Tiger Woods will make his PGA Tour comeback at the 2023 Hero World Challenge, the first time since the 2023 Masters that he’ll be teeing it up.
Woods was spotted in the Bahamas on Tuesday using a brand new TaylorMade Qi10 LS prototype driver equipped with a Graphite Design Tour AD VF 6 X black and red shaft.
? https://t.co/0pyqrJZKUP pic.twitter.com/iIz0CjZZIQ
GolfWRX (@GolfWRX 29 November 2023
Justin Thomas changed to a Graphite Design Tour AD VF 5 X shaft for his Titleist TSR3 Driver in September. Thomas was looking for a longer option and found that the new 45.625 inch driver gave him 15 yards more.
Woods was wearing the same model of shaft this week (slightly heavier and stiffer due to Thomas’ shorter length).
What is it about the AD-VF shaft which attracts top names like Thomas and Woods to its use?
According to Graphite Design’s website the AD-VF Metalwood shafts feature a “FIRM+” butt section and a “STIFF” mid-section. They also have a ‘VERY STIFF’ tip section.
The “VF”, which stands for “Victory Force,” promotes a low/mid-launch with low spin. The shafts are designed and produced at the Graphite Design Japan Factory. They use “TORAYCA M40X”, pre-preg material, in the butt and mid/tip sections, to improve control, stability and feel.
The company’s website shows how the ADVF shaft compares with other shafts from the Graphite Design line. As you can see, the shaft is as stiff across the mid, butt and tip sections as any Graphite Design shaft. You could describe it as the “stiffiest shaft in the line-up.”
Woods played the Fujikura Ventus Black in April with a TaylorMade Stealth Plus clubhead.
Woods will tee-off on Thursday, 11:52 am EST with Justin Thomas.
