Equipment
Nike releases Tiger Woods prototype driver
Have you always wanted to use the same driver as Tiger Woods? Now you can.
On June 1, Nike will release a limited-edition Vapor Speed driver designed to Woods’ preferences, which include a smaller head (420 cc) and a bonded hosel. The driver also has a slightly different Compression Channel that was developed based on feedback from Woods, Nike says, and has more subdued crown graphics than Nike’s other Vapor drivers.
For comparison, here’s a graphic of Nike’s original Vapor Speed driver:
See what GolfWRX members are saying about Tiger’s prototype driver in the forums.
Based on the photos, the only difference between Tiger’s actual driver and Nike’s limited-edition replica is the Volt-colored “TW” logo on the heel.
The limited-edition driver ($399) is offered with 10.5 degrees of loft and a Mitsubishi Rayon’s Diamana Blue 73-gram shaft — available in Stiff and X-Flex. It’s available on Nike’s website starting June 1, and will be sold through select retailers starting June 15.
Woods has been been playing the Vapor Speed prototype driver since the 2014 Hero World Challenge. According to Nike, Tiger likes more forgiving drivers, but prefers a pear-shaped head that allows him to shape the ball off the tee.
Related: Tiger Woods WITB 2015
The buried lead? Golfers now have two options if they wish play a compact, pear-shaped Nike driver inspired by the eye of Tiger Woods:
- The more forgiving Vapor Speed Prototype
- The lower-spinning, more adjustable Vapor Flex
See what GolfWRX members are saying about Tiger’s prototype driver in the forums.
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Equipment
Coolest thing for sale in the GolfWRX Classifieds (4/18/24): Ping PLD Limited Anser – 1988 Open Championship – #2 of only 88 Made
At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals that all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.
It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.
Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, there is a listing for a Ping PLD Limited Anser – 1988 Open Championship – #2 of only 88 Made.
From the seller: (@DLong72): “Ping PLD Limited Anser – 1988 Open Championship – #2 of only 88 Made. ?: $1150. ?? 100% milled collectors item from the limited releases commemorating when Ping putters won every major in 1988 (88 putters made). This was the model Seve Ballesteros used to win the 1988 Open Championship. Condition is brand new, never gamed, everything is in the original packaging as it came. Putter features the iconic sound slot.
Specs/ Additional Details
-100% Milled, Aluminum/Bronze Alloy (310g)
-Original Anser Design
-PING PP58 Grip
-Putter is built to standard specs.”
To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link: Ping PLD Limited Anser – 1988 Open Championship – #2 of only 88 Made
This is the most impressive current listing from the GolfWRX BST, and if you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum you can check them out here: GolfWRX BST Rules
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Equipment
Inside Collin Morikawa’s recent golf ball, driver, 3-wood, and “Proto” iron changes
As you probably know by now, Collin Morikawa switched putters after the first round of The Masters, and he ultimately went on to finish T3.
The putter was far from the only change he made last week, however, and his bag is continuing to change this week at the 2024 RBC Heritage.
On the range of The Masters, Morikawa worked closely with Adrian Reitveld, TaylorMade’s Senior Manager of Tour at TaylorMade, to find the perfect driver and 3-wood setups.
Morikawa started off 2024 by switching into TaylorMade’s Qi10 Max driver, but since went back to his faithful TaylorMade SIM – yes, the original SIM from 2020. Somehow, some way, it seems Morikawa always ends up back in that driver, which he used to win the 2020 PGA Championship, and the 2021 Open Championship.
At The Masters, however, Rietveld said the duo found the driver head that allowed “zero compromise” on Morikawa’s preferred fade flight and spin. To match his preferences, they landed on a TaylorMade Qi10 LS 9-degree head, and the lie angle is a touch flatter than his former SIM.
“It’s faster than his gamer, and I think what we found is it fits his desired shot shape, with zero compromise” Rietveld told GolfWRX.com on Wednesday at the RBC Heritage.
Then, to replace his former SIM rocket 3-wood, Morikawa decided to switch into the TaylorMade Qi10 core model 13.5-degree rocket head, with an adjustable hosel.
“He likes the spin characteristics of that head,” Rietveld said. “Now he’s interesting because with Collin, you can turn up at a tournament, and you look at his 3-wood, and he’s changed the setting. One day there’s more loft on it, one day there’s less loft on it. He’s that type of guy. He’s not scared to use the adjustability of the club.
“And I think he felt our titanium head didn’t spin as low as his original SIM. So we did some work with the other head, just because he liked the feel of it. It was a little high launching, so we fit him into something with less loft. It’s a naughty little piece of equipment.”
In addition to the driver and fairway wood changes, Morikawa also debuted his new “MySymbol” jersey No. 5 TP5x golf ball at The Masters. Morikawa’s choice of symbols is likely tied to his love of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team.
Not enough changes for you? There’s one more.
On Wednesday at the 2024 RBC Heritage, Morikawa was spotted with a new TaylorMade “Proto” 4-iron in the bag. If you recall, it’s the same model that Rory McIlroy debuted at the 2024 Valero Texas Open.
According to Morikawa, the new Proto 4-iron will replace his old P-770 hollow-bodied 4-iron.
“I used to hit my P-770 on a string, but sometimes the distance would be a little unpredictable,” Morikawa told GolfWRX.com. “This one launches a touch higher, and I feel I can predict the distance better. I know Rory replaced his P-760 with it. I’m liking it so far.”
See Morikawa’s full WITB from the 2024 RBC Heritage here.
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Equipment
Why Rory McIlroy will likely use the new TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver Copper at the RBC Heritage
Although we spotted Rory McIlroy testing the new TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver Copper last week during practice rounds at the Masters, he ultimately didn’t decide to use the club in competition.
It seems that will change this week at the 2024 RBC Heritage, played at the short-and-tight Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head.
When asked on Wednesday following his morning Pro-Am if he’d be using the new, nostalgic BRNR Copper this week, McIlroy said, “I think so.”
“I like it,” McIlroy told GolfWRX.com on Tuesday regarding the BRNR. “This would be a good week for it.”
View this post on Instagram
According to Adrian Rietveld, the Senior Manager of Tour at TaylorMade, the BRNR Mini Driver can help McIlroy position himself properly off the tee at the tight layout.
Here’s what Rietveld told GolfWRX.com on Wednesday:
“For someone like Rory, who’s that long at the top end of the bag, and then you put him on a course like Harbour Town, it’s tough off the tee. It’s tight into the greens, and you have to put yourself in position off the tee to have a shot into the green. It kind of reminds me of Valderrama in Spain, where you can be in the fairway and have no shot into the green.
“I’m caddying for Tommy [Fleetwood] this week, so I was walking the course last night and looking at a few things. There’s just such a small margin for error. You can be standing in the fairway at 300 yards and have a shot, but at 320 you don’t. So if you don’t hit a perfect shot, you could be stuck behind a tree. And then if you’re back at 280, it might be a really tough shot into the small greens.
“So for Rory [with the BRNR], it’s a nice course-specific golf club for him. He’s got both shots with it; he can move it right-to-left or left-to-right. And the main thing about this club has been the accuracy and the dispersion with it. I mean, it’s been amazing for Tommy.
“This was the first event Tommy used a BRNR last year, and I remember talking to him about it, and he said he couldn’t wait to play it at Augusta next year. And he just never took it out of the bag because he’s so comfortable with it, and hitting it off the deck.
“So you look at Rory, and you want to have the tools working to your advantage out here, and the driver could hand-cuff him a bit with all of the shots you’d have to manufacture.”
So, although McIlroy might not be making a permanent switch into the new TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver Copper, he’s likely to switch into it this week.
His version is lofted at 13.5 degrees, and equipped with a Fujikura Ventus Black 7X shaft.
See more photos of Rory testing the BRNR Mini here
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shelb
Jun 9, 2015 at 9:34 pm
Lay off the guy!
If I recall…
Fowler MC
Day MC
Schwartzel MC
Every (tour winner this year) MC
Gary Woodland MC
Ernie Els MC
Tommy Fleetwood MC
He had a brutal 3rd round…so what?
The driver looks awesome
gvogel
Jun 7, 2015 at 10:54 am
85.
Pat M
Jun 5, 2015 at 9:58 am
If I buy this – will I slice it into the trees, snap hook it or block it like Tiger? The dude could not make it on the web.com tour the way he is playing.
Shakers97
May 29, 2015 at 3:59 pm
When they say he likes to shape shots I assume they mean a snap hook into the crowd?
TW
May 29, 2015 at 10:56 am
Never have and never will be a Tiger fan but I love this idea. There is a small demand for sub 460cc drivers. If Nike missed anything here I think they should’ve continued to use the adjustable hosel because most amateurs still need the options. People are trashing the club cause it has Tigers specs. well on the day that one of the critics on this board has a driver designed and produced for retail then they can joke about missed fairways. Ill even go as far to say there isn’t a single person on here including me that would hit more fairways than Woods on tour set-up. I don’t like the guy but this club is a nice change from big 445-460cc drivers.
christian
May 29, 2015 at 10:01 am
I actually like the look of this driver. Nice pear shape, clean crown. Quality shaft too. What’s not to like?
Js
May 31, 2015 at 10:06 am
There’s no adjustability and the price is about $50 too much, but other than that I don’t see an issue either.
Billy__Baroo
May 29, 2015 at 1:24 am
Geez…I was definitely anticipating some poorly crafted jokes about Tiger missing fairways and what not, but you people have really outdone yourselves. Regardless, I think it’s a great looking driver shape wise, and now without the ugly swoosh on the crown I would love to give it a swing!
Mark
May 28, 2015 at 6:51 pm
The club will be bought by gear heads with a collecting fettish or those with too much spare cash and too little sense.
After ( is it? ) 15+ years, Nike has still to be accepted as a serious club manufacturer, failing in its objective, by a huge margin, to dominate in our sport as had been the result of their more successful plans for soccer and athletics.
Now where can one find ‘serious clubs for serious golfers?’
christian
May 29, 2015 at 9:49 am
Too much spare cash? This club costs 400 dollars. It’s positively cheap for a special edition/limited club. There are MANY drivers that cost a LOT more. I actually like the look of this club, and the spec seems pretty suitable for me too. Are you commenting on GolfWRX of all places about a 400 dollar driver being expensive? Wrooooong place
J.R.
May 28, 2015 at 9:58 am
So who’s gonna buy the Tiger Bang! Stick?
Hits 50% of fairways and has a 2-way miss… Also has a disclaimer “May cause First Tee Jitters. Some side effects may include blurting out obscenities. In some cases players recovery abilities have skyrocketed. Use at your own risk.”
https://vid.me/e/ZaNP
Mike honcho
May 28, 2015 at 8:49 am
Hey mhendon do you have to comment on everyone else’s business on this website
MHendon
May 28, 2015 at 5:56 pm
Nope
Mike honcho
May 29, 2015 at 10:21 pm
???????????????????????????? that’s a pretty good comeback
Mike honcho
May 29, 2015 at 10:25 pm
That was supposed to b the laughing emoji
MHendon
May 31, 2015 at 12:46 am
Yeah well I was going to go with the response you probably expected. Like this is a public forum and if these people didn’t want their business responded to then they should keep it to themselves. That I’m only exercising my 1st amendment rights by offering my opinions to what they had said by hitting that little reply button at the bottom of each comment. And if you don’t want me responding to something you commented on then don’t say anything stupid because I usually only make sarcastic responses to ignorant statements. But then again I decided no I’ll just go with Nope! How’s that is that better? 😉
Truth
Jun 1, 2015 at 8:09 pm
You seem to be the person in real life that everyone hates but you dont know it cuz you never shut up and if you do no one ever says anything cuz they know if they say anything even just yeah youll just talk for another hour. You seem to do a lot of talking at and not talking to people. At least youll never really know everyone dislikes you and you can continue to think you have a lot of friends.
MHendon
Jun 3, 2015 at 12:35 am
lol awe that was mean!
Leslie Chow
Jun 3, 2015 at 12:44 pm
Mean but True.
MHendon
Jun 5, 2015 at 10:05 pm
Hey my old buddy Leslie. How’s it going Bro? We need to get together some time and play a round. I’m always looking for another chumps money to take! lol
MLH
May 28, 2015 at 7:03 am
I meant to say TW equipment being made available.
MLH
May 28, 2015 at 7:01 am
The Nike Vapor Pro is a great driver. Hit my longest drive this year which was 283 (270 carry and…in the garden of the hole) and for a guy in his mid 40’s…I can play that anywhere. So enough with the Nike equipment isn’t quality…that’s 100% pure rubbish considering the raw materials are the same company to company. As for TW, he’s always had difficulty off the tee. Ah, he has 79 wins and 14 majors (so before pointing the finger I have a question for you. How many do you have?). Finally, in regard to TW being made available to the public, wonderful. It can only benefit the game, which seriously is in need of financial support so kudos to TW for helping grow the sport.
Matt
May 28, 2015 at 2:23 am
Only 10.5
We want the Tiger 8.5
christian
May 29, 2015 at 9:51 am
From what I understand his actual loft IS 10-10.5 degrees..His head has been bent open, the 8.5 on the head is not the actual loft. This has been cleared up many times over.
JuNiOR
May 28, 2015 at 1:51 am
Does anyone else see similarity’s to his old 970 Titleist 3 wood from the top?
Pat M
May 27, 2015 at 10:40 pm
Tiger barely is making the cut at tournaments. Maybe they should launch a club from Rory instead of a now journeyman golfer.
John Krug
May 28, 2015 at 12:21 pm
Rory just shot 80, again!
Steve
May 28, 2015 at 3:54 pm
They did, I think this is a response to the Rory limited edition putter they sold awhile back.
KenN
May 27, 2015 at 9:34 pm
I can’t blame Tiger for trying everything he can, including forging some new equipment. If it works for him, it’ll be the hottest club in the market. If he continues to miss cuts or finish in the bottom half of the weekenders, he’ll inevitably be seen as an aging, injury-plagued star whose best days are behind him and will never reach the heights of a decade ago. Oh. I mean he’ll still be seen that way.
How many of us have told ourselves that if we just had a new driver, our games would take off? Granted, none of us are not Tiger Woods, but nobody points to one club in the bag and credits it for making their career for them.
MHendon
May 27, 2015 at 2:21 pm
I Think it’s a great looking driver from every angle and could care less who’s name is attached to it. Only thing is, no way am I spending $400 on a club I can’t demo first and make sure it’s a good fit for me.
cdvilla
May 27, 2015 at 12:55 pm
Essentially they’ve made him a flat 3-wood. Probably not a bad idea. He can just keep hitting down on it and probably chase it out there around 300. I really like the TM Aeroburner Minidriver and this is just that with a little less loft. This club would kill your game if you’re a handicap golfer.
MHendon
May 27, 2015 at 2:12 pm
It’s 420cc not only is that bigger than the TM Aeroburner it’s way bigger than any 3 wood. Some of the stupid comments people make on here!
BigC
May 27, 2015 at 10:45 am
Rory’s; MAYBE………Tiger’s; NOT!!
Mr.Smith
May 27, 2015 at 10:11 am
Tiger is a joke! How dumb making a driver with specs off a players club who couldn’t win a nationwide tour event. Give the tard a 975D with a steel shaft and he may find a fairway!
Paul
May 27, 2015 at 9:58 am
Why would anyone want Tiger’s driver? He can’t hit it for toffee to so how can we?
And, a 420cc head? Tiger, seriously, you need to go bigger. Maybe then you’ll be able to hit it!
MHendon
May 27, 2015 at 2:26 pm
Yeah for sure, god know’s those additional 40cc make all the difference between hitting a fairway and not. lol
JillC
May 27, 2015 at 9:57 am
Actually, it has a built-in block to the right free of charge! Also included in the price is a paint job that won’t chip when significant others smash cars with it.
Tony
May 27, 2015 at 10:08 am
I’ve always been surprised that Tiger has access to Nike r&cd and somehow they can’t make him a super straight driver… Maybe this is it? Or will he abandoned it like he did his new shoe line for 2015!!!
Bill
May 27, 2015 at 3:54 pm
Do you really think that R&D can make a driver he can hit straight? If the club face isn’t square at impact it’s going to miss the fairway. It’s not the club
MHendon
May 27, 2015 at 5:26 pm
Wait just one minute there Bill… are you suggesting its the Indian and not the arrow? Hmmmm
SCAR
May 27, 2015 at 9:52 am
GET IN THE HOLE !!!!
The big one full of sand.
Only joking, ya gotta love Tiger….
especially if you’re a waitress.
He’s been great for the game….
There’s way more new Golf jokes.
Chad
May 27, 2015 at 9:48 am
So this driver is considered to be more forgiving then the Flex? How? I have the flex and absolutely love it. Both appear to be very similar in size and shape. So how exactly is this driver more forgiving than the Flex?
Bar
May 27, 2015 at 9:43 am
Why dont they bring out a Nike version of the 975d .
MHendon
May 27, 2015 at 2:15 pm
So you want them to come out with an even smaller headed driver. People are already acting like 420cc isn’t forgiving enough on hear.
Regis
May 27, 2015 at 9:35 am
I personally would be equally served by getting a Jack Nicklaus commemorative Mac Gregor driver with a persimmon head and steel shaft. I guarantee it wouldn’t fit my swing any worse than the Nike and it would grab more attention when on the tee.
Steve
May 27, 2015 at 9:03 am
Maybe five years to late? Lets sell the Tigers driver, the one he has never won with and has taken him to 156 in OGWR.
Jonny B
May 27, 2015 at 8:04 am
Is the snap hook included with purchase or is that extra?
Jeff
May 27, 2015 at 1:19 am
It’s still a pretty sweet driver. Everyone wants the one Rory hit in the majors last year. I think it’s sweet, Vapors in general are great clubs.
MHendon
May 27, 2015 at 2:36 pm
Vapors, R15’s, 915’s, G30’s, Biocells, Alpha etc. are all great clubs. It just come’s down to what suits the individual. It’s comical how so many people have loyalties to certain brands just because their favorite player uses that equipment. But all these jokers prove to companies like Taylor made, Callaway, and Nike specifically that the marketing dollars are worth it.
MRC
May 27, 2015 at 12:46 am
Why would anyone want a TW driver? I drive it bad enough….
BOB
May 26, 2015 at 10:01 pm
Knowing Nike, it’s not a real replica.
Matt
May 28, 2015 at 2:27 am
lol
You said it.
JR
May 26, 2015 at 9:51 pm
As soon as I saw this story, I knew what the comments would be. Thanks for not disappointing.
Gorden
May 26, 2015 at 8:06 pm
Got to wonder why you would spend money pushing a driver that has not proved a valuable tool for one of the best players in history? It reminds me of Wilson ending John Daly’s contract and killing it’s golf program for years, Nike has made a big mistake here. I am still waiting for Woods to put a steel shaft back in a 43 inch driver and take over the fairways again.
Mike
May 26, 2015 at 6:41 pm
Does it cheat on its girlfriend too?
Mike Gomez
May 26, 2015 at 8:51 pm
no, drivers don’t have girlfriends.
Adam
May 27, 2015 at 11:17 am
that’s racist
Bill
May 27, 2015 at 3:55 pm
Did he hit on your wife or something? Let it go dude and get on with your life.
Cyd
May 27, 2015 at 7:50 pm
Strike a nerve?
Greg
May 26, 2015 at 5:48 pm
the top view looks exactly like the top of my Ignite 410 driver!
Jeez Utz
May 26, 2015 at 5:30 pm
So if I buy this driver does that mean that I’ll never hit another fairway
joon
May 26, 2015 at 5:37 pm
hahahaha
AZ Golfman
May 26, 2015 at 7:05 pm
wow, how quickly you forget his 14 majors and 79 wins.
Michael
May 26, 2015 at 7:15 pm
no not forgotten, he is one of the best ever def best to ever watch but until he starts driving the ball well i would go on advertising a drivers with a selling point that this is tigers. the alst 2 years he is amatuer like when it comes to driving the ball. i hope he figures it out cuase off the tee is whats killing his game.
Regis
May 27, 2015 at 9:39 am
Problem with that is that Tiger was playing Titleist at that time. Not sure the marketing department at Nike would sign off on it.
MHendon
May 27, 2015 at 2:18 pm
No but your swing will.