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

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3 years ago

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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

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Equipment

Best ‘forgiving’ wedges – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

1 day ago

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May 29, 2026

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In our forums, our members have been discussing the most forgiving wedges on the market. WRXer ‘aaronpoling’ lays out his current setup and what he’s currently considering, saying:

“I am looking at getting new wedges, but looking for a forgiving wedge.

I currently play Ping G25 50°, MD4 54° and 58°. I used to play the CBX2 in the 50°, 54° and 58° and liked them a lot; but like any good dad, my son took them.

I am currently looking Callaway’s CB12 and Cleveland’s CBZ. Anyone have thoughts on these? Or recommendations of other wedges that I should check out?”

And our members have been weighing in with their thoughts and recommendations in response, with one brand coming out emphatically on top.

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.

  • boggyman: “CBZs are amazing wedges!”
  • drewbens: “Agreed, the Cleveland CB wedges are great! Already had a CBX Full Face 2 54 and recently added a 50 and 58 (for well under $100 a piece). Was chipping so well last week that my brother-in-law asked if the wedges were legal. Definitely underrated wedges for those of us that are not scratch golfers.”
  • BogeyTed: “Get Cleveland CBX/CBZ. Very underrated clubs.”

Entire Thread: “Best ‘forgiving’ wedges – GolfWRXers discuss”

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Equipment

From the GolfWRX Classifieds: Ping PLD Ally Blue Onset putter

Published

1 day ago

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May 29, 2026

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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, @negncic has a Ping PLD Ally Blue Onset putter up for grabs.

From the listing: “34” Ping PLD Ally Blue Onset. Ping composite shaft Ping PLD Pistol grip. No issues. $345 shipped.”

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

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Equipment

I built the worst fitting clubs ever – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

2 days ago

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May 28, 2026

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In our forums, our members have been reacting to a WRXer who claims to have built the “worst fitting clubs ever.” ‘dlow206’ recounts his experience with plenty of insightful findings for where he can go better next time in a detailed post, saying:

“Here’s my story of building the worst fitting clubs ever (for me). And my findings of what a better fit is.

I am short in stature, as well as a very short wrist to floor of 30.5″. I went down a rabbit hole of wanting to try irons 1″ shorter of more than standard length. Given the shorter lengths, the swingweights would be super light unless I added back a ton of weight to the heads, but I don’t like adding an extreme amount of weight back to the heads, so I decided to compensate with heavier shafts (115 grams instead of 95). Played with this set for a while and was hitting all irons extremely poorly. Thin, fat, right, right, left. My swing didn’t deteriorate that much because I was hitting my driver well, woods well, etc.

Went back to my older set of irons, playing at standard length, and my iron play improved immediately. Since then, have been doing more testing, while paying more attention to different possible variables. What I have found is I actually prefer lighter total weight with relatively normal or slightly heavier swingweights. Did a recent fitting and found that 85 gram shafts were better for me than 95 grams with standard length and relatively standard swingweights. 

Still trying to dial in a final iron shaft choice, so have a few contenders that I will be testing. Will be moving away from my current Steelfiber i95 S parallel to lighter and softer

  • MMT 80 parallel R – worked pretty well in a limited number of swings at a fitting
  • Fujikura Travil 85 R – the fitter liked the Axiom 95 R for me at Club Champion, but i didn’t love the effort required to swing them. If there was a 85 Axiom, that would probably have been a great fit. So i am going try a Travil 85 R which is japan only
  • Steelfiber i80 CW R – i have been playing Steelfibers for a long time, so need to give one Steelfiber shaft a shot

Given I do club building work, I am going to build all of these shafts with the All-Fit universal iron adapters to pair with a Srixon 7 iron head for testing. With these adapters, there isn’t a swingweight issue because the amount of weight from drilling out is about equivalent to the universal adapter components.”

And our members have been sharing their reactions in our forum.

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.

  • Mikey_HACKilroy: “That length cut costs you a fair amount in swing points. I’d posit the length mattered more than the weight because a 115g shaft isn’t going to actually add enough back after cutting an inch off. Does it mean 115 would ultimately work? Hard to say. Maybe try a 1/2″ cut and add 2g to the head to compensate assuming the 7i is 37″ long. Maybe that will feel better. It translates to the same ~D2 you’re swinging at with the 95g shafts (estimated based on common weight, but you can weigh your parts on your own obviously).”
  • Stuart_G: “Your process is good – keep at it and trust it.”

Entire Thread: “I built the worst fitting clubs ever – GolfWRXers discuss”

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