Golf holes are weird. That’s why you check everything
Ever since I moved to the GOLF gear group in 2024, I’ve been trying to find the perfect driver – and I think I may finally have the answer. And it came from a place I never expected.
One of the best things about my job is that I get the chance to test new equipment. Generally, it’s just to get a feel for how the product works so I can inform you to help your game. That’s what I expected when I first tested Fujikura’s new Ventus TR Black shaft with VeloCore+. But now it might be the part of the driver I spent two years looking for.
When I took the job, I was playing the OG Fujikura Ventus Black, the same one that Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler used to win four of the last five majors (and JJ Spaun uses an updated VeloCore+ version). But I’m not that guy and it wasn’t the right shaft for me. When going through the fittings, I used to go for the Ventus Black because I’m a fast player who has trouble with high launches. But when I played the Ventus Black, I spun it a lot because the profile was so tight it kicked in early and added tons of powerful loft. Not only that, but I was playing golf, especially guarding the miss on the left.
The next two shafts I played were the Ventus TR Red and the Mitsubishi Diamana WB. Both shafts had a stiff grip section and a soft tip that allowed me to feel the release of the club. Softer profile shafts were better when I was swinging well. The launch and spin were low, and I hit them straight. But as I struggled, the top left toe raised its head. (I hate that shot.)
These drivers were nice, but they didn’t give me a lift. Then came last weekend – snap hooks everywhere. And because I had one, I decided to install the new TR Black with VeloCore+ on my driver.
Boy, am I glad I did.
Fujikura 2026 Ventus TR Black Wood Shaft (Velocore+)
Designed for speed and control, the Fujikura VENTUS TR Black Shaft is designed for players who produce powerful swings and want maximum stability at impact. The shaft is powered by VeloCore+ technology, Fujikura’s advanced multi-core frame designed to reduce twist and increase power transfer throughout the swing. The result is a more stable delivery that helps aggressive players maintain strong spin and consistent ball speed.
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The new TR Black is the strongest and strongest profile Fujikura has ever made. If I didn’t like the original Ventus Black, there was no reason to believe I would like the new TR Black. But now I couldn’t miss the face or the line I aimed at. I was working it both ways and, most importantly, my misses weren’t left.
So how did this suddenly work for me? I’m not sure. A more rigid profile might make me hit it to the left, but in this case the opposite was true. There is a lesson here somewhere. That’s why you, the consumer, shouldn’t be afraid to try anything and everything. Whether you’re a seasoned mechanic like me, or someone who just wants to find something that works, never count on anything.
Golf shafts are weird and don’t always work the way you think because no two golf swings are the same. If you ignore something just because of how it’s marketed or advertised, you could be leaving a game changer on the table.
The author welcomes your comments at Jack.Hirsh@golf.com.
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