One of golf’s hottest topics right now is the mini driver, with golf’s biggest brands including Callaway, TaylorMade and Titleist all releasing their own versions onto the market. Some of golf’s biggest names have also been using them on tour recently, including Justin Rose, Tommy Fleetwood and Min Woo Lee to name just a few. But what are the reasons for adding a mini driver to your bag, and are they just a trend? We certainly don’t think so, and we’re here to explain the many benefits of adding a mini driver to your golf bag, as well as taking a look at some of the best options available to purchase with us at Duncan Lambert Golf.
What is a mini driver?
Titleist’s GT280 mini driver compared to their GT1 driver model, with a 35% reduction in clubhead size
A mini driver is much as the name suggests – they have a clubhead which measures between 300 and 340cc in size, whereas a traditional driver clubhead would be closer to 460cc. This means that a mini driver clubhead is between 30 and 35% smaller in size than a traditional driver, but bigger than a fairway wood, and combines the best features of both types of clubs. A mini driver isn’t just limited to being used off the tee either; it can also be used on the fairways too, particularly on the par 5s which require a little extra club.
What are the benefits of adding one to your bag?
The benefit of the smaller clubhead, combined with a shortened shaft, is that the mini driver is much easier to control off the tee and allows for more forgiveness, especially compared to a 3 wood. Another perk is additional loft as standard – either 11.5 or 13.5 degrees, which will add spin to help your ball go straighter and further off the tee. Higher handicappers can benefit from a mini driver just as much as those with a single figure handicap, especially if you’re someone who struggles with a 3 wood from the fairway. The larger clubhead size makes the mini driver more forgiving off the deck than a 3 wood is, with a stronger loft to aid with distance as well. Those with a lower handicap will benefit on holes which have a narrow fairway, with the extra control of the mini driver allowing for a tighter dispersion.
Which mini drivers can you buy from Duncan Lambert Golf?
TaylorMade R7 Quad mini driver
;)
;)
;)
We’ve got an extensive selection of mini drivers in-store, available to test out on the driving range at your convenience. We’ve recently taken delivery of the brand new TaylorMade R7 Quad mini driver, which has lots of clever design features offering maximum forgiveness and reduced spin. Adjustable weights in the clubhead (two 13g weights and two 4g weights) can prioritise distance or forgiveness, depending on where they’re positioned – putting the 13g weight forward aids distance, whereas positioning the heavier weight at the back aids forgiveness. Alongside this, TaylorMade’s R7 Quad features Twist Face technology to boost accuracy off both the tee and fairway – and for strikes which come out lower on the clubface, the Speed Pocket technology maintains faster ball speeds and maintains distance.
Callaway Quantum mini driver
;)
;)
;)
You can also find Callaway’s Quantum mini driver in-store too at the end of April, providing another versatile option for your golf bag. Much like TaylorMade’s R7 Quad, there is plenty of clever technology at work in the Quantum mini driver, including a new addition of a Step Sole which offers improved turf interaction to make the Quantum mini even easier to use from the fairway. Artificial intelligence has also played its part, optimising the face design to maximise speed, spin, launch and accuracy with the precise combination of titanium, Poly Mesh and Carbon Fiber. The OptiFit hosel design allows for loft changes as well as putting the mini driver onto a draw or fade bias, with lots of customisation options to fit your golf game. Available from the 29th of April, you can contact us now to reserve yours before they’re gone!
Titleist GT280 mini driver
Another of golf’s big hitters, Titleist, have also release a mini driver recently, and we’ve got the Titleist GT280 in-store as well. The GT280 still aims to maximise forgiveness and control off the tee, with a slightly smaller clubhead than both the previously mentioned mini drivers, bringing it closer to a 3 wood in size than a driver. It’s equally as versatile as both the TaylorMade and Callaway equivalents, with adjustable weights much like they both have and a design which is equally at home being used off the tee and the fairway. A ThermoForm crown allows for weight savings at the top of the clubhead, meaning Titleist can reposition the centre of gravity to promote even quicker ball speeds and better launch.
Are mini drivers expensive?
Mini drivers are all priced similarly, falling at around the £400 mark. This means that they’re cheaper than the driver equivalents, but more expensive than fairway woods. However, when you consider the versatility that they offer and the fact they can be used off both the tee and fairway, then the value for money is fantastic. Our competitive pricing system in-store means that we’ll never be beaten on price either, so you know that you’re always getting the best deal when you shop with us. You’ll also receive an additional 2% of your total spend back as loyalty points for your next visit too when you set up an account with us – or even save your loyalty points up for a rainy day!
Can you try the mini drivers?
We’ve got demos for some of the mini drivers, and any that we don’t have demos for can still be tested on our driving range. We have options in both regular and stiff flex, and various loft options available too suited to every golfer. Visit us at West Malling Golf Club, and we can talk you through all of our mini driver options and show you how they could be the perfect addition to your golf bag this summer.
Find us at West Malling Golf Club, ME19 5AR
Open Monday-Saturday 8am-6pm, Sunday 8am-5pm
01732 844022 – info@duncanlambertgolf.com
