Golfers spend plenty of time talking about clubheads, but finding the right shaft can be just as important. The Nippon Shaft Experience gives golfers an opportunity to explore that part of the fitting equation on a much larger scale.
The annual event brings together Nippon Shaft’s National Fitting Team, PGA Tour representatives and an enormous selection of shafts for golfers to test. With roughly 1,000 test shafts on site and heads from major equipment manufacturers available, there are plenty of combinations to work through.
Going Through an Iron Shaft Fitting
During our visit, we went through an iron fitting to see how Nippon approaches the process.
Rather than simply looking at shaft weight or flex, the fitting provides an opportunity to compare different Nippon profiles vs my current shafts while paying attention to ball flight, consistency and, perhaps most importantly, how each shaft feels during the swing.
It is also a reminder of why testing matters. Shafts that say one thing on paper can produce a very different experience once paired with a golfer’s swing and preferred iron head.
Inside the Nippon Shaft PGA Tour Van
The fitting is only part of the experience.
Nippon also brings its PGA Tour Van, giving attendees a chance to step inside and see where its Tour representatives work with some of the best players in the world.
For equipment junkies, it is a rare behind-the-scenes look at a side of professional golf that most golfers never get to see up close.