Why is this big winner trying flex flex, graphite iron shafts
For years, heavy and stiff irons like the Dynamic Gold X100s or the Project X 6.5s have dominated the PGA Tour.
But can lightweight and flexible graphite shafts finally capture market share on the Tour? Given the rapid turnover at the highest level of the game, it seems impossible, but you never know until you try.
And 2016 PGA Championship winner Jimmy Walker is trying.
On this week’s episode of GOLF’s Fully Equipped, fellow broadcaster Johnny Wunder reported that Walker had been testing Fujikura’s Axiom 75R irons on his clubs and was seeing some pretty crazy numbers.
“So they built a 7-iron, and Jimmy’s normal ball speed as a 7-iron is like 128 to 130 mph,” Wunder said. “So he doesn’t tune his instruments, but it’s like he’s not like one of the holy gods when they’re like 140. He’s a regular player visiting his instruments.
You get 135, 136 on these common shafts, but the ball is still spinning the 7-iron at 6,600, going up.
So the real question is, how did Walker come to test a shaft designed for slower players?
Turns out, he took a few rips with his father’s driver, who had a custom Fujikura Ventus swing, and found that despite the soft swing, he was able to maintain the same ball speed as his player.
His initial fear of hitting the left ball was unfounded. So he went to a golf shop and asked someone to build him a 7-iron with light steel shafts, but someone suggested he try the Axioms.
Fujikura Axiom Iron Shaft
AXIOM presents an unparalleled level of iron shaft performance. For the first time, Fujikura’s proprietary VELOCORE TECHNOLOGY has been integrated into a steel shaft that delivers the same industry-leading performance benefits originally introduced in the VENTUS and VENTUS TR. Extreme accuracy and consistency combined with unmatched performance give golfers the same level of confidence they have come to expect from VeloCore powered products. Whatever the gun needs, AXIOM delivers. VeloCore Technology is the engine that drives AXIOM’s metal performance. The extremely stable platform delivers improved results on every shot with enhanced dispersion, increased ball speed, and improved accuracy. AXIOM is designed with a unique 3-parallel system that creates consistent weight and reduced torque values throughout the set. Combined with long alignment (#2, #3, #4), medium alignment, (#5, #6, #7), and short alignment (#8, #9, W), AXIOM allows more flexibility in design and material integration compared to a single hollow metal shaft. Each iron is specially cut to compliment each design, reducing the SKU count while maximizing results.
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For Wunder and co-founder Jake Morrow, the idea is tempting, especially on days when you’re not feeling well and changing 80 percent might be the limit. The problem is you have to turn 80 percent every time, something Morrow said he can’t do.
