It will come as a surprise to absolutely no one that Bryson DeChambeau, who averages more than 329 yards per drive this season on the PGA Tour, is leading in strokes gained off the tee this season, too. After bulking up last year and focusing on increased clubhead speed, DeChambeau finished in the top spot last season as well.
What might come as a surprise, however, is that Viktor Hovland, who weighs 165 pounds and stands 5-foot, 10-inches tall, ranks seventh. Sure, the Norwegian is sneaky long off the tee, averaging 301 yards per drive, but that ranks just 65th on Tour. Hovland’s edge comes not only from his length but also his accuracy. He ranks 81st in driving accuracy, while DeChambeau is 122nd.
DeChambeau and Hovland swing the club very differently, so they also take a different approach when it comes to their drivers. DeChambeau plays with little loft and an extremely stiff shaft, while Hovland plays with more loft and a shaft that suits his swing and tempo.
Below is a list of the golfers who rank in the top 10 in strokes gained off the tee on the PGA Tour, along with the driver and shaft they use.
