Mizuno

What it does: The equipment rules state that if you cut a complete opening in the sole of a clubhead, it has to be filled with something. In most cases that slot is filled with a polymer that gives enough at impact to help the face flex more. For Mizuno, though, that wasn’t the best use of that space. The polymer – thermoplastic urethane in this case – is a start towards more distance, but a stainless-steel weight bar is also placed in the middle of that polymer. The weight helps lower the centre of gravity for less spin and a higher launch.

Why we like it: These fairway woods probably fit a better player’s eye, but they neatly hide the elements that allow them to play with the additional forgiveness average golfers need. Those include a lightweight carbon-composite crown that frees up mass for a rear weight screw and internal weight pad. Together, they increase stability on off-centre hits and produce a higher launch. Furthermore, the adjustable heads make it easier for the average golfer to play a higher-lofted 3-wood in case you need an even higher launch. A multiple-thickness face pattern is thinner than a quarter for maximum flexing and to help turn those mediocre hits into something like good ones.

Lofts 15, 18