Equipment

WRX Spotted: TaylorMade “Original One” Mini Driver

Published

5 years ago

Mar 25, 2019

It’s been said before — what’s old is new again, and in the case of what just popped up on the USGA Conforming List, it appears the new “Original One” from TaylorMade could be 40 years in the making.

Although we have no official word from TaylorMade on any of the specifics of “Original One” yet, there sure are a lot of conclusions we could draw from the standard single black and white image that accompanies a new inclusion on the conforming list.

First off its clearly a Mini Driver (hopefully this proves I’m literate now). We’re not sure of the CCs of this club, but based off the previously released AeroBurner Mini, we would expect it to fall between the 255-300cc mark. Which on a side note is kinda funny because 300cc used to be considered an oversized club…
It’s adjustable: Unlike previous iterations of the “Mini,” this club will be fully adjustable. This means that it will have adjustability +/- two degrees from the standard lofts, currently listed as 11.5 and 13.5 degrees and on the USGA list; fantastic news for anyone concerned about fitting or shaft testing.
Original One (Pittsburgh Persimmon): Like I said off the top, this club is 40 years in the making because 2019 is TaylorMade Golf’s 40th Anniversary. The name is a throwback to its Original metal driver — the Pittsburgh Persimmon. (A TM spokesperson did confirm “This is a cool product to celebrate our 40th anniversary…more info to follow)
Technology aplenty: Just from the sole alone, we can clearly see that the “Original One” has hosel adjustability, a speed pocket, and a titanium crown. This is pure speculation but it will be interesting to see if it will also include TwistFace and the company’s new speed injected face.
Screws on the sole: To maximize mass properties, these screws could be holding a very heavy sole plate to the bottom of the club to move mass to the furthest reaches of the club’s shell. Again this is speculation, but taking a close look at the lines of the black and white photo (I’ve been staring at it for 10 minutes now), I have an inkling this might be the case.

This is not the first time TaylorMade has brought a mini driver to market. There was the SLDR Mini in 2014, and after that, there was the AeroBurner. Both clubs were great for both professional and recreational players alike to give another confidence inspiring option for off the tee — and for the truly brave souls with some speed to hit off the deck.

We will probably be seeing this on tour very soon as players fine-tune their setups for major season. In other words, we shouldn’t have to wait long to see our technological speculation confirmed (or refuted).

See what WRX Members are saying in the forums.

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Ryan Barath

Ryan Barath is a club-fitter & master club builder with more than 17 years of experience working with golfers of all skill levels, including PGA Tour players. He is the former Build Shop Manager & Social Media Coordinator for Modern Golf. He now works independently from his home shop and is a member of advisory panels to a select number of golf equipment manufacturers. You can find Ryan on Twitter and Instagram where he's always willing to chat golf, and share his passion for club building, course architecture and wedge grinding.

31 Comments

Brian Moyse

Apr 15, 2019 at 1:35 am

I had one of those SLDR’s but couldn’t get any benefit from it so changed to an older TM R7 and W/S Ti td5, love them both. Had a lot of time for TM and good to see Tiger using them.

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LoPro

Mar 28, 2019 at 2:00 am

From the looks of where the screws are placed, this one has “Speed Injected Anus” for a better pounding effect and at least 20 more “Crap” yards ????

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Bob Castelline

Mar 27, 2019 at 4:15 pm

I carried the original Pittsburgh Persimmon. Carried it for a long time (back in the days when you didn’t change drivers every year). I wish I still had my old Taylormade. Loved that stick. I happen to be a guy who hits his 3-wood more solidly and more consistently than his driver, so this club makes sense for me, if it feels right. Can’t wait to test it out (because after all, my current driver is now a year old, which means it’s sorely out of date).

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Mike Cleland

Mar 27, 2019 at 1:44 pm

Wonderful…get it out…

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HDTVMAN

Mar 27, 2019 at 1:25 pm

I had the Callaway Bertha Mini and really liked it. 3-Wood length shaft and easy to hit. Traded it when the Fusion was introduced. But the new drivers are so forgiving, I don’t see the reason for this club.

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J Mytro

Mar 27, 2019 at 1:22 pm

Loved the MINI DRIVER when it came out but switch back to Tmad driver and cut 2″ off the shaft for more control and distance.

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joro

Mar 27, 2019 at 1:14 pm

April Fools !!!!!!!!

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juststeve

Mar 26, 2019 at 11:21 am

I carried the original “Original One” back in the day. Used it as a three wood. Easy to hit off the turf and very long. First mewtl headed wood I ever owned.

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Richard Douglas

Mar 26, 2019 at 2:53 am

I’ve been gaming the SLDR Mini since its introduction. It’s the only wood I carry besides the driver–it’s 3-iron through LW from there. I love it and use it as my fairway insurance device.

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Ricky

Mar 25, 2019 at 6:33 pm

Reliable insider sources report that this club is specifically coming to market in advance of the Masters as Augusta National will announce that the maximum size of clubs for this years tournament will be 300ccs. It is rumored that the announcement from Augusta is coming on April 1st. Instead of rolling back the ball the club has reportedly decided to take a stand against increasing distance in the game through the size of drivers and not the “Masters Ball” as discussed by many talking heads last year. All other manufacturers are working on similar products for their staff players at the Masters.

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- Simms
  
  Mar 25, 2019 at 9:01 pm
  
  Now I have to say they are going to announce this April 1st?? that would be crazy, if they have equipment requirements they would let the pros know a lot more in advance then that…do you really think giving the player less then a month to get a new club and put it in play…if this was so how come no one was hitting one on the range or playing one in the last few tournaments…reliable insider sources from one of the most private golf clubs in the world..Yea I believe that..
  
  Reply Report comment
  - rockin1234
    
    Mar 25, 2019 at 9:30 pm
    
    Yes. April 1st.
    
    Reply Report comment
    - Fool
      
      Mar 25, 2019 at 10:01 pm
      
      Definitely April First.
      
      Reply Report comment
  - Tim Armington
    
    Mar 26, 2019 at 12:12 am
    
    Wow
    
    Reply Report comment
    - Tim Armington
      
      Mar 26, 2019 at 12:13 am
      
      Def April 1st from my source too
      
      Reply Report comment
  - B
    
    Mar 26, 2019 at 3:24 am
    
    Belee it Simms, belee it. lol
    
    Reply Report comment
  - Spalding
    
    Mar 26, 2019 at 6:43 am
    
    Yep April 1st here too in Australia.
    
    Reply Report comment
- Richard Douglas
  
  Mar 26, 2019 at 2:50 am
  
  Ahh, the ground-breaking April 1st announcement. Of course.
  
  Did you know the word “gullible” is not in the dictionary. Go ahead, look it up.
  
  Reply Report comment
Curt

Mar 25, 2019 at 5:28 pm

Time for them to be the size pros have to use. Maybe they’ll have to think a bit more about swinging as hard as possible.

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ND Hickman

Mar 25, 2019 at 5:14 pm

Now waiting on Callaway to re-release some form of Big Bertha Mini / Phrakenwood … which I will probably end up buying anyway.

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- Pack7483
  
  Mar 26, 2019 at 8:28 am
  
  If they would add jailbreak I will definitely buy.
  
  Reply Report comment
Shallowface

Mar 25, 2019 at 5:09 pm

Love it! I was around for the original “Original One.” Maybe 125cc. The club was 43 inches with a steel shaft, and with a Top Flite 300 yard carries were not out of the question. Then on long par 5s you could hit it again for the second shot as the face depth was around 1.25 inches and the loft was 12 degrees. I didn’t work for TaylorMade, but letting guys hit my club sure sold a lot of them for them.

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C

Mar 25, 2019 at 4:56 pm

Cool! Can’t wait! TM is the best! Beat the rest!

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- Jon
  
  Mar 30, 2019 at 7:51 am
  
  You have been brainwashed by TM’s marketing, get help.
  
  Reply Report comment
JP

Mar 25, 2019 at 4:33 pm

Too late. The mini driver craze has ended. They didn’t realize, we’re at the tail end of the driving iron craze. You get rich knowing what’s coming NEXT!

Reply Report comment
- Mike Rohmann
  
  Mar 25, 2019 at 5:05 pm
  
  I don’t necessarily agree. I have been gaming a 16 degree Slider mini driver for 4 years. It’s a superb club off the tee and is easy to get in the air from the turf. I have 1 that I game and another back up. I think that for many this club is a great alternative to any kind of driving iron. I have tried many and this is much easier for the regular play to use.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Alex
    
    Mar 25, 2019 at 8:20 pm
    
    Why do you play a 16 degree mini driver?
    
    Reply Report comment
    - B
      
      Mar 26, 2019 at 3:24 am
      
      He obviously has problems getting it up
      
      Reply Report comment
      - JP
        
        Mar 26, 2019 at 11:52 am
        
        Your reply just won the internet! Hahaha
        
        Reply Report comment
    - Benny
      
      Mar 26, 2019 at 8:41 am
      
      I play the same. 16* Mini as my 3w. Super easy off the tee and has great height while being able to shape it well. Off the deck I needed the 16* to get some loft.
      I had a 12* and 14* but the 16* was best for me as I am a low ball hitter. I have tried replacing it with a normal 3w but I have such issues with how the club sits and why I tend to game the Sldr Mini.
      
      Reply Report comment
      - Charles Haeger
        
        Mar 30, 2019 at 9:11 pm
        
        Then fix your swing
        
        Reply Report comment

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Equipment

A shocking Backstryke putter appearance + 7 interesting gear photos from the Zurich Classic

Published

57 mins ago

Apr 25, 2024

Andrew Tursky

Welcome to New Orleans, where TPC Louisiana plays host to the 2024 Zurich Classic. In between breakfast beignets and nightly Creole feasts, PGA Tour players are also competing in the unique two-man format at the Zurich this week.

Although the vibes in Nawlins are a bit lighter-fare than the recent back-to-back competitions the Masters and the RBC Heritage signature event), the gear news was no less serious this week.

We spotted some recent changes from Rory McIlroy, a very rare Odyssey Backstryke putter, dove into the bag of legendary New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, and spotted Patrick Cantlay continuing to test new equipment.

Get your beads out and crack your crawfish, because it’s time for an equipment rundown from The Big Easy (meaning New Orleans, of course, not Ernie Els).

See all of our photos from the Zurich Classic here

Rory’s on-and-off lob wedge

Since the end of 2023, Rory McIlroy has had an on-again, off-again relationship with a Titleist Vokey K-Grind lob wedge. In his last start, it was on, and the wedge is back in the bag again this week. We got a great look at the complicated grind that McIlroy uses.

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A full look into McIlroy’s bag above also shows that he switched out of the TaylorMade BRNR Mini Copper that he used at the RBC Heritage, and he’s back into the Qi10 core 3-wood. As we discussed last week, McIlroy will likely keep the BRNR around as a course-specific club, trading it in and out for the 3-wood.

See Rory McIlroy’s full 2024 WITB from the Zurich here

Turning Back the clock

Unless Tommy Gainey is in the field, it’s unlikely you’ll ever see Odyssey’s Backstryke technology make an appearance on the PGA Tour.

But then, when you least expect it, Russ Cochran shows up.

For more than a decade – since the 2013 Sony Open in Hawai’i – Cochran has been stuck on 599 PGA Tour starts. This week will be his 600th.

Cochran is in the field at the Zurich this week playing alongside Eric Cole, whose regular caddie is Reed Cochran, Russ’s son.

The Backstryke putter was first released back in 2010, and its unique design helps shift the axis point of the putter closer to the CG of the head. And, the putter is getting a nod this week at the Zurich Classic, thanks to Cochran’s 600th career PGA Tour start.

The putter is certainly awesome, but don’t forget to check out Cochran’s full WITB from this week.

Drew Brees with a Super Bowl winning Scotty Cameron putter

Drew Brees, a legendary retired quarterback for the hometown New Orleans Saints, made an appearance at the Zurich’s Wednesday Pro-Am, playing alongside Zach Johnson, Ryan Palmer, and current Saints QB Derek Carr.

Brees’ bag included a TaylorMade Stealth2 Plus driver, a BRNR Mini 13.5-degree, a Stealth 5-wood, a mixed set of P-790 and P-760 irons, Milled Grind Hi-Toe wedges, and a custom Scotty Cameron “New Orleans Saints” putter, which Scotty made for Brees following his Super Bowl MVP-winning performance in 2010.

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It should also be noted that Brees has his Venmo QR code as a bag tag.

If you’re gambling with Brees on the course, just know that not having cash won’t work as an excuse.

Brilliant.

See Drew Brees’ full WITB from the Zurich here

Stricker’s unrecognizable putter

Steve Stricker has made numerous upgrades to his bag recently, including a new TSR3 driver and T100 irons, but his longtime Odyssey White Hot No. 2 putter is still going strong. It’s the most recognizable unrecognizable putter ever.

Here’s a better look at Stricker’s flatstick, which he started using back in 2007.

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Patrick Cantlay has opened the equipment-switching floodgates

Over on the PGA Tour’s Equipment Report this week, we covered Cantlay’s recent switch into Ping Blueprint S irons, and a Titleist TSR2 driver.

Cantlay hadn’t switched irons for about seven years, so the iron switch he made at The 2024 Masters came as a shock to the norm. He simply isn’t one to change gear very often, so anytime Cantlay makes a switch, it’s news.

It seems the floodgates of equipment testing have opened up a bit for Cantlay, who was also spotted testing a custom Scotty Cameron blade putter on Tuesday this week. By Wednesday, Cantlay was back practicing with his familiar Scotty Cameron T5 Proto mallet, but it’s certainly something to keep an eye on going forward.

Daniel Berger’s custom Jailbird site lines

Berger, who’s currently using Odyssey’s Ai-One Mini Jailbird mallet putter, has a unique 3-dot, 2-line alignment on the crown of his navy-white-navy-white mallet putter. Looking down at the putter, it’s easy to see why this alignment system would help; it just seems impossible to set up to the ball off-center, or misaligned to the target.

Also, for anyone worried, you can rest easy. Yes, he’s still playing the 2013 TaylorMade TP MC irons, which we highlighted in our recent “Modern Classics: Old vs. New” video testing series.

FitzMagic teams back up

Brothers Matthew and Alex Fitzpatrick are teaming up once again at the Zurich this year, and Bettinardi Golf hooked them up with some festive “FitzMagic” headcovers to match this week.

See what else is in Alex Fitzpatrick’s WITB here

And, with that, we say goodbye to the Zurich Classic in New Orleans. Don’t forget to check out all of our photos from this week, including 30 unique photo galleries full of equipment photos.

We’ll see you next week in Texas for the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson!

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