One of the most common questions golfers have is about the gear the pros use, and at the top of that list is the shaft flex in their clubs. While the quick and common answer is they all use Extra Stiff, the real story is far more tailored and tells you everything you need to know about finding the right shaft for your own game. This article will break down what flex pros actually use, explain the reasons behind their choices, and give you a clear guide to figuring out what flex is best for your swing.
Before we go any further, let's get on the same page about shaft flex. Think of it as the shaft’s ability to bend during the swing. It’s a measure of its stiffness. A shaft with more flex is “softer” or “whippier,” while one with less flex is “stiffer” or “firmer.” This is a big deal because the bending and unbending of the shaft - often called “loading” and “unloading” - has a massive impact on the position of the clubface at impact, which affects your direction, your trajectory, and your distance.
Shafts are generally categorized into these five main flexes:
You’ll also see manufacturer-specific codes like "TX" for Tour Extra Stiff or even "XXX" for the absolute fastest swingers on the planet, but the five above are the main ones to know.
Here’s the straightforward answer: The vast majority of male professional golfers on tours like the PGA TOUR use Stiff (S) or Extra Stiff (X) flex shafts in their driver and fairway woods. For their irons, the choice is very similar, with most playing X-Stiff (often labeled as X100) or Stiff (S300/S400) shafts.
But that answer alone doesn't help you. It’s like knowing a Formula 1 driver uses certain tires without understanding why. The choice isn't about skill level, it’s almost entirely about one thing: swing speed.
Think about a fast, aggressive swing versus a smooth, slower one. The faster swing generates much more force, causing the shaft to bend significantly on the downswing. Pros swing fast - really fast. The average PGA TOUR player’s driver swing speed is around 113-115 mph, with the fastest guys like Rory McIlroy and Cameron Champ getting up into the 120s.
They need an Extra Stiff shaft to handle that incredible force. A shaft that's too soft for their speed would feel like a noodle and be impossible to control. The clubhead would lag too far behind and then snap forward uncontrollably, leading to inconsistent strikes and wild hooks.
On the flip side, what happens if an average golfer with a 90 mph swing tries to use an X-Stiff shaft? Let’s break it down.
If you have a fast swing but your shaft is too flexible, you'll see a few common problems. As the clubhead "kicks" forward too much and too early before impact, the clubface can shut down prematurely.
This is a common issue for amateurs who buy clubs based on what the pros use. If your swing isn't fast enough to properly "load" the stiff shaft, it’s basically just a rigid pole. The shaft doesn't bend enough to help you generate speed and square the clubface.
Here’s a general guideline to match driver swing speed to shaft flex. If you don't know your speed, many big-box golf stores or local driving ranges have launch monitors where you can get measured.
The "swing speed is king" rule holds true, but it's interesting to see how it plays out with different players. Not all pro swings are the same.
Rory is famous for his graceful but incredibly violent swing, generating speeds well over 120 mph. For him, control is paramount. He uses super-stiff, low-torque shafts in all his woods to ensure the clubhead is exactly where he expects it to be at impact. Trying to hit his gamer driver would be a nightmare for most amateurs.
Fred Couples is a legendary case study. Known for his liquid-smooth, unhurried tempo, he famously played a Regular flex driver shaft for years on the PGA TOUR, even when winning The Masters. His tempo was so seamless that he didn't need the board-like stiffness of an X-flex shaft to control the club, despite having a tour-level swing speed. This is a powerful reminder that how you swing (your tempo and transition) also matters, not just how fast.
So, you shouldn’t run out and buy an X-Stiff driver just because the pros use them. Instead, you should try to find the flex that matches your swing, just like they do.
Choosing your shaft flex based on your performance - not your ego - is one of the smartest equipment decisions you can make.
Professional golfers choose Stiff and Extra Stiff shafts because their extreme swing speeds demand that level of stability. For the rest of us, the lesson isn't to copy them, but to copy their process of matching equipment to their personal swing dynamics. Using the right flex will lead to better feel, more consistency, and ultimately more distance and accuracy.
Understanding all the nuances of equipment can feel overwhelming, but figuring out how a shaft impacts your shot shape is a huge step forward. At Caddie AI, we want to help you take that kind of guesswork out of the entire game. If you're wondering why you keep hitting that low slice or what kind of driver shaft might fit your swing better, you can get instant, coach-level advice that's tailored to you. We created it to be your 24/7 golf expert, helping you make smarter decisions on and off the course so you can play with more confidence and enjoy the game more.
Thinking about hosting a golf tournament fundraiser is the first swing, executing it successfully is what gets the ball in the hole. This guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step, from laying the initial groundwork months in advance to watching your happy golfers tee off. We’ll cover everything from securing sponsors and setting your budget to planning the on-course fun that makes an event unforgettable.
A golf handicap does more than just give you bragging rights (or a reason to demand strokes from your friends) - it’s the game’s great equalizer and the single best way to track your improvement. This guide breaks down what a handicap is, how the supportive math behind a handicap index a is, and exactly how you can get one for yourself. We’ll look at everything from Course Rating to Adjusted Gross Score, helping you feel confident both on the course and in the clubhouse.
The compression of a Pinnacle Rush golf ball is one of its most defining features, engineered specifically to help a huge swath of golfers get more distance and enjoyment from their game. We'll break down exactly what its low compression means, who it's for, and how you can use that knowledge to shoot lower scores.
Figuring out which spikes go into your new (or old) pair of Puma golf shoes can feel like a puzzle, but it’s much simpler than you think. The key isn't the brand of the shoe, but the type of receptacle system they use. This guide will walk you through exactly how to identify your Puma's spike system, choose the perfect replacements for your game, and change them out like a pro.
The Golf Genius app is one of the best tools for managing and participating in competitive golf events, but figuring it out for the first time can feel like reading a new set of greens. This guide cuts through the confusion and shows you exactly how to use the app as a player. We’ll cover everything from logging into your tournament and entering scores to checking the live leaderboard so you can enjoy the competition without any tech headaches.
Walking onto the first tee with sweaty palms, worried you’ll be a good partner to paly wtih...or even asked back again ...We’ve all been there - trust me! The real trick of feeling confortable... is about how you handle you’re ready to plsy. THIS guide explains the simple rules of the rode to show you hnow t play golf while staying calm relaxed and focused... an having much morse fun while you,',re aat it? You'll also play with confidence a dn make fiendsa while you're at i
Just ask a question or share a photo and Caddie gives personalized guidance for every shot - anytime, anywhere.
