Nothing offers more power off the tee than a properly fit, full-size driver.
So where does the new crop of “mini” drivers fit in? The two mini drivers and two fairway woods pictured here have plenty of face pop, but the mini (about half the size of today’s drivers) is larger and has a longer shaft than a typical 3-wood.
This increased forgiveness and clubhead speed make the mini a good option off the tee on shorter par 4s. One drawback, though, is that the mini’s larger size makes it harder to hit off the turf.
So if versatility is what you’re after, the mini might not be the play. Then again, if you have difficulty hitting your 3-wood off the ground, you should ditch it, too. Instead, add a mini driver and a higher-lofted fairway wood (16 to 17 degrees) to your bag. This gives you two options off the tee and a better chance for success from the fairway.
- Callaway – Big Bertha mini 1.5:
▶ Its driver-like qualities include an adjustable hosel and flexible face, but the smaller head (235 cubic centimetres) provides the control of a 3-wood.
2. TaylorMade AEROBURNER mini driver:
▶ It’s about 50 per cent larger than most 3-woods. A slot the width of the sole and a large face area provide distance and forgiveness.
3. Tour Edge Exotics cb pro f2:
▶ A light titanium face wraps around the crown and sole so it can flex more. The slimmer waves in the ribboned sole plate help this 3-wood glide through the turf.
4. Adams Blue:
▶ The sole slot helps the face flex, but this oversize 3-wood’s key is a thin diametre shaft that helps launch the ball high. Rear weighting boosts carry distance, too.
