Grant Horvat’s Golf Shaft Preferences Explained
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Quick Answer
- Grant Horvat is most often seen using Project X HZRDUS Black shafts, especially in his driver.
- He generally prefers Stiff (S) or Extra Stiff (X) flex options.
- While the HZRDUS Black is a constant, specific weights and models can shift.
Who This Is For
- Golfers curious about the gear choices of popular golf personalities like Grant Horvat.
- Players looking to get ideas for their own club setups, especially if they swing it hard.
- Anyone trying to understand why certain shaft models are so popular on Tour.
What Shaft Does Grant Horvat Use: First Checks
- Look for Project X HZRDUS Black. That’s the main player. It’s a pretty popular shaft for a reason.
- Confirm the flex. He’s usually in S or X flex territory. This tells you how stiff the shaft is.
- Check the weight. Public info often points to 70-gram shafts, but always verify. A heavier shaft can help control spin.
- See if it’s the same for his driver and fairway woods. Sometimes they match, sometimes they don’t. Little details like this matter.
- Don’t forget the irons. While less publicized, shaft choice here is crucial for feel and consistency.
Don’t forget the irons. While less publicized, shaft choice here is crucial for feel and consistency. If you’re looking for reliable golf iron shafts that offer a good balance of feel and performance, consider exploring options like the Project X HZRDUS Black.
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Step-by-Step Plan: Understanding Grant Horvat’s Shaft Choices
- Research recent tournament setups: Action: Hunt down “What’s In The Bag” (WITB) articles or videos from his latest events. This is your best bet for current gear. ?What to look for: Consistent mentions of Project X HZRDUS Black shafts across different clubs. Look for the specific model name. ?Mistake: Relying on info from a couple of years ago. Gear changes, man. What was in the bag last season might not be now.
- Identify driver shaft specifications: Action: Pinpoint the exact HZRDUS Black model, flex, and weight for his driver. This is where the magic happens for distance and accuracy. ?What to look for: Specific model numbers like “70g 6.5” or “60g 6.0”. The ‘g’ is for grams (weight), and the number indicates the flex and stiffness profile. ?Mistake: Thinking all HZRDUS Black shafts are created equal. They’re not. A 6.0 flex is different from a 7.0, and a 60g shaft behaves differently than a 70g one.
- Analyze fairway wood shaft choices: Action: See what shafts he’s rocking in his fairway woods. These clubs often need a slightly different feel or performance than the driver. ?What to look for: Whether it’s the same HZRDUS Black or a different Project X model, and if the flex differs from his driver. Sometimes players go up or down a flex in their fairway woods. ?Mistake: Assuming his driver shaft is in every club. Fairway woods and hybrids have unique demands.
- Check for iron shaft details: Action: Dig into what he uses in his irons. This is where control and feel really come into play. ?What to look for: Project X is still common, but the specific model and flex might change. He might use a lighter shaft in his long irons and a heavier one in his short irons, or a totally different Project X model. ?Mistake: Only focusing on the driver and ignoring the rest of the bag. Iron shafts are just as important for your overall game.
- Investigate hybrid and wedge shafts: Action: If information is available, look at the shafts in his hybrids and even wedges. ?What to look for: Sometimes these clubs use shafts that bridge the gap between fairway woods and irons, or they might match his iron shafts. ?Mistake: Overlooking these clubs. They play a significant role in your scoring.
- Consider shaft tipping: Action: Understand that pros often have their shafts “tipped” – meaning a small amount is cut off the butt end. ?What to look for: This isn’t usually listed in WITB, but it’s a common Tour practice to adjust shaft stiffness and feel. ?Mistake: Not knowing that tipping is a factor. It can make a shaft play stiffer than its stock designation.
What Shaft Does Grant Horvat Use: A Deeper Dive into Project X
Grant Horvat’s equipment choices often reflect a preference for robust, high-performance components, and his shaft selection is a prime example. When we talk about what shaft Grant Horvat uses, the Project X HZRDUS Black consistently comes up. This isn’t just a random pick; it’s a shaft known for its low torque, low spin characteristics, and a stout feel that appeals to players with faster swing speeds.
The HZRDUS Black line from Project X is engineered to provide stability through the hitting zone, helping to reduce unwanted spin and promote a more piercing ball flight. This is exactly what many powerful golfers are looking for to maximize distance and control. For Grant, this means he can swing aggressively without the fear of the ball ballooning or spinning too much.
It’s important to note that “HZRDUS Black” isn’t just one shaft. It comes in different weight classes (e.g., 60g, 70g) and flexes (e.g., 6.0 for Stiff, 6.5 for Extra Stiff, and sometimes even higher like 7.0 for Tour Extra Stiff). Grant’s preference for Stiff or Extra Stiff flex aligns with his powerful swing. The specific weight he chooses can also play a role in his swing tempo and control. A slightly heavier shaft might offer more stability for some players, while a lighter one could help with clubhead speed.
Beyond the driver, Grant often employs Project X shafts in his fairway woods and sometimes even his irons. While the exact model might vary – perhaps a slightly different HZRDUS variant or a different Project X line altogether – the underlying theme is a preference for shafts that offer stability and a controlled trajectory. This consistency in brand and general performance profile across his clubs suggests a well-thought-out setup designed for his specific game.
Common Mistakes
- Mistake: Assuming Grant Horvat uses the same shaft in every club. — Why it matters: Different clubs demand different shaft profiles for optimal launch and spin. A driver shaft is designed for maximum distance and speed, while an iron shaft is built for control and trajectory. — Fix: Always check shaft specs for driver, fairway woods, and irons separately. They often have different characteristics.
- Mistake: Not specifying the exact Project X HZRDUS Black model. — Why it matters: HZRDUS Black comes in various weights and flexes, each affecting ball flight differently. A 6.0 flex is significantly different from a 6.5 or 7.0, and a 60g shaft will perform differently than a 70g shaft. — Fix: Note the specific model number (e.g., 6.5) and weight (e.g., 70g) to understand its intended performance.
- Mistake: Relying on outdated or unverified online chatter. — Why it matters: Forum posts and casual mentions can be inaccurate or refer to old gear. What was true last year might not be this year. — Fix: Prioritize information from official WITB features published by reputable golf media outlets or direct interviews with Grant.
- Mistake: Copying a pro’s shaft without considering your own swing. — Why it matters: What works for a Tour player with a high swing speed and specific swing mechanics might not work for you. A shaft that’s too stiff can lead to low hooks, while one that’s too soft can cause high slices. — Fix: Use a pro’s setup as inspiration, but get fitted by a qualified club fitter to find what truly suits your swing speed, tempo, and desired ball flight.
- Mistake: Ignoring shaft tipping. — Why it matters: Professionals often tip shafts to adjust their stiffness and feel. This is a customization that isn’t always obvious from standard specs. — Fix: Understand that tipping is a common practice on Tour and can alter how a shaft plays. If you’re trying to replicate a pro’s setup, consult with a club builder about tipping options.
- Mistake: Assuming all “low spin” shafts are the same. — Why it matters: While HZRDUS Black is known for low spin, different low-spin shafts have different profiles. Some are boardy, some are smoother, and they launch differently. — Fix: Research the specific characteristics of the HZRDUS Black (e.g., its kick point and torque) to understand its intended launch and spin characteristics.
FAQ
- What is Grant Horvat’s primary driver shaft? Grant Horvat most frequently uses a Project X HZRDUS Black shaft in his driver. This is a recurring theme in his equipment setups.
- Does Grant Horvat use Project X shafts in his irons? Yes, Grant Horvat typically uses Project X shafts in his irons as well, though the specific model and flex may differ from his woods. He often opts for models known for control and feel.
- What is the typical flex of Grant Horvat’s golf shafts? Grant Horvat generally opts for Stiff (S) or Extra Stiff (X) flex shafts, aligning with his powerful swing. He might even use a Tour Extra Stiff (TX) flex in some instances.
- Are Grant Horvat’s shaft choices consistent across all his clubs? While Project X is a common thread, the exact model and flex can vary between his driver, fairway woods, and irons. He tailors each club’s shaft to its specific role in his bag.
- Where can I find the most accurate information about Grant Horvat’s shafts? The best sources are recent “What’s In The Bag” (WITB) articles from reputable golf publications like GolfWRX, Golfweek, or PGA Tour media, or direct interviews with Grant Horvat himself.
- What makes the Project X HZRDUS Black shaft popular? The HZRDUS Black is popular among faster-swinging players because it’s designed for low torque, low spin, and a stable feel. This helps golfers achieve a piercing trajectory and control unwanted side spin.
- Should I use the same shaft as Grant Horvat? Not necessarily. While it’s a great starting point for research, Grant has a specific swing speed and style. It’s always best to get fitted by a professional club fitter to find the shaft that best matches your unique swing.
Michael Reeves is a PGA Professional with over 20 years of experience in competitive golf and instruction. A former Division I collegiate player at the University of Texas, he competed on the mini-tours before transitioning to full-time coaching and golf journalism. He has been a certified PGA teaching professional since 2005 and has worked with players at every level, from absolute beginners to collegiate champions.
His writing has appeared in Golf Digest, Golf Magazine, and The Left Rough. At GolfHubz, Michael leads the editorial team, overseeing fact-checking and ensuring every answer meets the same standard he demands on the lesson tee: clear, evidence-based, and immediately useful.
When he’s not writing or teaching, Michael plays to a +1.4 handicap at his home club in Austin, Texas. He has attended over 40 major championships as a journalist and fan, and has played more than 200 courses across 15 countries.
You can reach Michael at [email protected] or follow his occasional swing analysis posts on the site.