Average PGA Tour Driver Shaft Weight (What The Pros Use)

The average driver shaft weight on the PGA Tour typically ranges from 60 to 80 grams, significantly more than the standard shaft many leisure golfers use.

Many tour players prefer shafts around 70 grams, with some using 80-gram shafts for added stability and control through the swing.

These heavier shafts are often chosen by players with higher swing speeds to maintain consistency and reduce torque during swings.

This compares to everyday golfers, who typically use shafts between 50 to 60 grams in drivers.

Most Popular Shaft Materials Used By PGA Tour Players

All PGA Tour players have graphite shafts in their drivers, fairway woods, and hybrids with steel shafts predominantly used in irons and wedges.

It’s important to note that while graphite shafts are dominant in woods and hybrids, some players are beginning to use graphite shafts throughout their entire set including Bryson DeChambeau.

The popularity of graphite shafts for drivers and woods is due to their lightweight properties and ability to generate higher clubhead speeds.

Models like Tensei and Diamana are popular choices, as are Fujikura’s Ventus series. The Ventus Black is one of the most used driver shafts among top players.

Project X also offers popular models like the HZRDUS and EvenFlow series, while Aldila is known for shafts like the Rogue Silver, used by several tour players.

Bryson DeChambeau Driver Shaft

Bryson DeChambeau currently uses a 45-inch LA Golf BAD Prototype shaft in his Krank Formula Fire LD driver.

Previously, DeChambeau used a Project X HZRDUS T1100 shaft, but he has since switched to the LA Golf model in his latest bag setup.

The LA Golf shaft is specifically designed to handle DeChambeau’s high swing speeds and provide the performance characteristics he needs for his long-driving style of play.

Rory McIlroy Driver Shaft

Rory McIlroy currently uses a Fujikura Ventus Black 6 X shaft in his TaylorMade Qi10 driver.

The shaft is currently 45 inches long, which is a recent change from his previous 44-inch shaft previously used. The longer shaft allows for potentially more distance without sacrificing dispersion.

McIlroy made this switch at the beginning of the 2024 season, moving from the Qi10 LS to the standard Qi10 driver head and has achieved ball speeds of 186mph and carry distances of 330 yards.

Scottie Scheffler Driver Shaft

Scottie Scheffler uses a Fujikura Ventus Black 7 X shaft in his TaylorMade Qi10 driver

This shaft is known for being very stout and tip stable, designed for low launch and low spin for the world number one golfer.

It is slightly heavier than the average PGA Tour driver shaft weight and what most pros use, coming in at a base weight of 78 grams compared to the more common 65 grams.

Tiger Woods Driver Shaft

Tiger Woods uses a Graphite Design Tour AD-VF 6 X shaft in his new TaylorMade Qi10 LS driver.

This shaft is designed to promote a low/mid launch with low spin and features a “FIRM+” butt section, “STIFF” mid-section, and “VERY STIFF” tip section.

It is one of the stiffest shafts in graphite design’s lineup.

How Does Shaft Tipping Affect The Performance Of A Driver

Shaft tipping makes it meaningfully stiffer, which can lead to lower launch angles and reduced spin rates. It also increases the shaft’s resistance to twisting, known as “torque,” which can result in more stability during the swing.

Many golfers report a “tighter” or more stable feel in the tip section of the shaft after tipping, while others may experience lower spin rates with a tipped shaft, though this can vary depending on individual swing characteristics.

Tipping effectively changes the flex profile of the shaft, which can impact how it loads and unloads during the swing.

While some players may see improved performance with a tipped shaft, others might not experience significant changes or could even see negative effects.

Professional fitting is recommended to determine if shaft tipping would be beneficial for an individual golfer’s performance.

Typical Shaft Lengths Used By PGA Tour Players

PGA Tour players typically use driver shafts that are shorter than the standard retail length. The average driver shaft length on the PGA Tour is approximately 44.75 inches, with some variation depending on player preference.

This is notably shorter than the standard retail driver shaft length, which ranges from 45.5 to 46.75 inches and are suited to golfers with average golf swing speeds.

Some key points about PGA Tour driver shaft lengths:

• The average length of 44.75 inches can vary by about half an inch in either direction.
• Some players, like Rickie Fowler, have used even shorter shafts (43.5 inches) to improve accuracy.
• Tour players prioritize control and consistency over maximum distance, which is why they opt for shorter shafts.
• Tiger Woods played with a 43.5-inch shaft for many years.
• The shorter shaft length allows tour players to find the center of the clubface more consistently, which is crucial for optimal performance.

Longer shafts can potentially increase clubhead speed, but the trade-off in control and consistency often makes shorter shafts more effective for professional players.

This is why the average tour driver length is significantly shorter than what is commonly sold to amateur golfers.