Jim Furyk Switches to TaylorMade R9 Driver with New Mitsubishi Kai'li Shaft
Jim Furyk had been using a Titleist 909D2 driver since the 2008 Barclays Scottish Open, the event immediately preceding last season's British Open at Royal Birkdale. However, this week in Charlotte at the Quail Hallow Championship, Furyk is using a TaylorMade R9 with an X-stiff, 60-gram Mitsubishi Diamana Kai'li shaft.
Although his swing is not textbook, and he can't be classified as a bomber, Jim Furyk has been one the straightest and most consistent drivers on the PGA Tour for years. In 2007 he ranked third in driving accuracy, hitting 74.37% of the fairways. This season he is hitting 69.72%, ranking him 23rd in the category.
According to Mitsubishi Rayon, Furyk is the first player on the PGA Tour to put the Kai'li shaft into play.
Meaning Blue Diamond in Hawaiian, the Kai'li has a stiff tip section and slightly lower torque than the popular Mitsubishi Rayon Blue Board shaft. The Kai'li also utilizes a process that applies the carbon fibers that create the shaft in several different angles for a more consistent feel. When compared with the Blue Board shaft, the Kai'li should produce a lower, flatter ball flight and less spin.
The shaft will not be available in the United States until early 2010 and will retail for about $400.
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(Photo by Fred Vuich/SI)
Posted by: Bob Grain | May 3, 2009 12:26:16 AM
You can get the Kai'li shaft at http://www.tourspecgolf.com/proshop/p2158/Diamana-2009-kai&%2339li-Shaft/product_info.html
for only 299.99
and you dont have to wait until 2010
Go take a look