Carlsbad, California (February 28, 2025)

At Fujikura, we’re all about celebrating the dealers who make golf better—one swing at a time. This month, we’re proud to shout about Golf Specialtees in Pittsburgh, a shop that’s been defying the odds and delivering excellence since 1986. In a city where big-box giants set up shop, Golf Specialtees has stood tall, proving that passion, expertise, and Fujikura shafts can outshine the competition. We caught up with the team to hear their story.

A Legacy Built on Grit and Golf

Golf Specialtees opened its doors nearly four decades ago, “We’ve been in business since 1986,” they told us, a rare survivor in an era when standalone golf shops have become an endangered species. “Not too many of us are left since the big chains moved in, but we’ve carved out our place.” That staying power comes from a deep love for the game and a commitment to getting it right for every golfer who walks through the door.

A Story That Started with Speeder

Their journey with Fujikura kicked off in 1998 with the original Speeder 757—a shaft that changed everything. “A sales rep reached out about it, and I’d never heard of Speeder before,” they recalled. “I took a chance—ordered 10 and got one free, which I kept for myself. I loved that shaft.” Turns out, their customers did too. “We sold every one in two weeks at a premium price and had to reorder right away.” That first taste of Fujikura’s magic sparked a partnership that’s still going strong 27 years later.

The Art of the Fit: Precision Meets Patience

At Golf Specialtees, fitting isn’t just a service—it’s a science. “Everyone’s different,” they explained. “Swing speed and spin are key to unlocking distance.” Armed with Foresight technology for pinpoint data, they’ve also got one of Pittsburgh’s best fitters, Aaron Gibson, on the team. “We don’t rush people through it,” they added. “It’s about finding what works for them.” That meticulous approach ensures every golfer leaves with a setup they can trust—and a little extra yardage to brag about.

A Fujikura Success Story That Sticks

Ask them about a standout fitting, and they’ll tell you about the golfer who swears by his AXIOM shafts. “He’s got them in his irons and loves them,” they said. “Plays and practices a ton, but says they don’t beat up his body.” It’s the kind of feedback that lights up the shop—a reminder that Fujikura’s innovation isn’t just about numbers, it’s about real results on the course.

The Shafts Flying Off the Shelves

When it comes to what’s hot, the VENTUS line reigns supreme at Golf Specialtees. “It’s our most popular high-end shaft,” they noted, a favorite among players chasing that perfect blend of power and control. For the everyman golfer, though, the Vista Pro is the go-to. “It’s got options from light to heavy—works for most players.” And while the new VeloCore+ models are gaining traction, the original VENTUS still holds its own. “We’re selling the new stuff, but VENTUS keeps moving too,” they said. Classic meets cutting-edge—Fujikura’s got it all.

A Personal Milestone with Fujikura Flair

For the Golf Specialtees crew, Fujikura isn’t just business—it’s personal. “I’ll never forget switching to the original ‘Fit on SIX’ shaft in my driver,” they shared. “The feedback was remarkable. Wow.” That moment stuck with them, a testament to Fujikura’s ability to turn a good round into a great one.

Passing the Torch—and the Shafts

We asked the shop owner Ray Kraus, some questions regarding his experience with VENTUS. The Fujikura love runs deep in Pittsburgh, right down to the next generation. “My grandson, Colton Lusk, plays the VETNUS Black 6X in his driver and the VENTUS Red 7X in his 3-wood,” they beamed. “He’s one of the best players in Pennsylvania.” Last fall, as a high school senior, Colton shot a blistering 67 at Oakmont Country Club to win the WPIAL Championship, then finished top five in the state finals. The shaft supports Colton’s swing to trust he can hit the shot he wants. “All his teammates have VENTUS shafts in their drivers too,” they added. Talk about a winning tradition.

Why Golf Specialtees Shines

Golf Specialtees isn’t just a shop—it’s a Pittsburgh institution. For 38 years, they’ve outlasted the odds, armed with Fujikura shafts and an unmatched dedication to their craft. From the Speeder 757 to the VENTUS Black, they’ve seen Fujikura evolve—and they’ve evolved with it, fitting golfers of all levels with gear that transforms their game. Congratulations to Golf Specialtees, Fujikura’s Dealer of the Month— proof that passion and performance go hand in hand.

VENTUS BLACK

AXIOM

VENTUS RED