Brooks Koepka and the "Immortal" Nike Iron: A Decade in the Bag

Nike exited the golf equipment market over eight years ago, but that hasn't stopped some of the biggest names in the sport from keeping the iconic Swoosh logo present at golf's highest professional level.

Brooks Koepka and Tony Finau are still using the Nike Vapor Fly Pro 3-iron, a club that has garnered a lot of love among golf equipment enthusiasts. This club isn't significantly different from modern player's long irons, which is likely why it has retained its appeal. Notably, the Vapor Fly Pro still delivers powerful performance from over 230 yards.

Tony Finau's Diligent Backup Plan

Tony Finau, when asked about how he preserves his club, stated:

"The one I'm using is actually one of my two backups. My original lasted me about six years. So with my math, if this one lasts me six years, and my other backup lasts me another six years, I'll be about 50 years old by the time I'm done using both. It's a great club. It's one I've had in the bag since 2015, and I don't think it's going anywhere anytime soon."

Finau clearly has a very thoughtful plan in place.

Brooks Koepka's "No Plan" Approach

Koepka, in contrast, has no such foresight. During a recent filming session in Florida, a Golf Digest editor observed Koepka's well-used 3-iron and had an interesting conversation.

Koepka has been playing the Vapor Fly Pro 3-iron since 2016. Like Finau, many assumed he had replaced the original with a backup, but the truth is far from that assumption.

As Koepka revealed, he is still using the original club, despite it having endured countless powerful, high-speed strikes. When asked about a contingency plan if the face breaks, Koepka candidly replied: "I don't know and honestly, I don't even pay attention to them."

There are visible dents and wear on Koepka's Fujikura Pro 95 Tour Spec shaft. Two large, thumbprint-sized indentations have formed after nearly a decade of the shaft rubbing against his golf bag.

These dents are noticeable when Koepka grips the club, but they aren't enough to make him want to change the shaft. Koepka doesn't test new clubs, nor does he replace shafts. This club has played a part in all five of his major victories, so it's not hard to see why he's reluctant to change it.

"When I find equipment that I like, I stick with it – I don't tinker. I don't want to change," Koepka shared a few years ago.

A Secret Backup Plan

While Koepka might not be aware of it, Ben Giunta, a former Nike Tour representative who now runs The Tour Van at LIV Golf events in the U.S., confirmed that he has a spare head and shaft ready for Koepka when his 3-iron officially "retires."

Even if Koepka hasn't realized it, a backup plan does exist for him.

The Vapor Fly Pro iron set was officially launched in January 2015.