Nostalgia is a sweet elixir for golf equipment junkies, and TaylorMade is leaning in even further to this phenomenon with its latest release.

The 2023 installment of TaylorMade’s Mini Driver’s franchise — which, in recent years, has included the nostalgic nods of the Original One and 300 Mini Drivers — is the 304cc BRNR Mini Driver.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by GolfWRX (@golfwrx)

Golfers of a certain age remember well the Ti Bubble 2 driver of the mid-90s and Mark O’Meara gaming one en route to his 1998 Masters win — if you’re too young to know what a “Bubble shaft” looks like, learn your history (in short, the bulging/bubble section beyond the bottom of the grip moved weight toward the middle of the shaft for increased stability. The shaft was also significantly lighter than what was on the market at the time).

A look at the Ti Bubble 2 driver, below.

From an appearance standpoint, the throwback elements first: the BRNR Mini Driver features the copper and black tones of the Ti Bubble 2 as well as the mid-’90s TaylorMade logo. Even the UST ProForce 65 shaft is black and copper in a nod to the original Burner Bubble.

Oh, and the headcover is retro!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by GolfWRX (@golfwrx)

“BRNR has been very popular in testing with tour players, especially at the first major of the year as a potential fairway finder on demanding tee shots and on approach shots on par fives. Players are always looking for a club that can be versatile and reliable off the tee and BRNR checks both of those boxes. Being able to adjust the weights to match the ball flight the player is looking for allows this club to be something that provides distance and shot shaping ability that can be crucial at narrower courses.” — Keith Sbarbaro, Vice President, Tour Operations

2023 TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver: Key technology

Ti Bubble 2-inspired K-sole for smooth turf interaction and “driver off the deck” possibilities.

A 13-gram weight in the back of the club and a 1.5-gram weight in the front can be adjusted to fine-tune launch and spin. Placing the heavier weight forward reduces spin by approximately 200 RPMs, according to the company.

Why play a mini driver?

In general, TaylorMade finds two types of golfers gravitate toward a mini driver. In the first case, it’s an addition to a standard driver: Players looking for a “fairway finder” driver without giving up too much distance that can also be hit off the deck. Second, TaylorMade recommends giving a mini a go to golfers who struggle to hit 460 cc drivers, particularly choppers. It’s a better alternative than a 3-wood off the tee.

Pricing, specs, and availability

• At retail: April 21
• Price: $449.99 USD
• Lofts: 11.5, 13.5 degrees
• Stock shaft: The UST Mamiya ProForce 65 Retro Burner Edition 65 (X,S,R)
• Stock grip: SuperStroke S-Tech 50g (black/copper)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by GolfWRX (@golfwrx)