Hideki Matsuyama’s Driver Evolution: Insights and Performance
Hideki Matsuyama, a prominent figure in professional golf, is known for his methodical approach to equipment. Unlike many players who frequently change drivers in pursuit of marginal gains, Matsuyama’s driver setup evolves gradually.
Stable Driver Setup from Late 2022 to 2025
From late 2022 through most of 2025, Matsuyama demonstrated remarkable consistency with his driver setup. Initially, he utilized the Srixon ZX5, later transitioning to the ZX5 LS, but maintaining a similar playing profile throughout this period.
The New Driver: Srixon ZXi LS
In late 2025, at the Hero World Challenge, Matsuyama made significant changes to his driver setup. He introduced the Srixon ZXi LS, and notably, he secured a victory with this new driver.
Matsuyama’s Driver Specifications:
- Driver Head: Srixon ZXi LS (9°)
- Shaft: Graphite Design Tour AD DI 8 TX
MyGolfSpy Driver Testing Results
In MyGolfSpy’s 2025 driver test for high swing speed players, the ZXi LS stood out, earning a noteworthy position within the top tier of performance metrics:
- Overall Score: 9.24
- Distance Score: 9.49
- Accuracy Score: 8.16
- Forgiveness Score: 8.46
While the ZXi LS did not rank as the most forgiving or the most accurate driver, it excelled in generating speed and distance efficiency while retaining manageable control—a crucial aspect for competitive golfers.
How This Fits Matsuyama’s Game
An examination of Matsuyama’s PGA Tour driving statistics sheds light on why the ZXi LS aligns with his gameplay. Remarkably, he ranked 10th in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee, despite placing 107th in average driving distance at 304.0 yards and 102nd in fairways hit at 60.71 percent. His remarkable driving skills arise from his ability to convert drives into scoring opportunities effectively.
The Takeaway
As Matsuyama adjusts to his new driver, it will be intriguing to monitor how his driving statistics evolve, particularly with a model that has only recently hit the market. For golfers who have held onto the same driver for an extended period, Matsuyama’s results and performance with the ZXi LS could provide valuable insights and inspiration for potential equipment changes.
This deep dive into Hideki Matsuyama’s driver evolution encapsulates how patient and strategic choices in equipment can yield competitive advantages in professional golf.
