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cold, I never let my bag spend a night in the boot of a car, even though from a materials-science perspective, our equipment editors Mike Stachura and Michael Johnson assure me this is neu- rotically overprotective. If you can re- late, you’ve come to the right place. In this 21st edition of the Hot List, we’ve made key strides to help you home in on the special clubs that are right for you. In addition to doubling our number of testers to better represent the golf- ing population and render our data more robust, we’re introducing what we call “the vectors.” These are relative measurements such as high versus low launch, hard versus soft feel, loud ver- sus quiet sound and so forth for each club category. Recognising that golfers have personal preferences that aren’t strictly tied to universal performance, we’re optimistic these vectors will pro- vide a useful new layer to winnow your search. I won’t bore you with what I’m search- ing for. You’ve got real reading to do. Once you get your set dialled, you won’t want to settle for rental clubs, either. – MAX ADLER
ROLL YOUR OWN The Hot List is your guide to the right clubs. You’ll never settle for rentals again
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I hate rental clubs. If even one round of golf is in the offing, I’ll accept the brunt of airport baggage claim on both ends. That guy stuffing clubs in the cramped overhead of a train? That’s me. Jangling through a narrow subway turnstile, straddling them shotgun in a taxi, travel case wheels thumping up and down a parking garage stair- case in aching tow? Yes, yes and yes. Once, while flying to visit the in-laws for Christmas, I turned heads – mostly looks of disapproval, though I sensed a few compadres in line – as the young fa- ther checking multiple child car seats and a Club Glove. (Her dad is a golfer.) This deep attachment to playing golf with only my set is paradoxical consid- ering I get the opportunity to hit the best new clubs side by side annually and so possess intimate renewed ex- perience of how difficult it is to tell any darn difference. Basically, all modern
equipment is good. Figuring out what’s really good, which clubs will make the difference in those important future moments, the do-or-die when you’re all-square through 17 with a weird hanging lie to a downhill pin, is hard. What our 32 Hot List player testers do, systematically working through each club category from sunup to sundown across eight days to judiciously identify and grade the subtleties, is a remark- able feat. I wouldn’t be cut out for it. Though the physical effort is awesome, I think I’d fear more the mental strain. Same as you, dear reader, I simply wait and benefit from their collective labour. After we publish each Hot List, I always upgrade part of my setup. Like Theseus replacing the boards on his ship as he forever sails, my set is always distinctly mine even if no individual club endures. And I love my set. When it gets
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3 GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA
HOTLIST 2024
THE PROCESS Research with our scientists and testing with players like you
The Hot List is a massive effort by the Golf Digest editorial team, but the voting is fuelled by the contributions of two groups who aren’t getting paid. Our team of scientists advises the judges on what technologies show the most promise, and our panel of 32 golfers lets us know which clubs are working and how. Together, they make up the foundation for our three criteria: Performance, Innovation, Look/Sound/Feel. Player testing was conducted at the Reunion Resort in Florida during three weeks in late 2023 with five clubfitters on-site.
INNOVATION 30%
In consultation with our tech- nical panel and based on our interviews with company R&D teams and our review of com- pany technical documents, this grade reflects how a particular technology advances the cat- egory in all aspects, to what degree the commitment to fit- ting the vast majority of golfers is executed, and how that tech- nology is explained to the pub- lic and to our editors. In short, the best clubs in Innovation are changing what’s possible in their respective categories. LOOK• SOUND• FEEL 20% Using input from the panel- lists, our judges evaluate the relative excellence of the visual, auditory and tactile ex- perience of using a particular club. The more the club reso- nates with our understanding of what a golf club should be, the higher the grade it re- ceives. In short, this is a grade of what the player experiences when viewing, holding and swinging the golf club. ALL JUDGING IS BASED ON A 100-POINT SCALE FOR EACH CRITERION UNDER EACH CLUB CATEGORY. GOLD Products earned a score of 93 to 100 . SILVER Products earned a score of 88 to 92.99 .
MLM2Pro launch monitors are used at every hitting station, and this year more than 24 000 shots were recorded. Fitters work with players so that they are evaluating clubs that are a match for their swing speci- fications. (For example, an individual player most likely will hit only the driver model within a driver family that is ideal for his or her game.)
Also, our low-handicap players do not evaluate super-game- improvement irons, just as our high-handicap players do not evaluate players irons. This year we expanded the Hot List to include more model reviews for the driver, fairway-wood and hybrid categories. All drivers are tested for confor- mance before player evalua- tion begins.
PERFORMANCE 50% Based on interviews with our player panellists and their evaluations of the clubs within a category, the judges assess the utility of each product. In other words, this is a grade of what happens to the ball when a player hits it. Rapsodo
RORY McILROY TIGER WOODS NELLY KORDA SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER
97-100 ★★★★★ 88-96 ★★★★ 70-87 ★★★ 51-69 ★★ ≤ 50 ★
© 2024 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.
5 GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA
HOTLIST 2024
DRIVERS
Nothing in golf changes your attitude more than an obliterated tee shot. Golfers walk taller and strut better when they’ve outdriven members of their fourball. Luckily, no single piece of golf equipment continues to evolve as much as the driver. Improvements in design, mass properties, manufacturing and materials have led to an era of personalisation in which finding the right driver is easier than ever.Looking for a boost to your self-esteem? Try one of these monsters we have selected for this year’s Hot List. Chest puff not included.
CALLAWAY
OVERALL RATING ★★★★★ PERFORMANCE ★★★★★ INNOVATION ★★★★★ LOOK • SOUND • FEEL ★★★★★
PARADYM Ai SMOKE MAX D R13 000
• Made for medium swing speeds with inconsistent contact and a tendency to slice. • Fixed rear weight lowers the centre of gravity for the highest launch in the family. • Largest shape and face area of the four models. • 9, 10.5, 12 degrees (with an eight-way adjustable hosel)
Paradym Ai Smoke
GOLD
TOP 5 MOST FORGIVING, DRIVERS, HIGH-HANDICAPS
WHY WE LIKE IT For Callaway, making a driver face more flexible is not enough. It must be flexible in specific ways. Starting with the detailed data behind 250 000 swings, Callaway’s team and its artificial-intelligence platform worked backwards from where those shots ended up to find four kinds of drivers (and four kinds of faces) to fit four kinds of golfers. Aided by a body made nearly entirely of weight-saving carbon composite, the intricately varying dips and swirls on the face create pinpointed “micro-deflections” at impact to enhance everything from off-centre ball speed to spin and dispersion.
SENSORY
PLAYABILITY
Quieter
Louder
Workable
Forgiving
BALL FLIGHT
Lower
Higher
PARADYM Ai SMOKE MAX FAST R13 000 • Targets moderate-swing-speed golfers with an ultralight grip and shaft. • The built-in draw bias helps to mitigate a slice and square the face at impact. • It has the largest face area in the Ai Smoke driver family. • 10.5, 12 degrees (fixed hosel)
TOP 3 LIGHTEST DRIVERS
SENSORY
PLAYABILITY
PARADYM Ai SMOKE MAX R13 000
Quieter
Louder
Workable
Forgiving
BALL FLIGHT
• Carbon composite in the crown and sole saves more than six grams. • The face-thickness pattern is optimised to maximise off-centre hits. • A 10-gram sliding weight lets golfers dial in ball flight. • 9, 10.5, 12 degrees (with an eight-way adjustable hosel)
Lower
Higher
PARADYM Ai SMOKE ♦♦♦ R13 000
‘Has a muted thump with a rising trajectory and narrow dispersion. Ball speed is consistent across the face. Adjustability helps eliminate a two-way miss.’ – 13-HANDICAP
• The most compact of the four drivers is the lowest spinning as well. • Interchangeable front and rear weights allow for tweaks to lower ball flight and spin.
TOP 5 HIGHEST LAUNCHING, DRIVERS, SLOWER SWING SPEEDS
• Targets swing speeds of 168 kilometres per hour or higher. • 8, 9, 10.5 degrees (with an eight-way adjustable hosel)
SENSORY
Quieter
Louder
TOP 5 BEST-LOOKING, DRIVERS, LOW-HANDICAPS
PLAYABILITY
SENSORY
PLAYABILITY
Workable
Forgiving
Quieter
Louder
Workable
Forgiving
BALL FLIGHT
BALL FLIGHT
Lower
Higher
Lower
Higher
11 GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA
12
HOTLIST 2024
CLEVELAND
OVERALL RATING ★★★★ ½ PERFORMANCE ★★★★ ½ INNOVATION ★★★★ ½ LOOK • SOUND • FEEL ★★★★
Launcher XL 2
GOLD
WHY WE LIKE IT In recent years, Cleveland drivers have focused on ways to make average golfers less average. This year’s models borrow some of the ideas from affiliated brand Srixon and its better-player focused designs. Cleveland then added the results of millions of computer simulations to find the right kind of flex in the face and the ideal weighting to help those who work for a living find more distance and fairways. Among the ideas are alternating flexible and rigid zones in the face, crown and sole to create more ball speed and a variable-thickness-face pattern that emphasises forgiveness.
LAUNCHER XL 2 R8 000
• The large head size and face area emphasise forgiveness. • The variable-thickness face pattern saves weight that can be used to improve stability and is designed to boost distance on mis-hits. • Loft is adjustable between 9 and 12 degrees.
TOP 5 LARGEST, DRIVERS, FRONT TO BACK
SENSORY
PLAYABILITY
Quieter
Louder
Workable
Forgiving
BALL FLIGHT
Lower
Higher
‘Springy feel with an aluminium-bat sound. I can make aggres- sive swings without fear of missing the fairway.’ – 9-HANDICAP
LAUNCHER XL 2 DRAW R8 000
• Internal heel-biased weighting helps slicers find more fairways. • Alternating flexible and rigid sections in the perimeter offer a ball-speed boost. • An eight-gram weight in the butt end of the grip enhances control in the downswing. • Loft is adjustable between 9 and 12 degrees.
TOP 5 MOST FORGIVING, DRIVERS, ALL HANDICAP GROUPS
SENSORY
PLAYABILITY
Quieter
Louder
Workable
Forgiving
BALL FLIGHT
Lower
Higher
13 GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA
14
HOTLIST 2024
COBRA Darkspeed
OVERALL RATING ★★★★★ PERFORMANCE ★★★★★ INNOVATION ★★★★★ LOOK • SOUND • FEEL ★★★★★
GOLD
‘The matte black makes it look like a cool new weapon in your arsenal. My worst swings are long and forgiving. Not losing much distance on mishits is a game changer.’ – 11-HANDICAP
WHY WE LIKE IT Speed comes in many and varied forms in the latest crop of Cobra drivers. These models selectively enhance swing speed through aerodynamic tweaks. Those streamlining effects are designed to work most effectively for those who generate the most clubhead speed. Ball speed gets a collective boost through a new variable-thickness- face design that optimises 15 regions across the face. Finally, ball speed is protected through a wraparound L-shaped face, weight-saving carbon composite and model-specific internal weighting to optimise distance and forgiveness for three distinct player types.
DARKSPEED LS R11 000 • The sleek shape enhances speed for the fastest swingers. • Two forward sole weights and one in the rear balance forgiveness and spin. • It features the built-in neutral-to-fade bias better players prefer. • 8, 9, 10.5 degrees (with an eight-way adjustable hosel)
TOP 5 BEST LOOKING, DRIVERS, LOW-HANDICAPS
SENSORY
PLAYABILITY
Quieter
Louder
Workable
Forgiving
• Carbon composite in the crown and sole results in low spin with forgiveness. • Neutral shaping and large face should appeal to the widest segment of golfers. • Golfers can tweak launch and spin through adjustable weights in front and rear. • 9, 10.5, 12 degrees (with an eight-way adjustable hosel) DARKSPEED X R11 000
BALL FLIGHT
Lower
Higher
DARKSPEED MAX R11 000
• Targets players who need help with higher launch and slice forgiveness. • Carbon-composite panels make room for switchable heel and back weights. • Internal weighting makes the face easier to close and launch shots higher. • 9, 10.5, 12 degrees (with an eight-way adjustable hosel)
‘A very workable yet forgiving driver that produces a high ball flight and good dispersion. Shots are lower spinning but don’t lose distance. Easy to launch.’’ – 6-HANDICAP
TOP 10 QUIETEST DRIVERS, MODERATE SWING SPEEDS
SENSORY
TOP 5 BEST LOOKING, DRIVERS, HIGH-HANDICAPS
Quieter
Louder
PLAYABILITY
SENSORY
PLAYABILITY
Workable
Forgiving
Quieter
Louder
Workable
Forgiving
BALL FLIGHT
BALL FLIGHT
Lower
Higher
Lower
Higher
15 GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA
16
HOTLIST 2024
MIZUNO
OVERALL RATING ★★★★ ½ PERFORMANCE ★★★★ ½ INNOVATION ★★★★ ½ LOOK • SOUND • FEEL ★★★★ ½
ST-X 230 R9 000
• A channel cut in the front part of the sole helps the face flex. • The carbon-composite crown frees mass for a 14-gram weight in the heel of the sole. • The centre of gravity is closer to the shaft. This makes the head easier to manipulate. • 9.5, 10.5, 12 degrees (with an eight-way adjustable hosel)
ST
GOLD
TOP 5 QUIETEST, DRIVERS, SLOWER SWING SPEEDS
WHY WE LIKE IT Plenty of drivers have tried to balance front and rear weighting to pair low spin with forgiveness. These Mizuno drivers add a third element: ball speed. A channel cut into the front of the sole improves flexing of the face for more distance. However, inside the channel’s polymer filling is a steel weight bar to help lower the centre of gravity. A carbon- composite crown piece that wraps around the upper toe saves weight that is used to create four distinct models. These range from one with movable weights to one ultra-oversized version with extreme forgiveness.
SENSORY
PLAYABILITY
Quieter
Louder
Workable
Forgiving
BALL FLIGHT
Lower
Higher
ST-MAX 230 R9 000
• The largest frame in the Mizuno driver family exudes stability on off-centre hits. • The sole channel creates more flexing in the face on extreme misses. • Mass saved from the carbon-composite crown and sole is pushed to the perimeter. • 9.5, 10.5, 12 degrees
TOP 5 HIGHEST LAUNCHING, DRIVERS, SLOWER SWING SPEEDS
SENSORY
PLAYABILITY
Quieter
Louder
Workable
Forgiving
• The compact, pear-shaped head (440 cubic centimetres) has a deep face. • The crown wraps around the upper toe to help balance the draw/fade bias. • A new beta-rich titanium alloy in the face is lighter and stronger for better ball speed. • 9.5, 10.5 degrees (with an eight-way adjustable hosel) ST-G R10 000
BALL FLIGHT
Lower
Higher
ST-Z 230 R9 000 • A low centre of gravity reduces spin, and a centred rear weight adds stability. • The deep centre of gravity also yields a higher launch. • The titanium-alloy face and polymer-filled sole channel maximise distance. • 9.5, 10.5 degrees (with an eight-way adjustable hosel)
TOP 5 BEST LOOKING, DRIVERS, LOW-HANDICAPS
‘The glossy crown draws my eye in. It’s very workable and responsive with just enough forgive- ness that my looser swings stay in play.’ – 13-HANDICAP
SENSORY
TOP 10 QUIETEST, DRIVERS, MODERATE SWING SPEEDS
Quieter
Louder
SENSORY
PLAYABILITY
PLAYABILITY
Quieter
Louder
Workable
Forgiving
Workable
Forgiving
BALL FLIGHT
BALL FLIGHT
Lower
Higher
Lower
Higher
17 GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA
18
HOTLIST 2024
OVERALL RATING ★★★★★ PERFORMANCE ★★★★★ INNOVATION ★★★★ ½ LOOK • SOUND • FEEL ★★★★★
PING G430
G430 MAX R12 500
• Offers draw-fade adjustability with a 25-gram perimeter weight in three settings. • A thin T9S+ titanium alloy in the face promotes better energy transfer. • More of a neutral ball flight in the standard setting compared to the other models. • 9, 10.5, 12 degrees (with an eight-way adjustable hosel)
GOLD
TOP 5 BEST RATED, DRIVERS, MIDDLE-HANDICAPS
WHY WE LIKE IT Ping always has brought off-centre-hit stability to its driver designs. Like old school power forwards, each of the G430 drivers occupies space and swats away mis- hits before they get started. Tungsten weighting in the rear perimeter fuels that stability, but don’t overlook the face as a source of original power. Its special titanium alloy is selectively thinner than past models, but the structure around it and its overall size now allow it to transfer more energy to the ball for better all-around distance.
SENSORY
PLAYABILITY
Quieter
Louder
Workable
Forgiving
BALL FLIGHT
Lower
Higher
G430 SFT R12 500
• Two adjustable-weight positions to the heel side help minimise a slice. • A thin variable-thickness face provides more potential ball speed and distance. • Available in a 15-percent lighter HL build for moderate-swing-speed players. • 10.5 degrees (with an eight-way adjustable hosel)
TOP 5 MOST FORGIVING, DRIVERS, ALL HANDICAP GROUPS
SENSORY
PLAYABILITY
Quieter
Louder
Workable
Forgiving
• The at-the-limit size makes for the company’s most stable head. • A fixed 28-gram rear weight boosts stability. G430 MAX 10K R13 000
BALL FLIGHT
Higher
Lower
• This driver’s forgiveness is a boon for aggressive swingers. • 9, 10.5, 12 degrees (with an eight-way adjustable hosel)
G430 LST R13 000
• Its relatively compact shape targets better players seeking low launch and spin. • A 22-gram tungsten weight has three positions for tweaking a draw or fade. • The carbon-composite wrap in the back half of the crown helps lower spin. • 9, 10.5 degrees (with an eight-way adjustable hosel)
‘The turbulators have an aviation flair and make an effective alignment aid. Well-struck shots give me optimal spin and a high flight that doesn’t
TOP 5 MOST FORGIVING, DRIVERS, HIGH-HANDICAPS
SENSORY
Quieter
Louder
TOP 5 BEST SOUND/FEEL, DRIVERS, LOW-HANDICAPS
SENSORY
PLAYABILITY
PLAYABILITY
Quieter
Louder
Workable
Forgiving
Workable
Forgiving
BALL FLIGHT
BALL FLIGHT
balloon.’ – 11-HANDICAP
Lower
Higher
Lower
Higher
19 GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA
20
HOTLIST 2024
OVERALL RATING ★★★★ ½ PERFORMANCE ★★★★ ½ INNOVATION ★★★★ ½ LOOK • SOUND • FEEL ★★★★ ½
PXG
0311 Black Ops
GOLD
WHY WE LIKE IT In the search for new ways to do better things, sometimes the best way to make a positive change is to use better ingredients. PXG’s engineers have inserted a new titanium alloy for the face on these standard and low-spin models. The alloy, unnamed but likely used in aircraft landing gear, helps shots launch with less spin and higher flight, two recipes for optimising distance. Lighter carbon- composite panels in the crown and sole save weight that’s redistributed to the perimeter for the most stable heads in company history.
0311 BLACK OPS R13 500
• This driver emphasises forgiveness with its weight-saving carbon-composite panels. • New titanium-alloy face insert deflects more for higher launch with less spin. • Three perimeter weights in the centre, heel and toe of the sole provide stability. • 8, 9, 10.5, 12 degrees (with an eight-way adjustable hosel)
TOP 5 BEST LOOKING, DRIVERS, HIGH-HANDICAPS
SENSORY
PLAYABILITY
Quieter
Louder
Workable
Forgiving
BALL FLIGHT
Lower
Higher
‘I swing it eight kilometres per hour faster than my regular driver. Good punch off the face and less spin.’ – 6-HANDICAP
0311 BLACK OPS TOUR-1 R14 500
• This compact, low-spin model has adjustable weights towards the front of the sole. • A low back weight adds stability on off-centre hits. • This driver should produce a lower ball flight relative to the standard model. • 8, 9, 10.5 degrees (with an eight-way adjustable hosel)
TOP 10 QUIETEST, DRIVERS, MODERATE SWING SPEEDS
SENSORY
PLAYABILITY
Quieter
Louder
Workable
Forgiving
BALL FLIGHT
Lower
Higher
21 GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA
22
HOTLIST 2024
OVERALL RATING ★★★★ ½ PERFORMANCE ★★★★ ½ INNOVATION ★★★★ ½ LOOK • SOUND • FEEL ★★★★ ½
SRIXON ZX Mk II
GOLD
‘Impact sounds like a jab on a punching bag. Lightweight head feels in balance from the take-away through the zone. The angles and colour contrast are orderly and not overbaked.’ – 10-HANDICAP
WHY WE LIKE IT With many drivers, the
discussion focuses endlessly on how thin and flexible the face is, but for this threesome from Srixon, a flexible face is just the beginning in the search for more distance. Rather than just one spring at impact, these drivers use a ribbon of flexing titanium around the perimeter of the face to create a second spring. The result is more power from more parts of the face. The three drivers here use that power in different ways thanks to the thin- titanium crown’s weight-saving lattice structure that leaves it no thicker than your business card.
ZX5 Mk II R9 000 • The largest profile of any of the three heads in the family. • A hint of a natural-draw bias is built into this shape. • The deep centre of gravity should add loft to most tee shots. • 9.5, 10.5 degrees (with a 12-way adjustable hosel)
TOP 5 HIGHEST LAUNCHING, DRIVERS, SLOWER SWING SPEEDS
SENSORY
PLAYABILITY
Quieter
Louder
Workable
Forgiving
BALL FLIGHT
Lower
Higher
ZX5 LS Mk II R9 000 • Larger profile (similar to ZX5) with more of a flattened crown shape. • It launches lower with less spin compared to the standard ZX5. • It also has a more neutral- to slight-fade-biased ball flight. • 8.5, 9.5, 10.5 degrees (with a 12-way adjustable hosel)
ZX7 Mk II R9 000 • It’s shorter front to back for players who prefer to work their tee shots. • The lowest launching of the three drivers in the family. • Weights for ports in the heel and toe allow players to tweak ball flight. • 9.5, 10.5 degrees (with a 12-way adjustable hosel)
TOP 5 BEST SOUND/FEEL, DRIVERS, MIDDLE-HANDICAPS
‘The symmetric head has an attractive no-glare finish and a pleasing feel and consistent ball flight. Great mix of muted sound and punch.’ – 5-HANDICAP
SENSORY
TOP 5 BEST LOOKING, DRIVERS, MIDDLE-HANDICAPS
Quieter
Louder
SENSORY
PLAYABILITY
PLAYABILITY
Quieter
Louder
Workable
Forgiving
Workable
Forgiving
BALL FLIGHT
BALL FLIGHT
Lower
Higher
Lower
Higher
23 GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA
24
HOTLIST 2024
TAYLORMADE Qi10
OVERALL RATING ★★★★★ PERFORMANCE ★★★★★ INNOVATION ★★★★★ LOOK • SOUND • FEEL ★★★★★
GOLD
‘The dark head is simple and classy. The compression feels cushioned yet still powerful. The ball jumps off the face with a tighter dispersion.’ —7-HANDICAP
WHY WE LIKE IT TaylorMade’s pursuit of carbon- composite-faced drivers wasn’t about strands of carbon fibre somehow being hotter than titanium alloys. Rather it was about finding a better way to make a driver. This third iteration opens a door especially appealing to average golfers: more forgiveness. The variably thick carbon-composite face now weighs more than 40 percent less than a similar-sized titanium face. This saved weight is pushed to where it’s needed in the form of more movable weight or deep perimeter weighting, including one model with the highest stability on off-centre hits in company history.
Qi10 MAX R13 000 • The size and 30-gram rear weight create the highest stability in this family. • Heel-biased shaping and weighting make it easier to square the face. • A lightweight low-torque shaft helps to promote a draw. • 9, 10.5, 12 degrees (with a 12-way adjustable hosel)
TOP 5 MOST FORGIVING, DRIVERS, HIGH-HANDICAPS
SENSORY
PLAYABILITY
Quieter
Louder
Workable
Forgiving
BALL FLIGHT
Lower
Higher
Qi10 R13 000 • The head has forward and rear weighting for low spin and forgiveness. • This driver is deeper front to back than the Qi10 LS for more stability. • The sole channel gives at impact for faster ball speed. • 9, 10.5, 12 degrees (with a 12-way adjustable hosel)
Qi10 LS R13 500
• The lowest spinning of the three models. • A sliding-weight track houses a 19-gram weight to tweak fades and draws. • Another 19-gram rear weight provides better off-centre-hit performance. • 8, 9, 10.5 degrees (with a 12-way adjustable hosel)
TOP 5 BEST LOOKING, DRIVERS, MIDDLE-HANDICAPS
SENSORY
‘An absolute masher, and yet
TOP 5 BEST LOOKING, DRIVERS, HIGH-HANDICAPS
Quieter
Louder
compression feels soft.
SENSORY
PLAYABILITY
PLAYABILITY
You can hit a straight ball flight with ease. Effortless power.’ —7-HANDICAP
Quieter
Louder
Workable
Forgiving
Workable
Forgiving
BALL FLIGHT
BALL FLIGHT
Lower
Higher
Lower
Higher
25 GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA
26
HOTLIST 2024
TITLEIST
TSR3 R10 000
OVERALL RATING ★★★★★ PERFORMANCE ★★★★★ INNOVATION ★★★★ ½ LOOK • SOUND • FEEL ★★★★★
TSR
• A sole panel allows weight to be shifted to align with a player’s natural impact location. • This model targets players who want to maximise performance on centre-face hits. • The compact shape’s aerodynamic enhancements maximise clubhead speed. • 8, 9, 10, 11 degrees (with a 16-way adjustable hosel)
GOLD
TOP 5 BEST LOOKING, DRIVERS, LOW-HANDICAPS
WHY WE LIKE IT The TSR family is Titleist’s most complete driver lineup ever. It includes four models designed for specific player types. In each model the centre-of-gravity position, the thicknesses of the special high- strength titanium alloy in the face, the size and shape of the head and the overall weight of the club and recommended shafts are geared to a certain player. Generally, though, we’re impressed at how the slightly forward CGs throughout reduce spin and increase launch, two things that help all golfers.
SENSORY
PLAYABILITY
Quieter
Louder
Workable
Forgiving
BALL FLIGHT
Lower
Higher
TSR4 R10 000
• This driver tends to produce the lowest spin of any TSR model. • A movable weight in front and back allows for spin-reduction settings. • The variable-thickness face results in more consistent ball speed across the face. • 8, 9, 10 degrees (with a 16-way adjustable hosel)
TOP 3 SMALLEST DRIVER HEADS
SENSORY
PLAYABILITY
Quieter
Louder
Workable
Forgiving
TSR2 R10 000 • The size emphasises forgiveness; the shape improvements optimise aerodynamics. • The variable-thickness face minimises mis-hits. • This model maintains the higher launch of past versions with less spin. • 8, 9, 10, 11 degrees (with a 16-way adjustable hosel)
BALL FLIGHT
Lower
Higher
TSR1 R10 000
• Targets sub-144kph swing speeds with a lighter shaft and grip. • This model features a slight draw bias.
‘No gimmicks— just a simple black dress good for any occasion. A low, deep sound with a satisfying feel. Feels like I have the ability to hit the shot I want.’ —13-HANDICAP
TOP 5 BEST LOOKING, DRIVERS, LOW-HANDICAPS
• The head shape creates the lowest drag in the line. • 9, 10, 12 degrees (with a 16-way adjustable hosel)
SENSORY
TOP 3 LIGHTEST DRIVERS
Quieter
Louder
SENSORY
PLAYABILITY
PLAYABILITY
Workable
Forgiving
Quieter
Louder
Workable
Forgiving
BALL FLIGHT
BALL FLIGHT
Lower
Higher
Lower
Higher
27 GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA
28
HOTLIST 2024
WOODS
The most utilitarian club is the fairway wood. Part-time driver, full-time long- range specialist, the fairway wood serves multiple purposes. Underneath its slimmed-down exterior lies driver-like technology designed to give you the distance you need. Another highly versatile club is the hybrid. As long irons fade out, hybrids are going even deeper into golfers’ bags (many companies now offer 8-hybrids) because they tend to be easier to hit for average golfers. Some hybrids can be mini-fairway woods in disguise, too, making them a viable option for those seeking more control from the fairway. Here are the best of each category for those needing more headcovers in the bag.
CALLAWAY Paradym Ai Smoke
OVERALL RATING ★★★★★ PERFORMANCE ★★★★★ INNOVATION ★★★★★ LOOK • SOUND • FEEL ★★★★★
PARADYM Ai SMOKE MAX D R7 500 • Favours players who swing out to in and add loft at impact. • The weight saved from the carbon-composite crown and sole feeds a weight in the back to help increase launch. • 15, 16.5, 18, 21 degrees (with an eight-way adjustable hosel)
GOLD
TOP 5 MOST FORGIVING, FAIRWAY WOODS, ALL HANDICAPS
WHY WE LIKE IT This family can fit four groups of golfers because of the design freedom of its carbon-composite- fuelled structure. Not only does it feature a carbon crown on top, but much of the sole is now formulated with a specialised combination of carbon fibres. That matrix provides shaping flexibility and maintains durability in the sole for clubs that are routinely hit off the ground. More importantly, it eliminates the need for steel support bars, saving 22 grams over a traditional steel sole, which allows for specific weighting and shaping for four kinds of players.
SENSORY
PLAYABILITY
Quieter
Louder
Workable
Forgiving
BALL FLIGHT
Lower
Higher
PARADYM Ai SMOKE ♦♦♦ R7 500 • The compact head with a slightly taller face is designed for players who make consistent centre contact. • Angled sole plate has heel and toe relief for more versatility from a variety of lies. • 15, 18, 21 degrees (with an eight-way adjustable hosel)
TOP 5 BEST LOOKING, FAIRWAY WOODS, LOW-HANDICAPS
SENSORY
PLAYABILITY
Quieter
Louder
Workable
Forgiving
PARADYM Ai SMOKE MAX R7 500 • The shallow face makes it easier for a broad group of players to launch shots. • A carbon-composite crown and sole save weight that is moved forward for low spin and rearward for forgiveness. • 15, 16.5, 18, 20, 21, 24, 27 (with an eight-way adjustable hosel)
BALL FLIGHT
Lower
Higher
PARADYM Ai SMOKE MAX FAST R7 500 • The lightweight specs, including head, shaft and grip, provide more control and speed potential for moderate swing speeds. • Lofts are a degree higher than standard to produce a higher launch. • 16, 19, 22, 25 degrees (fixed hosel)
TOP 5 BEST SOUND/FEEL, FAIRWAY WOODS, MIDDLE-HANDICAPS
‘This one is powerful. The clubhead’s heft helps launch the ball high with a purposeful flight. Gets on line quickly and stays there. Forgiveness is apparent.’ - 10-HANDICAP
SENSORY
Quieter
Louder
TOP 5 MOST FORGIVING, FAIRWAY WOODS, ALL HANDICAPS
PLAYABILITY
SENSORY
PLAYABILITY
Workable
Forgiving
Quieter
Louder
Workable
Forgiving
BALL FLIGHT
BALL FLIGHT
Lower
Higher
Lower
Higher
31 GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA
32
HOTLIST 2024
COBRA Darkspeed LS
COBRA Darkspeed
OVERALL RATING ★★★★ ½ PERFORMANCE ★★★★ ½ INNOVATION ★★★★ ½ LOOK • SOUND • FEEL ★★★★ ½
OVERALL RATING ★★★★★ PERFORMANCE ★★★★★ INNOVATION ★★★★ ½ LOOK • SOUND • FEEL ★★★★★
GOLD
GOLD
WHY WE LIKE IT Fairway woods are designed to hit off the turf, so making the face larger to increase its trampoline effect could potentially compromise other performance characteristics. Cobra’s design team, however, believes it can make a fairway-wood face bigger (and, therefore, hotter) by wrapping the face around the leading edge and into the sole. This lets the high-strength steel face insert take advantage of an aggressive variable-thickness pattern. A more flexible sole also contributes to faster ball speeds for both on- and off-centre strikes.
WHY WE LIKE IT This clubhead’s lightweight
titanium construction (compared to traditional stainless steel) provides more discretionary mass to move the centre of gravity as low and as far forward as possible. That makes this compact head ideal for better ball-strikers looking to maximise distance through low spin. The titanium face might not generate more ball speed, but by lowering the CG and raising the launch angle, the head creates more distance. Also enhancing distance is the L-shaped face that wraps under the sole with 15 thickness regions for better ball speed across a wider area.
• The centre of gravity is lower and more forward than in the Darkspeed Max for less ball spin and a slightly lower trajectory. • The face wraps around the sole to improve speed on shots struck lower on the face. • 15, 16.5, 18, 21 degrees (with an eight-way adjustable hosel DARKSPEED X R7 000
TOP 10 BEST RATED, FAIRWAY WOODS, LOW-HANDICAPS
SENSORY
PLAYABILITY
Quieter
Louder
Workable
Forgiving
BALL FLIGHT
DARKSPEED LS R9 000 • A multimaterial construction pairs a titanium body and face with a lightweight carbon-composite crown and heavy tungsten sole weights. • Three interchangeable sole weights can lower spin or tweak fades and slices. • 13, 14.5, 17.5 degrees (with an eight-way adjustable hosel)
Lower
Higher
‘A good 10 metres longer than most. Impact is muted, yet the ball comes off with speed. Consistent and balanced.’ –4-HANDICAP
DARKSPEED MAX R7 000
• The shallow face inspires confidence on tighter lies. • The wraparound L-shape insert improves on- and off-centre face flexing for distance. • Expect Max to launch higher and with more spin compared to Darkspeed X. • 15.5, 18.5, 21.5 degrees (with an eight-way adjustable hosel)
‘This is the stealth bomber of fairway woods. Glides through the hitting zone and sends the ball into flight with urgency. Little sacrifice in distance on mis-hits.’ -10-HANDICAP
TOP 5 BEST RATED, FAIRWAY WOODS, MIDDLE-HANDICAPS
SENSORY
Quieter
Louder
TOP 5 BEST SOUND/FEEL, FAIRWAY WOODS, HIGH-HANDICAPS
PLAYABILITY
SENSORY
PLAYABILITY
Workable
Forgiving
Quieter
Louder
Workable
Forgiving
BALL FLIGHT
BALL FLIGHT
Lower
Higher
Lower
Higher
33 GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA
34
HOTLIST 2024
MIZUNO ST-G Titanium
OVERALL RATING ★★★★ ½ PERFORMANCE ★★★★ ½ INNOVATION ★★★★ LOOK • SOUND • FEEL ★★★★ ½
GOLD
WHY WE LIKE IT Mizuno’s latest fairway wood am- bitiously seeks to achieve faster ball speed, higher launch and low spin in a package that is pleasing and playable to average golfers. The ST-G Titanium’s compact shape should attract better play- ers, but the nearly 90 grams of steel in the sole lowers the centre of gravity to make it easier to launch the ball. With a loft range that extends to 20 degrees, the ST-G Titanium fairway wood makes the case that it’s a playable option for a wider audience.
ST-G TITANIUM R6 500 • The compact head should attract better players with faster swings looking to control spin. • This has a higher launch with less spin than other Mizuno fairway woods. • 15, 18 degrees (with an eight-way adjustable hosel)
GREG NORMAN COLLECTION
PERFORM, LOOK AND LIVE LIKE A CHAMPION.
Built upon a unique combination of luxury, performance and style, Greg Norman Collection is a leading worldwide marketer of golf-inspired sportswear for men and women. Established in 1992, Greg Norman Collection is inspired by one of the world’s leading golf professionals, the man they call “The Shark.” Reflecting his adventurous spirit and confident, independent style, the Collection captures Greg Norman’s powerful elegance, enthusiasm and passion for an individual design sense.
TOP 10 BEST RATED, FAIRWAY WOODS, LOW-HANDICAPS
‘Penetrating ball flight in windy condi- tions. Got moving on line and into my window in a hurry. Per- forms just as well on a tee as off the deck.’ –10-HANDICAP
SENSORY
Quieter
Louder
PLAYABILITY
Workable
Forgiving
BALL FLIGHT
Lower
Higher
35 GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA
HOTLIST 2024
PING G430 LST
G430 PING
OVERALL RATING ★★★★ ½ PERFORMANCE ★★★★ ½ INNOVATION ★★★★ LOOK • SOUND • FEEL ★★★★ ½
OVERALL RATING ★★★★★ PERFORMANCE ★★★★★ INNOVATION ★★★★ ½ LOOK • SOUND • FEEL ★★★★★
GOLD
GOLD
WHY WE LIKE IT Just because of their size, length and loft, fairway woods might be thought of as clubs of power, but Ping’s engineers know that more golfers are served by making them forgiving. A lightweight carbon-composite crown lowers the centre of gravity, easing launch and centering the mass of the club behind the face for maximum ball speed. Further simplifying things is a high-strength steel face that wraps into the sole and crown. This leads to more flex for better ball speed and higher launch for impacts across the face.
WHY WE LIKE IT This muscular but compact 3-wood gets its energy from a multimaterial construction that mixes perfectly. First, the titanium body saves weight while making room for a special high- strength alloy in the face for better ball speed and distance. That face wraps around the toe region to create a larger area for faster ball speeds. Then, a carbon- composite section wraps around the back half of the crown and into the heel and toe to save more weight. A hefty tungsten soleplate lowers the centre of gravity for reduced spin and optimal launch.
• High-strength steel face wraps into the crown and sole for better ball speed. • A backweight provides stability on off-centre hits. • The carbon-composite crown helps to produce a neutral ball flight with less spin. • 15, 18, 21, 24 degrees (with an eight-way adjustable hosel) G430 MAX R8 000
TOP 5 MOST FORGIVING, FAIRWAY WOODS, ALL HANDICAPS
SENSORY
PLAYABILITY
Quieter
Louder
Workable
Forgiving
G430 LST R12 500 • A carbon-composite section in the crown wraps around the heel and toe to save weight. • A heavy tungsten sole plate pushes the centre of gravity low to reduce spin. • 15 degrees (with an eight-way adjustable hosel)
BALL FLIGHT
Lower
Higher
‘Beautiful pop off the face. Penetrating flight. Mine rolled out really nicely.’ –14-HANDICAP
G430 SFT R8 000
TOP 10 BEST RATED, FAIRWAY WOODS, LOW-HANDICAPS
• Designed to fight a slice with heel-side weighting and more upright lie angle and lighter weight than the Max.
• Should launch the ball higher and with more spin, too. • 16, 19, 22 degrees (with an eight-way adjustable hosel)
‘The perfect- size head: not too big or small. Sets up perfectly at address, and the ball rockets off the face. Forgiving without a large sweet spot. –7-HANDICAP
SENSORY
Quieter
Louder
TOP 5 HIGHEST FLYING, FAIRWAY WOODS, HIGH-HANDICAPS
PLAYABILITY
SENSORY
PLAYABILITY
Workable
Forgiving
Quieter
Louder
Workable
Forgiving
BALL FLIGHT
BALL FLIGHT
Lower
Higher
Lower
Higher
37 GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA
HOTLIST 2024
OVERALL RATING ★★★★ ½ PERFORMANCE ★★★★ ½ INNOVATION ★★★★ LOOK • SOUND • FEEL ★★★★ ½
PXG 0311 Black Ops
GOLD
WHY WE LIKE IT Building a better fairway wood is no different than building a faster race car: Better parts mean more speed. This fairway wood features a new steel alloy in the face that’s stronger, lighter and more flexible. It provides more potential distance by making the face 12.5 percent thinner and enabling the rest of the body, including a lightweight carbon- composite crown, to get thinner and lighter, too. This freed up weight for a launch-enhancing lower centre of gravity and three movable sole weights to tweak ball flight.
0311 BLACK OPS R8 000 • The carbon-composite crown is one-fourth the density of titanium but just as strong, lowering the centre of gravity and creating more flex in the face. • Three movable sole weights can add forgiveness or minimise a slice or fade. • 15, 17, 18, 21 degrees (with an eight-way adjustable hosel)
TOP 5 BEST SOUND/FEEL, FAIRWAY WOODS, LOW-HANDICAPS
‘The ball feels so hot off the face. The car- bon fibre is a good look, and the white curve around back frames things nicely. Light sounding.
SENSORY
Quieter
Louder
PLAYABILITY
Workable
Forgiving
Strong thump at impact.’ –12-HANDICAP
BALL FLIGHT
Lower
Higher
40
TAYLORMADE
TAYLORMADE
OVERALL RATING ★★★★ ½ PERFORMANCE ★★★★ ½ INNOVATION ★★★★★ LOOK • SOUND • FEEL ★★★★ ½
OVERALL RATING ★★★★★ PERFORMANCE ★★★★★ INNOVATION ★★★★ ½ LOOK • SOUND • FEEL ★★★★★
Qi10 Tour
Qi10
GOLD
GOLD
WHY WE LIKE IT Fairway woods aren’t just hard to hit because they’re the longest, lowest-lofted clubs we hit off the ground. We also make contact in the worst possible place for ball speed – below centre. These fairway woods are designed to improve the way the lower part of the face flexes. The variable- thickness-face pattern shifts down to make the face hotter where impacts occur most. In addition, increasing the face area, adjusting the face height and expanding the volume all optimise these two models for the way average golfers use them.
WHY WE LIKE IT Its compact size and the 50- gram weight in the sole might have you thinking this is only a low-spin fairway wood, but that misses the variability of that weight in the sole. It slides from a very forward (and low spin) position to a much deeper spot for higher launch with more forgiveness and slightly higher spin. Still, the titanium construction is built for speed, thanks to a special alloy in the face. The carbon-composite crown flows directly to the top of the face for more saved weight.
• Designed for more forgiveness and better launch on low-face impacts. • The taller face and longer front-to-back measurement improve ball speed and mis-hit stability. • 15, 16.5, 18, 21, 24 degrees (with fixed hosel) Qi10 R7 500
TOP 5 BEST RATED, FAIRWAY WOODS, MIDDLE-HANDICAPS
SENSORY
PLAYABILITY
Quieter
Louder
Workable
Forgiving
BALL FLIGHT
Qi10 TOUR R9 500 • Accommodates multiple launch and spin profiles through a 50-gram weight in the sole that slides in a track from front to back. • This year’s track sits lower for less spin in all settings. • 15, 18 degrees (with a 12-way adjustable hosel)
Lower
Higher
A gorgeous head shape – sharp and simple. A cushioned feel off the face as the ball flies laser straight.’ –7-HANDICAP
Qi10 MAX R7 500
• A shallow face provides confidence for average golfers to get the ball in the air. • The sole slot and lower variable-thickness-face pattern increases the way the face flexes on low strikes. • 16, 19, 22 degrees (with fixed hosel)
TOP 5 BEST RATED, FAIRWAY WOODS, LOW-HANDICAPS
‘Glossy with- out being too bright. The carbon crown peeking through screams forgiveness and ready to at- tack. A deep crushing sound at impact.’ –13-HANDICAP
SENSORY
Quieter
Louder
TOP 5 HIGHEST FLYING, FAIRWAY WOODS, HIGH-HANDICAPS
PLAYABILITY
SENSORY
PLAYABILITY
Workable
Forgiving
Quieter
Louder
Workable
Forgiving
BALL FLIGHT
BALL FLIGHT
Lower
Higher
Lower
Higher
41 GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA
42
HOTLIST 2024
TITLEIST TSR
OVERALL RATING ★★★★★ PERFORMANCE ★★★★★ INNOVATION ★★★★ ½ LOOK • SOUND • FEEL ★★★★★
TSR2+ R6 000 • The larger size and taller face make it a good driver alternative on shorter holes. • It has the deepest CG of any Titleist fairway wood for extra stability on off- centre hits. • Its strong loft provides more ball speed potential than standard 3-wood lofts. • 13 degrees (with a 16-way adjustable hosel)
GOLD
TOP 5 HIGHEST FLYING, FAIRWAY WOODS, MIDDLE-HANDICAPS
WHY WE LIKE IT This Titleist group of fairway woods fits four playability scenarios from grandmas to Grand Slam winners. What we like most is how these models got rid of a proven technology (a slot in the sole) for a better one. The new sole design leads to the lowest centre of gravity for a fairway wood in company history, and the saved weight further optimises each model for a particular user.
SENSORY
PLAYABILITY
Quieter
Louder
Workable
Forgiving
BALL FLIGHT
Lower
Higher
TSR3 R6 000 • An adjustable sole weight has five settings ranging from fade to neutral to draw. • More settings mean more precision. The weighting is also deeper for extra stability. • Expect slightly less spin and a flatter launch angle than with the TSR2. • 13.5, 15, 16.5, 18 degrees (with a 16-way adjustable hosel)
TOP 10 BEST RATED, FAIRWAY WOODS, LOW-HANDICAPS
SENSORY
PLAYABILITY
Quieter
Louder
Workable
Forgiving
TSR2 R6 000 • This model targets players with average swing speeds or faster who are looking for off-centre-hit forgiveness and easier launch. • A high-strength steel alloy in the face offers the potential for more distance. • 15, 16.5, 18, 21 degrees (with a 16-way adjustable hosel)
BALL FLIGHT
Lower
Higher
TSR1 R6 000
• Though 30 grams heavier than last year, this model is still the lightest Titleist fairway wood (20 grams less than the TSR2 and TSR3). • A deep, centred weight increases stability on off-centre hits and elevates launch. • 15, 18, 20, 23 degrees (with a 16-way adjustable hosel)
TOP 5 BEST LOOKING, FAIRWAY WOODS, MIDDLE-HANDICAPS
‘I can feel the ball compress at impact and springboard off. Surgical sound. Stayed on target. Forgiveness is apparent on mis-hits.’ –10-HANDICAP
SENSORY
Quieter
Louder
TOP 5 MOST FORGIVING, FAIRWAY WOODS, ALL HANDICAPS
SENSORY
PLAYABILITY
PLAYABILITY
Quieter
Louder
Workable
Forgiving
Workable
Forgiving
BALL FLIGHT
BALL FLIGHT
Lower
Higher
Lower
Higher
43 GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA
44
HOTLIST 2024
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