Eric Benzenberg January 28, 2021 Equipment, News Leave a Comment
On the PGA Tour, the difference between a green jacket or a $15 million check from FedEx is usually a couple of shots. As a result, everybody is constantly hunting for the next edge, particularly with equipment. Not too long ago it was oversized grips, more recently it’s been the overwhelming success and popularity of Fujikura’s Ventus line and tomorrow it might be a pink shaft from some little known Korean company…
A post shared by AutoFlex Shaft 🇰🇷 Official (@autoflex_shaft)
Current World No. 23 ranked golfer Adam Scott, who has more than 30 professional wins and a Masters victory, was spotted on the range at Torrey Pines testing an AutoFlex SF505XX is his Titleist TSi4 driver.
Interestingly, Adam Scott is currently ranked No. 14 in driving distance (312 yards), behind guys named Bryson, Rory and DJ, so many of us would ask, “Why fix something that’s not broken?”
However, those of you unfamiliar with AutoFlex are clearly not aware of the unspoken magic, darkside powers that this $850 driver shaft can provide.
To explain, since AutoFlex is basically unheard of, this small Korean company has found a way to create a super lightweight, flexible shaft (56 grams) that has the attention of a top tier PGA Tour golfer who had previously been gaming a extra stiff shaft that weighed approximately 20% more.
The secret is a proprietary graphite weave pattern and an undisclosed material called K.H.T (Korea hidden technology) that, inexplicably, provides increased clubhead speed, straighter ball flight and additional distance.
A post shared by Ian Fraser (@ianfrasergolf)
Reputable club fitter Ian Fraser was one of the first to thoroughly test out the AutoFlex and, time after time, it’s shown that it can provide a measurable improvement over many of the more established, mainstream shaft options.
Indeed, Ian’s own testing showed the AutoFlex provided a peak 9 MPH improvement in ball speed, and an average improvement over his 2020 gamer of:
No other changes, just swapping out one shaft for the AutoFlex.
A post shared by AutoFlex Shaft 🇰🇷 Official (@autoflex_shaft)
That said, there’s simply no way of getting around the AutoFlex’s colors—Black/Pink and Rainbow—and that it comes with a price tag—$850 (or most than most complete custom spec’d drivers)—that would make PXG golfers think twice.
That said, on the PGA Tour, shaving a stroke here or there could be worth millions. So in the large scheme of things, $850 is really just an investment.
As a result, it’ll be very interesting to see if Adam Scott puts the Bubblegum Bomber (you heard that here first) into play this weekend at the Farmers Insurance Open and, if it works, whether you’ll start seeing it in other player’s bags.
Ever since golf became a competitive outlet, nothing brings Eric more joy than a well struck 4 iron. And despite living in NYC, Eric makes it a priority to work on his game and fitness during the week, along with a round or two over the weekend. Fortunately, he’s got a very understanding fiancé who (for the time being) accepts him and his obsession. Follow Eric on IG @hozel_rocket.
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