The mini driver has gotten a lot of attention this year on social media and on Tour. Each week we see more and more pros elect to go 'mini' adding an extra layer of versatility and distance to their quiver. But what exactly is a mini driver, and why are golfers at all levels starting to turn to them?
Mini drivers feature a smaller head and a shorter shaft compared to traditional drivers, making them more forgiving without sacrificing distance. Think of them as a 'two wood' slightly smaller and shorter than your driver but bigger than your three wood. To give you more context into their size and volume the TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver is 304cc, and the Callaway Paradym AI Smoke Mini Driver is 340cc. Traditional drivers are 460cc. The reduction in volume gives players more control over their tee shots and makes them easier to hit "off the deck" than a driver. Both Callaway and TaylorMade Mini Drivers are available in 11.5 and 13.5-degree lofts.
Why the Mini Driver is Making Waves
1. Pro Endorsement: We're starting to see more mini drivers in bags on tour each week. Pros have even put them in play during Majors. Check out the below video of Rory crushing the BRNR mini driver at TaylorMade's Headquarters, The Kingdom in Carlsbad California.
Rory McIlroy crushing the TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver
TaylorMade GOLF
2. Versatility and Control: Ideal for tight fairways, the mini driver offers greater control without sacrificing distance. It can also be hit "off the deck" and fly farther than a traditional three-wood due to hits added volume and stronger loft. Check out the video below from Callaway's Johnny Wunder, showcasing the versatility of the mini driver.
Johnny Wunder showcasing the versatility of the mini driver
Callaway Golf
3. Swaggy Appeal: The mini driver isn't just about performance; it's also about style. With designs that blend modern technology and vintage aesthetics, TaylorMade's BRNR mini driver appeals to golfers who appreciate both functionality and flair with its iconic late-90s inspiration featuring copper styling, retro logos, reversible headcover, and even throwback grip. TaylorMade left no stone unturned on this design!
Aesthetic breakdown of the TaylorMade Mini
4. Proof is in the pudding: In the golf industry it's common to see brands innovate on a similar roadmap & timeline. With TaylorMade and Callaway having already brought the mini driver to market, if players continue to opt for mini drivers I'm willing to bet we will see other OEMs release their own respective mini drivers.
The Open Championship and the Mini Driver
With The Open Championship around the corner, I wouldn't be surprised to see players put the mini-driver in their bags. Royal Troon, known for its tight fairways and unpredictable winds, makes the mini-driver a sensible choice for players looking for an added layer of accuracy off the tee if they are struggling with their driver. Tiger Woods famously won The Open in 2006 having only hit his driver one time en route to a two-shot victory over Ernie Els and Sergio Garcia. Will history repeat itself at The Open with a player electing accuracy off the tee vs. distance? I can't predict the future but I'm excited to see how things pan out in South Ayrshire on the equipment front.
The Postage Stamp
Is the mini driver a fad? Or will they continue to grow in popularity within the golf community? Only time can tell!
Stay tuned with Golfstix Clubhouse for the latest in equipment news.
Golfstix Staff
Patrick Hardy