As she stands poised on the first tee of the Jian Lake Blue Bay Golf Course, Nasa Hataoka, a six-time LPGA Tour champion, is gearing up for her second round at the Blue Bay LPGA tournament. Despite having not tasted victory since her emphatic five-stroke triumph at the 2022 DIO Implant LA Open, her opening round score of 71 (-1) indicates that she may have found the perfect mix of equipment to end her winning drought.
Hataoka made history as the youngest and first amateur player to win a JLPGA major at the 2016 Japan Women’s Open. Fast forward to 2025, and she has become a symbol of reliability – not missing a single cut and securing two top-15 finishes. Currently ranked 35th in the world, Hataoka is now eyeing a return to the winner’s circle, armed with a meticulously selected arsenal of clubs.
Hataoka’s game from tee to green is powered by a remarkable set of clubs. The cornerstone of her impressive 295-yard driving distance is the Srixon ZX7 Mk II Driver. This $549.99 club sports adjustable heel-toe weights which allow Hataoka to control draw or fade bias depending on the course conditions. The Rebound Frame technology’s Dual Flex Zones provide increased ball speed, accounting for her standing among the LPGA’s top 15 in driving distance.
When it comes to her fairway and hybrid picks, Hataoka displays loyalty to consistent technology. She wields a Srixon ZX Mk II 3-Wood and two Srixon ZX Mk II Hybrids, all equipped with Project X HZRDUS Smoke Red RDX shafts. In her iron game, where she boasts a remarkable 71.6% greens in regulation rate, she trusts the Srixon ZX5 Mk II Irons. These irons feature KBS Tour Lite Steel shafts and Tour V.T. Sole technology, perfect for varied turf conditions.
In the arena of the short game, Hataoka relies on Cleveland RTX6 ZipCore wedges. These wedges, available in 50°, 54°, and 58° lofts, are equipped with UltiZip grooves to optimize spin in all conditions. Her proficiency in bunker shots, where she ranks 12th in sand saves, can be attributed to these wedges.
On the greens, Hataoka showcases her individuality with a customized Bettinardi Studio Stock 3 putter. This putter, coupled with a unique Lamkin Sink Fit grip, has aided her in maintaining strong putting stats in 2025.
Hataoka’s choice of ball, the Srixon Z-Star, complements her game perfectly. With an 88-compression core, this ball offers optimized driver spin and superior greenside control. Hataoka employs a personalized alignment aid on her ball to enhance setup consistency.
As Hataoka vies for her seventh title at Blue Bay, her careful selection of equipment reflects her precision-focused approach to golf. Will this well-constructed arsenal help her end a three-year victory drought? The weekend will reveal all, but her early lead hints that her Srixon-heavy setup might be the perfect recipe for success in 2025.