Why a small driver can help the game of club golf

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The modern driver is now the easiest club to hit in the wallet due to many factors.

Thanks to the large size of the clubhead (maximum 460cc), improved forgiveness, a center of gravity that changes slowly and deeply, adjustable features, improved materials, improved aerodynamics and shaft technology, golfers of all levels can now enjoy the driver.

But have you considered adding a second or smaller driver to the bag? Various equipment companies have toyed with having a mini driver in their range but TaylorMade and their BRNR Mini Driver Copper is easily the leader in this niche category.

This is helped by TaylorMade continuing to be one of the market leaders in drivers, the BRNR is able to emulate the Burner TM that was so popular in the late 90’s and none other than Tommy Fleetwood sings its praises and has it in his bag.

“Tommy Fleetwood actually won the Ryder Cup with that thing (in 2023),” said 2013 Masters winner Adam Scott.

“It’s unbelievable because most of the holes end at 310-320 yards now because they prepared the course for us, that’s where the driver is scattered. When you return to your 3-wood, you’re 270 and on your way back. The Mini goes 300 yards and is still very wide. “

The BRNR sold out so quickly after its launch in 2023 that it had to be quickly restocked and has a variety of benefits for the club golfer.

Benefits of a small driver

– Splitting the weights means you can switch between a standard setting (13g at the rear) for easy launches and a low spin setting (13g at the front) for a more aggressive route.

– There are two lofts; 11.5˚ and 13.5˚ to help you drive.

– While most of us don’t have to worry about hitting it too much, this may offer more forgiveness than the 3-wood which is now considered by many of us to be the heaviest club in the bag.

– The smaller head encourages more versatility and the extra spin makes it easier to draw (which is the most satisfying way to shoot any long club).

– The shaft length is 43.75” which is two inches shorter than a standard driver so it is easier to find the center of the clubface.

– Comes with a very cool retro cover.

For Fleetwood it’s a great reminder of his first ever ‘proper driver’ and plays an important role in the bottom end of the bag.

“You put it in a normal swing and it’s shorter than the driver, I’m more comfortable hitting it straight. It replaces the 3-wood, basically.

“You might think about it in terms of wedges at the bottom end of the bag. Some people have four wedges, some people only have three, and they have to make 52˚ to go 100 yards. There are different shots.

“That’s what you’re doing right with your big driver, you’re going to be producing to hit that shot on the fairway, which is great, but maybe you’re looking for something you can hit.

“You can still hit it down and it’s going about the same distance as a 3-wood. It spins enough. It is not a deep enough face when it is so far down that the ball does not lift.

“So you get a really good strike, just enough to get into the air. It is truly a 2-headed wood.

“Spin is a fraction higher, around that 3,000rpm mark. The speed of the ball is like 3 or 4 mph past the driver. I have a 13.5˚ head but there are also 11.5˚ heads.

“If you have 11.5˚ you can go a small driver, a small driver, that can make people talk. That would be great. I can do that one day.”

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