Main Story

Tour players are using the fall stretch to test equipment before 2027. Ryan Fox switched to Srixon ZXi5 and ZXi7 irons in Dubai, while Tommy Fleetwood tried Fujikura’s newer Ventus Blue TR Velo+ shaft. Their changes highlight how players fine-tune feel and launch conditions, while Ping’s G450 metal woods are drawing strong interest among tour staffers.

By the Numbers
  • Fox’s new iron setup: ZXi5 in 4-iron and ZXi7 from 5-iron through pitching wedge.
  • Ping’s G450 conversion among staffers is estimated at 75%–80%.
  • Five more players put the G450 in play at the Austin Championship.
Yes, But

Fleetwood’s shaft change may be a trial rather than a permanent switch, and there’s no confirmed performance data for Fox’s new irons. Fleetwood’s driver and mini-driver also have different launch demands from his fairway woods, so matching shafts across the bag isn’t necessarily practical.

State of Play
  • Fox made the iron switch after the FedEx Cup Playoffs and Presidents Cup, avoiding equipment changes during those events.
  • Fleetwood is testing the Ventus Blue TR Velo+ in Dubai after years with Mitsubishi’s Kuro Kage XTS in his fairway woods.
  • Ping’s G450 tour launch is gaining traction; a full staff-conversion report is expected after the RSM Classic.
What's Next

Fleetwood’s results will show whether the new shaft earns a permanent spot. The upcoming Ping staff report should provide a clearer measure of how widely the G450 has been adopted.

Bottom Line

Fall equipment testing can offer an early read on what may reach the market in 2027—and which products are winning players’ trust before then.