

    May 15, 2016 at 2:14 am

    What a joke. It recommended expensive lightweight shafts when in fact I do better with heavier inexpensive shafts. I am also surprised they charge. For the shafts they recommend, the shaft makers could kick in and make the app free. Still would not be useful.

  7. Tom

    May 13, 2016 at 8:36 pm

    I’ll be interested to see how this app plays out over the remainder of the year. Please do a follow up article.

  8. Someone

    May 13, 2016 at 7:00 pm

    So you say that shafts shouldn’t be fit solely on speed, but also weight and torque. Then at the end, you say to pick shaft budget based on speed…seems contradictory to me. You’re basically saying that high swing speed means you need a more expensive shaft. So now you’re back to picking a shaft based on swing speed…to disprove your basis, I have two friends who hit the ball relatively the same distance on drives…one has an expensive tour shaft the other has a more affordable shaft. To add more control to this comparison, they both play the same driver head (same loft) and are physically the same height.

  9. davemac

    May 13, 2016 at 10:55 am

    Downloaded to test, very unimpressed, a few simple multiple choice questions and up pops a driver shaft recommendation. I also managed to upset the questions by asking for a regular feeling shaft, it only wanted to offer soft feeling shafts given my modest swing speed.

    I don’t know if there is more detail behind the paid subscription, I certainly hope so.

    To the developers, we now have access to high speed cameras and swing analyser like SkyPro / ZEP so we can provide much better detail with regard to swing tempo and swing aggression.

  10. Todd

    May 13, 2016 at 9:09 am

    $2.99 to use. No thanks.

  11. Nath

    May 13, 2016 at 8:22 am

    Not an industry first sorry.
    MyGolfShafts has been around on ios 03/10/13

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Equipment

Coolest thing for sale in the GolfWRX Classifieds (4/18/24): Ping PLD Limited Anser – 1988 Open Championship – #2 of only 88 Made

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At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals that 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, there is a listing for a Ping PLD Limited Anser – 1988 Open Championship – #2 of only 88 Made.

From the seller: (@DLong72): “Ping PLD Limited Anser – 1988 Open Championship – #2 of only 88 Made. ?: $1150. ?? 100% milled collectors item from the limited releases commemorating when Ping putters won every major in 1988 (88 putters made). This was the model Seve Ballesteros used to win the 1988 Open Championship. Condition is brand new, never gamed, everything is in the original packaging as it came. Putter features the iconic sound slot.

Specs/ Additional Details

-100% Milled, Aluminum/Bronze Alloy (310g)

-Original Anser Design

-PING PP58 Grip

-Putter is built to standard specs.”

To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link: Ping PLD Limited Anser – 1988 Open Championship – #2 of only 88 Made

This is the most impressive current listing from the GolfWRX BST, and if you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum you can check them out here: GolfWRX BST Rules

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Inside Collin Morikawa’s recent golf ball, driver, 3-wood, and “Proto” iron changes

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As you probably know by now, Collin Morikawa switched putters after the first round of The Masters, and he ultimately went on to finish T3.

The putter was far from the only change he made last week, however, and his bag is continuing to change this week at the 2024 RBC Heritage.

On the range of The Masters, Morikawa worked closely with Adrian Reitveld, TaylorMade’s Senior Manager of Tour at TaylorMade, to find the perfect driver and 3-wood setups.

Morikawa started off 2024 by switching into TaylorMade’s Qi10 Max driver, but since went back to his faithful TaylorMade SIM – yes, the original SIM from 2020. Somehow, some way, it seems Morikawa always ends up back in that driver, which he used to win the 2020 PGA Championship, and the 2021 Open Championship.

At The Masters, however, Rietveld said the duo found the driver head that allowed “zero compromise” on Morikawa’s preferred fade flight and spin. To match his preferences, they landed on a TaylorMade Qi10 LS 9-degree head, and the lie angle is a touch flatter than his former SIM.

“It’s faster than his gamer, and I think what we found is it fits his desired shot shape, with zero compromise” Rietveld told GolfWRX.com on Wednesday at the RBC Heritage.

Then, to replace his former SIM rocket 3-wood, Morikawa decided to switch into the TaylorMade Qi10 core model 13.5-degree rocket head, with an adjustable hosel.

“He likes the spin characteristics of that head,” Rietveld said. “Now he’s interesting because with Collin, you can turn up at a tournament, and you look at his 3-wood, and he’s changed the setting. One day there’s more loft on it, one day there’s less loft on it. He’s that type of guy. He’s not scared to use the adjustability of the club.

“And I think he felt our titanium head didn’t spin as low as his original SIM. So we did some work with the other head, just because he liked the feel of it. It was a little high launching, so we fit him into something with less loft. It’s a naughty little piece of equipment.” 

In addition to the driver and fairway wood changes, Morikawa also debuted his new “MySymbol” jersey No. 5 TP5x golf ball at The Masters. Morikawa’s choice of symbols is likely tied to his love of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team.

Not enough changes for you? There’s one more.

On Wednesday at the 2024 RBC Heritage, Morikawa was spotted with a new TaylorMade “Proto” 4-iron in the bag. If you recall, it’s the same model that Rory McIlroy debuted at the 2024 Valero Texas Open.

According to Morikawa, the new Proto 4-iron will replace his old P-770 hollow-bodied 4-iron.

“I used to hit my P-770 on a string, but sometimes the distance would be a little unpredictable,” Morikawa told GolfWRX.com. “This one launches a touch higher, and I feel I can predict the distance better. I know Rory replaced his P-760 with it. I’m liking it so far.” 

See Morikawa’s full WITB from the 2024 RBC Heritage here. 

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Why Rory McIlroy will likely use the new TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver Copper at the RBC Heritage

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Although we spotted Rory McIlroy testing the new TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver Copper last week during practice rounds at the Masters, he ultimately didn’t decide to use the club in competition.

It seems that will change this week at the 2024 RBC Heritage, played at the short-and-tight Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head.

When asked on Wednesday following his morning Pro-Am if he’d be using the new, nostalgic BRNR Copper this week, McIlroy said, “I think so.”

“I like it,” McIlroy told GolfWRX.com on Tuesday regarding the BRNR. “This would be a good week for it.”

 

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According to Adrian Rietveld, the Senior Manager of Tour at TaylorMade, the BRNR Mini Driver can help McIlroy position himself properly off the tee at the tight layout.

Here’s what Rietveld told GolfWRX.com on Wednesday:

“For someone like Rory, who’s that long at the top end of the bag, and then you put him on a course like Harbour Town, it’s tough off the tee. It’s tight into the greens, and you have to put yourself in position off the tee to have a shot into the green. It kind of reminds me of Valderrama in Spain, where you can be in the fairway and have no shot into the green.

“I’m caddying for Tommy [Fleetwood] this week, so I was walking the course last night and looking at a few things. There’s just such a small margin for error. You can be standing in the fairway at 300 yards and have a shot, but at 320 you don’t. So if you don’t hit a perfect shot, you could be stuck behind a tree. And then if you’re back at 280, it might be a really tough shot into the small greens.

“So for Rory [with the BRNR], it’s a nice course-specific golf club for him. He’s got both shots with it; he can move it right-to-left or left-to-right. And the main thing about this club has been the accuracy and the dispersion with it. I mean, it’s been amazing for Tommy.

“This was the first event Tommy used a BRNR last year, and I remember talking to him about it, and he said he couldn’t wait to play it at Augusta next year. And he just never took it out of the bag because he’s so comfortable with it, and hitting it off the deck.

“So you look at Rory, and you want to have the tools working to your advantage out here, and the driver could hand-cuff him a bit with all of the shots you’d have to manufacture.”

So, although McIlroy might not be making a permanent switch into the new TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver Copper, he’s likely to switch into it this week.

His version is lofted at 13.5 degrees, and equipped with a Fujikura Ventus Black 7X shaft.

See more photos of Rory testing the BRNR Mini here

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