What the Pros Play: Lexi Thompson

Editor’s note: Thompson changed drivers recently, then went back to her previous Cobra driver. She returned to her Cobra RadSpeed driver she played last season in the weeks leading up to the 2022 U.S. Women’s Open. The conversation below, which occurred before she switched back, focuses on the most recent Cobra model. 

David Dusek: You transitioned into the new Cobra LTDx driver fairly quickly.

Lexi Thompson: The first time I saw it was at a photoshoot for Cobra, and I really liked the looks of it, to begin with, but then I started hitting it for the action shots in the commercial and I was ripping it. I was like, “Okay, this could do.”

That club wasn’t even fit for me, and I knew it could work. Right away, I knew it was going to be a lot more forgiving.

D.D.: From a performance standpoint, what does a driver need to do for you to find its way into your bag?

L.T.: Looks are really important because you have to like what you are looking down at, and the alignment aids have to work, but mechanics-wise, for me, I like to know that I can work the ball if I have to.

I also like something with a little lower spin, which this driver is, but at the same time, when you get super low spin, it can sometimes make a driver less forgiving. But with this new head, it actually really is. You get the faster ball speed and the lower spin rate, but at the same time, you have high MOI [moment of inertia, which is a resistance to twisting on off-center hits], which is ideal for this kind of driver.

D.D.: Do you try to take part of the course out of play with your driver? For instance, do you like it set up so it’s hard to hook it?

L.T.: I don’t tinker with the weights before a round, and if I really need to hit a fairway, I do it with my swing. I might choke up on the grip a little for more control. I used to hit big hooks, but over the years I have changed my swing for the better. It’s a straighter ball flight now. There really isn’t one side of the golf course that I try to take out, but hitting the fairway is always nice. 

D.D.: What is your stock carry distance with a driver, and at what distance does a fairway bunker get your attention?

L.T.: I’d say my carry distance is about 250 yards. I’d say that I’ve gained a few yards with this driver because it is lower spin, and the wind doesn’t hit it as much, but for me, it’s all about having that control. 

D.D.: You are one of the most dedicated players on the tour when it comes to fitness. How has that affected your equipment choices over the years?

L.T.: Good question. With the driver, my clubhead speed has stayed around 105 mph, so I really haven’t gained extra swing speed with working out, so I haven’t had to tinker with my shafts too much.

D.D.: But I noticed that you did switch into the new Fujikura Ventus Blue T.R. shaft in your driver.

L.T.: Yeah, I noticed with the new LTDx head, my old shaft did not fit quite as well. You get that sometimes, and with the mechanics of a head, a shaft can make up for that. The first thing I always do is try my old shaft in the new head, but the new Fujikura shaft wound up being the best match. 

Lexi Thompson’s driver – $499