Just in Time for U.S. Open, Dustin Johnson Unleashes Secret Weapon: New Driver Shaft
Dustin Johnson told LA Golf CEO Reed Dickens that he would put the company’s driver shaft in play when it “made him better.” That day has come, as Johnson used an LA Golf driver shaft for the first time in competition Sunday at the Palmetto Championship at Congaree.
Also, Johnson, the No. 1 player in the Official World Golf Ranking, joins LA Golf founding partner Bryson DeChambeau as shareholders and members of the board of directors. They join board members TV personality Amanda Balionis, entertainer Kelley James, Duck Commander’s Willie Robertson and Marucci Sports CEO Kurt Ainsworth.
After playing the same shafts in his drivers for more than a decade, Johnson said he’d finally found a shaft that he could “go after” with a hard, aggressive swing. Johnson and DeChambeau are two of the longest drivers on the PGA Tour.
Johnson had been testing LA Golf shafts for four months before making the switch and Dickens says that he’s tried “several original design structures built for him.”
“He’s not just the No. 1-ranked player right now, he’s been the best in the world for some time,” Dickens said of Johnson, who will play the LA Golf shaft at this week’s U.S. Open. “Having him on board is an incredible validation for our products.”
LA Golf is a small-batch manufacturer of high-end, premium graphite shafts and the product is completely American made, Dickens said. DeChambeau and Johnson will play prominent roles in the development of new shafts, not only for their use but for consumers to put in play, as well.
“We have two of the most important players in golf, in my opinion,” Dickens said. “Bryson acts like one of our engineers and Dustin is a feel player. It’s a terrific combination to have.” DeChambeau uses LA Golf shafts in all 14 of his clubs, including his putter.
Dozens of players on the world tours are currently using LA Golf shafts and more than 20 have begun using them in the last three months. Dickens co-founded Marucci Sports, a popular baseball bat manufacturer. Dozens of big leaguers who use the bats invested in Marucci.
LA Golf shafts are available at all major custom clubfitters and the company’s website.