169 NEW CLUBS TESTED & RATED
south africa
DRIVERS / WOODS / HYBRIDS IRONS / WEDGES / PUTTERS
The World Leader in Golf Instruction Opens in Johannesburg.
Located inside the World of Golf. GOLFTEC has a proven way to help all golfers play Way Better . Using data-driven technology, our highly trained Coaches quickly diagnose the key areas of your swing that need help. The GOLFTEC Training Center includes 4 Training Bays fully equipped with launch monitors and our proprietary swing motion measurement system, OptiMotion. To book a Swing Evaluation or to learn more visit: www.golftec.co.za or call 011 545 8600 Located at the corner of Woodmead Drive and Maxwell Drive Johannesburg, Gauteng
MISSION: HOT LIST Our annual equipment guide gets more comprehensive – and personal – than ever
of scientists, editors and player-testers representing golfers like you; plus, months of independent research. We’re doing more work defining clubs by the types of players that match up best with their characteristics. We’re taking the input of each of our testers and making their assessments available in a broader form than ever before. You’ll see some of those improvements on the following pages, and we’ll give you the opportunity at golfdigest.com to align yourself with certain players and let their reviews further inform your equipment decisions. The goal this year is as simple as that original question. What the 2025 Hot List will show you is that there is no such thing as “the best clubs.” Our evolving mission is to reveal “the best clubs for you .” – MIKE STACHURA AND E MICHAEL JOHNSON
Just as there was with the first Hot List 22 years ago, there’s a kind of pursuit of the impossible that drives our equipment testing. While “What
are the best new clubs?” seems a straightforward enough en- terprise, each possible answer only spurs more questions. “Best” is a word that draws a lot of attention, but we here at Hot List Central present our annual collection of drivers, woods, hybrids, irons, wedges and putters in terms of what fits your game and your swing. These are the clubs that should move to the top of your own shopping list. Although the intent of our testing hasn’t changed in two decades, the process for getting this year’s Hot List and its 143 winners in front of you is almost unrecognisable. What once took a handful of days now includes three weeks of testing at the Reunion Resort in Orlando; study by a group
4 GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA
HOT LIST 2025
OUR EXPERTS Our scientists and fitters make the Hot List better. The scientists prod manufacturers to find true innovations, and our fitters from Golf Galaxy ensure that players hit the right clubs for their swings. Together, they’re crucial to our search for the clubs that matter.
OUR PROCESS Founded in research from our scientists and extensive testing by players like you
The Hot List is a huge effort by the Golf Digest editorial team, especially staffers Daria Delfino and Jared Goldstein. But the voting is fuelled by contributions from two groups that aren’t getting paid. Our team of scientists advises us on which technologies show the most promise, and our panel of 32 player-testers lets us know which clubs are working and how. Together, they make up the foundation for our three Hot List criteria:
PERFORMANCE 50%
INNOVATION 30% In consultation with our scientists and based on our interviews with company R&D teams and our review of company technical documents, this grade reflects how a particular technology advances the category. We also consider how that technology is explained and how much of a commitment to fitting a company has made. In short, the best clubs in Innovation are changing what’s possible.
LOOK / SOUND / FEEL 20% Using input from our testers, we rate the relative excellence of the visual, auditory and tactile experience of hitting a particular club. The more the club resonates with our understanding of what a golf club should be, the higher the grade it receives. In short, this is a measure of what the player discovers while testing each club.
SCIENTISTS
MARTIN BROUIL- LETTE, PHD
Based on interviews with our testers, we assess the utility of each club. In other words, this is a grade of what happens to the ball when a player hits it. Rapsodo MLM2Pro launch monitors are used at every hitting station, and during testing this time we recorded nearly 29 000 shots. Fitters work with players on-site so that they are evaluating clubs that are ideal for their individual specs. (For example, a tester most likely will hit only the driver model within a driver family that fits his or her game.) Also, our low-handicap players don’t evaluate super- game-improvement irons, just as our high-handicap players don’t hit players irons. All of the drivers are tested for conformance to the rules on spring-like effect before player evaluations begin.
Professor of Mechanical Engineering, University of Sherbrooke TOM MASE, PHD Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Cal Poly- San Luis Obispo JOHN MCPHEE, PHD Professor of Systems Design Engineering, University of Waterloo
GOLD Products earned a score of 93 to 100 . SILVER Products earned a score of 88 to 92.99 .
DICK RUGGE Senior Technical Director (retired), USGA
FITTERS
97-100 ★★★★★ 88-96 ★★★★ 70-87 ★★★ 51-69 ★★ ≤ 50 ★
CHRIS MARCHINI Director of Golf Experience, Golf Galaxy, Pennsylvania ANDREW FARLOW Golf Galaxy, Richmond, Virginia
HOT LIST TOP 5 AND VECTOR RATINGS
In addition to our overall star ratings for each club in Performance and Look/ Sound/Feel, we also ask our player-testers to provide their input in two other dimensions that you will see in the individual club writeups. First, we look at the collective average of each player’s score for the Look, Sound/Feel and Performance criteria for clubs that earned one of the Top 5 highest
average scores based on player handicap. So you will see in the writeups a mention of a club that earned a Top 5 average score for a particular handicap group in one of these criteria. Another area where you will see ratings are what we call “vectors.” These are meant to be descriptive ratings about a certain characteristic of a club, and in most cases
(exceptions are the vectors for “Forgiveness” and some wedge performance), these aren’t bad/good evaluations but characterisations across a spectrum where a rating of “1” is on the extreme left side of the graphic and a rating of “5” is on the extreme right side. These scores describe the appearance, feel and sound of a club in specific ways. We think you’ll find these features helpful. – MS
ALEX KENNEDY Golf Galaxy, Pittsburgh
DEVIN LOGUE Golf Galaxy, Richmond, Virginia
DANIEL MARTINEZ Golf Galaxy, Orlando
PAT SNYDER Golf Galaxy, Pittsburgh
GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA 5
HOT LIST 2025
HOT LIST 2025
RANGE RATS Thirty-two players, 248 clubs, roughly 40 000 shots and over 300 000 words of feedback this year. The Golf Digest Hot List remains the most exhaustive equipment review in the game.
6 GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA
HOT LIST 2025
south africa
EDITOR STUART MCLEAN DESIGN ELINORE DE LISLE MEDIA SALES DANIEL EGDES (DANIELE@MORECORP.CO.ZA)
A licensing agreement between Warner Brothers Discovery and Morecorp, owners of The Pro Shop and World Of Golf. Warner Brothers Discovery is a global leader in real-life entertainment, serving a passionate audience of superfans around the world with content that inspires, informs and entertains. GOLF DIGEST USA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF JERRY TARDE EDITORIAL DIRECTOR MAX ADLER EXECUTIVE EDITOR PETER MORRICE INTERNATIONAL EDITOR JU KUANG TAN
GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA 7
HOT LIST 2025
XXX GOLF DIGEST
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P. 9
GOLF DIGEST
The best drivers today aren’t simply about distance. Sure, power is their calling card, but that power now is delivered more consistently and reliably in a clubhead built for a specific kind of swing, like yours. Maximum results come from choosing a particular model that masks your failings and at the same time enhances your skills. The best drivers this year can restore your confidence and embolden your aggressiveness. While it remains true that in golf we have to play our foul balls, more and more mis-hits with today’s drivers feel like home runs.
XXX GOLF DIGEST
ISSUE X 2023
OVERALL RATING ★★★★★
CALLAWAY ELYTE
PERFORMANCE ★★★★★ INNOVATION ★★★★★ LOOK / SOUND / FEEL ★★★★★
GOLD
ELYTE R13 000
• The new head shape features
smoother curves for less drag without compromising off- centre-hit stability or negatively altering spin or launch. • Callaway analysed thousands of swings via AI to optimise face thickness. • The thermo-forged carbon crown saves weight that is repositioned low to reduce spin. • Designed for players who swing out to in with an open face. • Top 5 in Forgiveness, high-handicaps • 9, 10.5, 12 degrees
(with an eight-way adjustable hosel)
AESTHETICS
‘Big fan of the matte finish and the green tint. Best part of this club is the way the ball fires off the face. Felt like every ball had a trail of fire on it. Incredibly long and forgiving, and I could shape shots
Plain
Elaborate
ACOUSTICS
Quieter
Louder
SENSORY
Softer
Firmer
LAUNCH
Lower
Higher
FORGIVENESS
both ways.’ – 6-HANDICAP
Least
Most
10 GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA
HOT LIST 2025
ELYTE X
R13 000
• The largest Elyte
on off-centre hits) of any Elyte model. • The multi-thickness face uses AI swing analysis to better match the needs of this type of player. • The thermo-forged carbon crown is lighter, stronger than typical carbon composite. • 9, 10.5, 12 degrees (adjustable hosel)
clubhead improves mis-hits for golfers who tend to cut across the ball and struggle to square the clubface.
AESTHETICS
Plain
Elaborate
ACOUSTICS
Quieter
Louder
SENSORY
• Designed with a
Softer
Firmer
draw bias; two sole weight ports can dial in more draw.
LAUNCH
‘Rip city. Ten more
Lower
Higher
yards, and I eliminated my right miss.’ – 11-HANDICAP
• The highest
FORGIVENESS
measured moment of inertia (stability
Least
Most
ELYTE
R13 000
• Tour-based head shape caters to
ball speeds. • Two switchable
AESTHETICS
higher swing speeds, produces lower spin. • Designed for better performance on off- centre hits compared to past models without enlarging the clubhead. • The AI-designed face uses an asymmetrical thickness pattern to deliver consistent
weight screws in the front and back help increase playability.
Plain
Elaborate
ACOUSTICS
• New 3-D-printing
Quieter
Louder
capabilities enhance head shape with curves for less drag. • Top 5 in Performance, middle- and high-handicaps • 8, 9, 10.5 degrees (adjustable hosel)
SENSORY
Softer
Firmer
LAUNCH
‘Through impact, it’s like a big old thunder crack.’ – +3-HANDICAP
Lower
Higher
FORGIVENESS
Least
Most
ELYTE MAX FAST
R13 000
• The lightest model in the family at 272 grams targets players with swing speeds of 85 miles per hour or less. • Designed to launch
the clubface’s asymmetrical variable thickness so that it flexes more effectively on moderate-speed impacts.
AESTHETICS
Plain
Elaborate
ACOUSTICS
Quieter
Louder
SENSORY
the ball higher with a significant draw bias to counter slice- producing impact conditions.
• A thermo-forged
Softer
Firmer
carbon crown saves more mass than traditional carbon composite.
‘Swings easy because it’s light but plenty of meat at impact.’ – 13-HANDICAP
LAUNCH
Lower
Higher
FORGIVENESS
• Callaway used AI to develop
• 10.5, 12 degrees
(adjustable hosel)
Least
Most
GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA 11
HOT LIST 2025
OVERALL RATING ★★★★★
COBRA DS-Adapt
PERFORMANCE ★★★★★ INNOVATION ★★★★★ LOOK / SOUND / FEEL ★★★★★
GOLD
DS-ADAPT X R11 500
• Features forgiveness, lower spin and a head shape that emphasises aerodynamic efficiency. • The adjustable hosel’s 33 settings tweak ball flight low, high, left or right. • Innovative shaping includes raising the rear skirt and softening the leading edges to reduce clubhead drag. • The face is designed with variable
thicknesses across 15 distinct regions for more consistent speed on mis-hits.
• 9, 10.5 degrees
(33-way adjustable hosel)
AESTHETICS
Plain
Elaborate
‘Love the matte black, smaller
ACOUSTICS
head. Still gives you a high face, so you’re confident you’ll make quality contact. Pleasing sound on the strike and the same flight over and over.’ – 6-HANDICAP
Quieter
Louder
SENSORY
Softer
Firmer
LAUNCH
Lower
Higher
FORGIVENESS
Least
Most
12 GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA
HOT LIST 2025
DS-ADAPT LS
R11 500
• The sleekest, most aerodynamic shape in the family. • Targeting better players with faster swing speeds, this model uses front- bias weighting for high energy transfer and workability. • An internal bridge- like bar near the front on the 9-degree bows towards the
face to move weight lower and forward for less spin.
AESTHETICS
Plain
Elaborate
• The 10.5-degree
ACOUSTICS
stores more weight deep in the clubhead to provide added forgiveness and optimal launch. • Top 5 in Forgiveness, middle-handicaps • 9, 10.5 degrees (33-way adjustable hosel)
Quieter
Louder
SENSORY
Softer
Firmer
‘Like the compact head. A nice thud at impact, consistent ball flight.’ – +3-HANDICAP
LAUNCH
Lower
Higher
FORGIVENESS
Least
Most
DS-ADAPT MAX-D
R11 500
• Slicers take note: This is Cobra’s most draw- inducing model. • The more upright lie angle makes it easier to return the clubface to square.
mis-hits off the toe track back towards the centre. • A 10-gram external weight in the heel adds draw bias. • The adjustable hosel features 33 settings for tweaking ball flight low, high, left or right. • 10.5, 12 degrees (33-way adjustable hosel)
AESTHETICS
Plain
Elaborate
ACOUSTICS
Quieter
Louder
SENSORY
• The lighter head gives moderate-
Softer
Firmer
LAUNCH
‘Elegant, kind of understated. Easy to hit it straight.’ – 13-HANDICAP
swing-speed players better control of the face angle.
Lower
Higher
FORGIVENESS
• An asymmetrical
Least
Most
face curvature helps
DS-ADAPT MAX-K
R11 500
• Minimises mis-hits with the largest
• A 10-gram weight
in the back pushes mass lower using an Aluminium housing.
AESTHETICS
frame in the family and deep internal weighting in the rear perimeter.
Plain
Elaborate
ACOUSTICS
• Thin carbon-
composite layers replace much of
Quieter
Louder
• The clubhead’s
SENSORY
measured stability on off-centre hits (moment of inertia) is near the USGA limit and is the highest in the company’s history.
the crown and sole to save weight that is repositioned for extra stability. • 9, 10.5, 12 degrees (33-way adjustable hosel)
Softer
Firmer
‘Centre face didn’t even matter; every shot was just flat-out launched.’ – 15-HANDICAP
LAUNCH
Lower
Higher
FORGIVENESS
Least
Most
GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA 13
HOT LIST 2025
OVERALL RATING ★★★★★
PING G440
PERFORMANCE ★★★★★ INNOVATION ★★★★★ LOOK / SOUND / FEEL ★★★★★
GOLD
G440 MAX R13 000
• The most forgiving model in the G440 driver lineup. • A more open interior portion of the hosel creates room for that area of the face to flex better while lowering the centre of gravity. • A carbon-composite piece wraps into the back half of the crown to save mass for a 29-gram adjustable weight in the rear perimeter that allows for
neutral, draw or fade positions.
• Top 5 in
Performance, middle- and high-handicaps • 9, 10.5, 12 degrees
(with an eight-way adjustable hosel)
AESTHETICS
Plain
Elaborate
ACOUSTICS
‘A lot of design elements but they work well together. Loved the feel at impact – soft but powerful.The
Quieter
Louder
SENSORY
Softer
Firmer
default was a high-launching straight shot.’ – 13-HANDICAP
LAUNCH
Lower
Higher
FORGIVENESS
Least
Most
14 GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA
HOT LIST 2025
G440 LST
R13 000
• The LST is for faster swingers who can reduce spin through the clubhead’s forward and low centre of gravity, plus it earns a high rating for stability on off- centre hits.
‘The white marks on the face are like an airport runway telling you where to go. It’s long when you nail it and safe when you don’t.’ – 1-HANDICAP
• The head, which
incorporates many of the technologies from the G440 Max, has a flatter lie angle than the Max to reduce draw bias. • A 29-gram weight allows neutral, draw or fade settings. • Top 5 in Performance, low- and high-handicaps
AESTHETICS
Plain
Elaborate
ACOUSTICS
Quieter
Louder
SENSORY
Softer
Firmer
LAUNCH
Lower
Higher
• 9, 10.5 degrees
FORGIVENESS
(adjustable hosel)
Least
Most
G440 SFT
R13 000
• The slice-fighting
“neutral” face angle is 1.5 degrees more closed than the G440 Max in a “draw” setting. • The new 9-degree model provides slice correction for players with faster swing speeds, too. • A redesigned interior portion of the hosel creates room for that area of the face to flex better while lowering the centre of gravity. • The SFT is 3 percent lighter than the LST and designed to be easier to control for players with moderate swing speeds.
‘Great visual aid on the face. Head size is not too large. Monstrous numbers. Good feel, too. High but it kept penetrating.’ – 7-HANDICAP
AESTHETICS
Plain
Elaborate
ACOUSTICS
Quieter
Louder
SENSORY
Softer
Firmer
LAUNCH
Lower
Higher
FORGIVENESS
• 9, 10.5 degrees
(adjustable hosel)
Least
Most
GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA 15
HOT LIST 2025
OVERALL RATING ★★★★ ½
PXG 0311 Black Ops
PERFORMANCE ★★★★ ½ INNOVATION ★★★★ ½ LOOK / SOUND / FEEL ★★★★ ½
GOLD
0311 BLACK OPS R13 500
• This model is the most forgiving driver in the company’s history. • A lightweight carbon-
composite crown and sole panels save weight that is pushed to the perimeter for maximum stability. • The high-strength titanium alloy in the face, originally developed for airplane landing gear, deflects the ball in a way that launches it higher with less spin. • The centre of gravity is deeper and lower compared to previous PXG models. • Top 5 in Performance, low-handicaps • 8, 9, 10.5, 12 degrees (eight- way adjustable hosel)
AESTHETICS
‘I like the glossy black look and the way the carbon fibre is integrated. A classic sports car vibe. Very stable through the ball. A really quick sounding impact, no reverb. Definitely some workability.’ – 6-HANDICAP
Plain
Elaborate
ACOUSTICS
Quieter
Louder
SENSORY
Softer
Firmer
LAUNCH
Lower
Higher
FORGIVENESS
Least
Most
0311 BLACK OPS TOUR-1
R14 500
• This version is more compact compared to the standard model and targets faster swingers wanting less spin. • Discretionary weight is positioned lower and more forward for reduced spin and a low launch. • A flatter lie angle than the standard model helps to
lessen draw bias.
• The carbon-
AESTHETICS
composite crown and sole panels save weight, boosting playability. • Weight ports in the sole are more tightly spaced than on the standard model to create precise adjustability options. • 8, 9, 10.5 degrees (adjustable hosel)
Plain
Elaborate
ACOUSTICS
Quieter
Louder
SENSORY
Softer
Firmer
‘A nice weight and balance, which made me feel like I had control. Great consistency.’ – 9-HANDICAP
LAUNCH
Lower
Higher
FORGIVENESS
Least
Most
16 GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA
HOT LIST 2025
OVERALL RATING ★★★★★
SRIXON ZXi
PERFORMANCE ★★★★★ INNOVATION ★★★★★ LOOK / SOUND / FEEL ★★★★ ½
GOLD
ZXI R11 000
• Fits players looking for mid-to-high flight and mid-to-low spin. • Unlike in typical drivers, the face’s variable-thickness pattern uses a thinner (not thicker)
middle section surrounded by
thicker heel and toe sections, along with a stronger titanium alloy, to create a larger area of the face with the highest ball speeds. • Alternating rigid and
flexible regions in the crown and sole
provide a power boost at impact. • Top 5 in Forgiveness, middle-handicaps • 9, 10.5 degrees (12-way adjustable hosel)
AESTHETICS
‘I like the pattern on top, cool- looking. Impact was on the louder side. Hit power fades on command and was able to move the ball both ways. Didn’t lose much distance on
Plain
Elaborate
ACOUSTICS
Quieter
Louder
SENSORY
Softer
Firmer
LAUNCH
Lower
Higher
mis-hits.’ – 6-HANDICAP
FORGIVENESS
Least
Most
18 GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA
HOT LIST 2025
ZXI LS
R11 000
• This model should appeal to better players with faster swings who are looking for less spin. • The neutral setting encourages hitting a fade. • Front and rear sole weights provide
‘I could feel the good ones versus toe or heel but definitely some forgiveness. I could get it out there when I went after it.‘ – 2-HANDICAP
options to create less spin or higher launch.
AESTHETICS
• The face’s unique variable-thickness
Plain
Elaborate
pattern uses a thinner middle section surrounded by thicker heel and toe sections to maximise ball speed across a wider area. • Top 5 in Performance, low-handicaps • 8, 9, 10.5 degrees (12- way adjustable hosel)
ACOUSTICS
Quieter
Louder
SENSORY
Softer
Firmer
LAUNCH
Lower
Higher
FORGIVENESS
Least
Most
ZXI MAX
R11 000
• This new shape for the Srixon line offers
moderate-swing- speed players the
‘The ridge on the sole felt like a powerful bar behind the sweet spot. Very stable and strong. Lots of speed, good consistency.’ – 13-HANDICAP
most forgiving driver in company history. • Designed to launch high with a slight draw. • A 14-gram, deep- centre weight boosts stability on mis-hits. • The face’s variable- thickness pattern uses a thinner middle section surrounded by thicker heel and toe sections to maximise ball speed across a wider area. • The crown and sole’s alternating rigid and flexible regions help increase distance. • 9, 10.5, 12 degrees (12- way adjustable hosel)
AESTHETICS
Plain
Elaborate
ACOUSTICS
Quieter
Louder
SENSORY
Softer
Firmer
LAUNCH
Lower
Higher
FORGIVENESS
Least
Most
GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA 19
HOT LIST 2025
OVERALL RATING ★★★★★
TAYLORMADE Qi35
PERFORMANCE ★★★★★ INNOVATION ★★★★★ LOOK / SOUND / FEEL ★★★★★
GOLD
QI35 MAX R13 000
• The largest address profile in the line is also the most forgiving with the highest launch, and a 34-gram tungsten weight in the back provides maximum stability. • The carbon-fibre clubface uses a thicker perimeter and thinner centre than last year’s Qi10 model for more consistency. • Features a slight draw bias with lower, forward weighting for less spin. • Top 5 in Forgiveness, middle-handicaps • 9, 10.5, 12 degrees (12-way adjustable hosel)
AESTHETICS
Plain
Elaborate
‘Loved this club. Appreciate the craftsmanship and design. A nice, smooth smack at impact, not in your face. Long carry. You hit the ball and watch it like a movie.’ – 7-HANDICAP
ACOUSTICS
Quieter
Louder
SENSORY
Softer
Firmer
LAUNCH
Lower
Higher
FORGIVENESS
Least
Most
20 GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA
HOT LIST 2025
QI35 LS
R13 000
• This compact but
draw while keeping spin low. • The carbon-fibre face uses a thicker perimeter and thinner centre (compared to the Qi10) for consistent ball speeds. • Top 5 in Performance, low-handicaps • 8, 9, 10.5 degrees (12-way adjustable hosel)
AESTHETICS
stout, tour-inspired shape is built with an extremely forward centre of gravity for the lowest spin.
Plain
Elaborate
ACOUSTICS
Quieter
Louder
• The LS targets
SENSORY
higher-speed ball- strikers who are losing distance due to excess spin. • Three weight ports in
Softer
Firmer
LAUNCH
‘Easy to swing and very powerful off the clubface.’ – 4-HANDICAP
Lower
Higher
FORGIVENESS
the sole allow users to dial in a fade or
Least
Most
QI35
R13 000
• The family’s main model can work
gravity lower than the Qi10 for less spin.
AESTHETICS
equally for tour pros and their fans.
• Special markings embedded in the face of the fitting heads help launch monitors precisely track the head for more reliable data. • Top 5 in Performance, high-handicaps • 9, 10.5, 12 degrees (adjustable hosel)
Plain
Elaborate
ACOUSTICS
• The larger front- to-back size (vs.
Quieter
Louder
the Qi10) optimises forgiveness, and movable sole weights control spin. • Carbon composite in the body and face save weight that pushes the centre of
SENSORY
‘Love the crown’s consistent
Softer
Firmer
LAUNCH
look. Almost impossible to miss.’ – 13-HANDICAP
Lower
Higher
FORGIVENESS
Least
Most
QI35 MAX LITE
R13 000
• Built on the same platform as the
• Unique in the
industry, the carbon- fibre face uses a thicker perimeter region and thinner centre section (compared to the Qi10) for consistent ball speeds. • A redesigned slot in the sole improves the way the face flexes. • 10.5, 12 degrees (adjustable hosel)
AESTHETICS
Qi35 Max but with a lighter overall weight.
Plain
Elaborate
ACOUSTICS
• Ideal for smooth swingers who don’t have that extra gear of speed. • A 24-gram tungsten weight in the back
Quieter
Louder
SENSORY
Softer
Firmer
‘Massive sweet spot. So light, I could get some serious speed.’ – 8-HANDICAP
LAUNCH
improves the stability on off-centre strikes and encourages a higher launch.
Lower
Higher
FORGIVENESS
Least
Most
GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA 21
HOT LIST 2025
OVERALL RATING ★★★★★
TITLEIST GT
PERFORMANCE ★★★★★ INNOVATION ★★★★★ LOOK / SOUND / FEEL ★★★★★
GOLD
GT2 R13 000
• The larger head provides more
stability on mis-hits and produces a higher launch.
• Best for players
who tend to use the entire clubface and swing with average to above-average speeds.
• A lightweight, thermo-formed
polymer piece, which wraps around the crown, saves weight for a lower, forward centre of gravity while maintaining Titleist’s preferred sound at impact. • Top 5 in Performance, low- and middle-handicaps • 8, 9, 10, 11 degrees (16-way adjustable hosel)
AESTHETICS
‘Love the high polish and clean lines. Nothing harsh, everything
Plain
Elaborate
ACOUSTICS
Quieter
Louder
understated. The sound was a pleasing, authoritative
SENSORY
Softer
Firmer
LAUNCH
thunk. Not overly penalising on mis- hits. I always felt
Lower
Higher
FORGIVENESS
in control.’ – 13-HANDICAP
Least
Most
22 GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA
HOT LIST 2025
GT1
R13 000
• This model has
• The rear weight port can accommodate a heavier flat weight to fit average- swing-speed players looking for a slight draw bias. • A ring encircling the back perimeter of the face is designed to maximise ball speed. • 9, 10, 12 degrees (adjustable hosel)
the lightest overall weight of the four drivers in the family and the deepest centre of gravity for stability and high launch.
AESTHETICS
Plain
Elaborate
ACOUSTICS
Quieter
Louder
SENSORY
• The lightweight
‘Traditional, simple, gorgeous. Consistently good on distance.’ – 8-HANDICAP
Softer
Firmer
LAUNCH
balance potentially gives moderate- swing-speed golfers more control, speed and a higher flight.
Lower
Higher
FORGIVENESS
Least
Most
GT3
R13 000
• Its forward centre of gravity (compared to the GT2 model) works better for golfers with a repeatable impact location. • The weight track is forward in the sole to allow players to dial in the preferred
directional control.
• A lightweight, thermo-formed
AESTHETICS
Plain
Elaborate
polymer piece wraps around the crown to lower the centre of gravity and maintain Titleist’s preferred sound and feel.
ACOUSTICS
Quieter
Louder
SENSORY
‘Consistent distance. Spin rate was low with a penetrating flight.’ – 12-HANDICAP
Softer
Firmer
LAUNCH
• Top 5 in
Performance, low- and high-handicaps • 8, 9, 10, 11 degrees (adjustable hosel)
Lower
Higher
centre of gravity for better energy transfer and more
FORGIVENESS
Least
Most
GT4
R13 000
• The most compact of the four models (430
and a more-forgiving setting with the heavier weight in the back.
AESTHETICS
cubic centimetres) features a centre of gravity that’s more forward than in any
Plain
Elaborate
ACOUSTICS
• A lightweight, thermo-formed
Quieter
Louder
other GT model for the most spin reduction. • Switchable front and back weights in the
polymer piece wraps around the crown to lower the centre of gravity and maintain Titleist’s preferred sound and feel.
SENSORY
Softer
Firmer
LAUNCH
‘Super fast off the face. Randy Johnson fastball trajectory.’ – 15-HANDICAP
Lower
Higher
sole allow players to choose between a lower-spin option
FORGIVENESS
• 8, 9, 10 degrees
(adjustable hosel)
Least
Most
GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA 23
HOT LIST 2025
OVERALL RATING ★★★★
CLEVELAND HiBore XL
PERFORMANCE ★★★★ ½ INNOVATION ★★★★ LOOK / SOUND / FEEL ★★★ ½
SILVER
HIBORE XL R8 000
• The triangular shape provides stability with less volume, allowing designers to create a face that’s roughly 10-percent larger than the current average. • The head shape stiffens the body to improve sound. • The weld line is further off the centre, improving face flex on off-centre hits. • Cleveland used AI simulations of average golfers’ impact patterns to dial in the face’s variable thickness for maximising ball speed on mis-hits. • Top 5 in Forgiveness, low-handicaps • 10.5 degrees (12-way adjustable hosel)
AESTHETICS
‘Definitely a different look with the chiseled tail on the back, but it performed better than it looks. Sound was nice – quiet yet powerful – and the ball didn’t curve much
Plain
Elaborate
ACOUSTICS
Quieter
Louder
SENSORY
Softer
Firmer
LAUNCH
Lower
Higher
on mis-hits.’ – +3-HANDICAP
FORGIVENESS
Least
Most
HIBORE XL LITE
R8 000
• At 10-percent lighter than the standard XL, the XL Lite targets moderate- swing-speed golfers looking to create more power with the same effort. • The triangular head shape provides
than the industry average. • The head’s internal weighting favours the heel side to create more slice- fighting draw bias. • A winglet on the crown’s heel side
AESTHETICS
Plain
Elaborate
ACOUSTICS
Quieter
Louder
SENSORY
Softer
Firmer
‘I hit it straight. Off- centre hits didn’t affect much. Powerful sound.’ – 7-HANDICAP
LAUNCH
increases the head’s stability as it moves towards impact.
stability with less volume but with a face that’s roughly 10-percent larger
Lower
Higher
FORGIVENESS
• 10.5 degrees
(adjustable hosel)
Least
Most
24 GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA
HOT LIST 2025
OVERALL RATING ★★★★
MIZUNO ST 230
PERFORMANCE ★★★★ INNOVATION ★★★★ ½ LOOK / SOUND / FEEL ★★★★ ½
SILVER
ST-MAX 230 R9 000
• This oversized entry stretches to the limits of the rules that govern high stability. • Carbon composite swaths in the crown and sole save weight (54 grams) that’s pushed deep within the frame to create more forgiveness. • A channel cut in the sole extends heel to toe to increase flexing in the face. • The channel includes a five-gram steel weight to further lower the centre of gravity. • Top 5 in Forgiveness, low-handicaps • 9.5, 10.5, 12 degrees (eight-way adjustable hosel)
AESTHETICS
Plain
Elaborate
‘I like the carbon fibre hinting on the back of the crown, not too much. I was hitting baby fades, medium height and not ballooning. No twisting at impact and understated in
ACOUSTICS
Quieter
Louder
SENSORY
Softer
Firmer
LAUNCH
Lower
Higher
acoustics.’ – 6-HANDICAP
FORGIVENESS
Least
Most
26 GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA
HOT LIST 2025
ST-G
R10 000
• Its compact
maximum stability (both weights all the way back). It also can be adjusted to favour a draw or fade. • The channel cut into the sole maximises face flex. • A beta-rich-titanium alloy makes the face lighter, stronger and faster-flexing. • 9.5, 10.5 degrees (adjustable hosel)
shape (440 cubic centimetres) means this model targets ball-strikers looking for reduced spin and adjustability options. • Two tracks in the sole feature seven-
AESTHETICS
Plain
Elaborate
ACOUSTICS
Quieter
Louder
SENSORY
‘A classic head shape. Felt like the ball jumped off the face.’ – 14-HANDICAP
Softer
Firmer
LAUNCH
gram weights for changing the head from extremely low spin (both weights in the front) to
Lower
Higher
FORGIVENESS
Least
Most
ST-X 230
TBA
• This head uses a 14- gram sole weight in the heel to provide draw bias and make it easier to manipulate the head during the swing. • That weight also rests deep in the sole to boost stability on off- centre hits. • High-strength titanium in the face
creates more ball speed on mis-hits. • Speed also comes
AESTHETICS
from a channel in the sole that
Plain
Elaborate
ACOUSTICS
improves deflection, particularly on lower impacts. • A three-gram steel bar within the channel lowers the centre of gravity. • 9.5, 10.5, 12 degrees (adjustable hosel)
Quieter
Louder
SENSORY
Softer
Firmer
‘I could swing aggressively. It made a powerful sound
LAUNCH
Lower
Higher
FORGIVENESS
at impact.’ – 7-HANDICAP
Least
Most
ST-Z 230
TBA
• Similar in profile to the ST-X, this model features weighting that is more neutral to emphasise forgiveness across the face. • A 14-gram weight
higher launch. • More speed comes from the channel in the front of the sole, which increases face flex, especially low on the face.
AESTHETICS
Plain
Elaborate
ACOUSTICS
Quieter
Louder
SENSORY
• A steel weight
Softer
Firmer
deep in the centre creates significant stability compared to the ST-G.
located in the channel further lowers the centre of gravity to reduce spin.
‘Tended to go high and straight. Quiet but still lively.’ – 7-HANDICAP
LAUNCH
Lower
Higher
FORGIVENESS
• The deep centre of gravity yields a
• 9.5, 10.5 degrees (adjustable hosel)
Least
Most
GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA 27
HOT LIST 2025
OVERALL RATING ★★★★
WILSON Dynapower
PERFORMANCE ★★★★ INNOVATION ★★★★ ½ LOOK / SOUND / FEEL ★★★★
SILVER
DYNAPOWER MAX TBA
• The largest footprint in the family focuses on making your mis- hits better. • The target golfer for this model fights inconsistency and needs higher launch and more spin to maximise distance. • AI-driven algorithms created a variable- thickness face to improve ball speeds on centre and off- centre hits. • A lighter, more open internal hosel structure saves weight and frees up the heel side of the face to flex better. • 9, 10.5, 12 degrees (six-way adjustable hosel)
AESTHETICS
‘I was roasting the ball and really liked the traditional metallic feel and sound. Nice blending of classic cosmetics into a modern shape. Elegant, piano- black crown, with simple markings to line you up.’ —13-HANDICAP
Plain
Elaborate
ACOUSTICS
Quieter
Louder
SENSORY
Softer
Firmer
LAUNCH
Lower
Higher
FORGIVENESS
Least
Most
28 GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA
HOT LIST 2025
DYNAPOWER CARBON TBA
• This head targets
‘Playable misses. Good distance, even toe shots were long. Feel like I could swing hard on the course and find my foul balls.’ —1-HANDICAP
players with average to above-average swing speeds and consistent impact who need forgiveness with less spin.
• Using carbon
composite in a wider area of the crown closer to the face frees up mass to push the centre of gravity lower and more forward for less spin, better energy transfer and a higher launch.
AESTHETICS
Plain
Elaborate
ACOUSTICS
Quieter
Louder
SENSORY
Softer
Firmer
LAUNCH
• Top 5 in Sound/Feel, low-handicaps • 9, 10.5 degrees (adjustable hosel)
Lower
Higher
FORGIVENESS
Least
Most
DYNAPOWER LS
TBA
• This more-compact head (445 cubic centimetres) should appeal to better players with higher
‘Felt soft and springy at impact. The heel and toe seem to hover at address, which made it super easy to take the club away.’ —0-HANDICAP
swing speeds who are looking to reduce spin to optimise distance.
• Aerodynamic
enhancements, like a taller and rounder crown, reduce drag.
AESTHETICS
• More carbon
composite in the crown pushed closer to the face yields a centre of gravity that is 23-percent further forward compared to the past version while not sacrificing mis-hit forgiveness.
Plain
Elaborate
ACOUSTICS
Quieter
Louder
SENSORY
Softer
Firmer
LAUNCH
Lower
Higher
FORGIVENESS
• 8, 9, 10.5 degrees (adjustable hosel)
Least
Most
GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA 29
HOT LIST 2025
P. 30
GOLF DIGEST
The best fairway woods and hybrids embrace a remarkable diversity of shapes, sizes and materials. It’s all in search of providing assistance for elite and average golfers on some of the most intimidating shots they face. But that intimidation might not be what it once was. Lower centres of gravity, hotter clubfaces and more effective sole designs now give a wider range of players confidence that a 200-plus-metre shot off a tight lie or an even tighter driving hole is no cause for panic.
30 GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA
HOT LIST 2025
GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA 31
HOT LIST 2025
OVERALL RATING ★★★★★
CALLAWAY Elyte
PERFORMANCE ★★★★★ INNOVATION ★★★★★ LOOK / SOUND / FEEL ★★★★ ½
GOLD
ELYTE R7 500
• An internal-weighting structure (a 31-gram tungsten bar sits low and forward) reduces spin and allows the lower part of the clubface to flex like the centre. • An AI-driven clubface design optimises launch and spin and increases ball speed. • The sole geometry’s extensive relief on the back half reduces the contact area by almost 60 percent. • Top 5 in Performance, low- and high-handicaps • 15, 16.5, 18, 20, 21, 24, 27 degrees (adjustable hosel on the 15-, 16.5-degree)
AESTHETICS
‘Nice, contrasting colour scheme. The club really performs through the turf, gliding and launching the ball very rapidly on line. From a forgiveness standpoint, it felt like it had
Plain
Elaborate
ACOUSTICS
Quieter
Louder
SENSORY
Softer
Firmer
LAUNCH
Lower
Higher
guardrails.’ – 10-HANDICAP
FORGIVENESS
Least
Most
32 GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA
HOT LIST 2025
ELYTE
R7 500
• The compact shape targets high-skilled players seeking lower spin and launch. • A fixed weight screw lowers the centre of gravity and maintains a neutral ball flight. • A 31-gram tungsten bar positioned low and forward reduces spin and frees up the lower portion of the face to flex with the
same potential ball speed as the centre. • Callaway used AI- driven algorithms to develop a variable- thickness face. • The sole’s stepped design features extensive relief for improved turf interaction. • 15, 18, 21 degrees (adjustable hosel on the 15-degree)
AESTHETICS
Plain
Elaborate
ACOUSTICS
Quieter
Louder
SENSORY
Softer
Firmer
‘Face is hot. Comes right off the club and goes to work. – 6-HANDICAP
LAUNCH
Lower
Higher
FORGIVENESS
Least
Most
ELYTE MAX FAST
R7 500
• The lighter overall weight targets players with moderate swing speeds looking for a higher launch and a draw bias. • A 31-gram tungsten bar positioned low
speed as the centre.
• A high-strength steel-alloy face
AESTHETICS
Plain
Elaborate
insert wraps around the crown and sole to promote faster ball speeds. • A carbon-composite crown lowers the centre of gravity and provides mass for perimeter weighting. • 16, 19, 22, 25 degrees (fixed hosel)
ACOUSTICS
Quieter
Louder
SENSORY
Softer
Firmer
LAUNCH
‘The club basically swings itself. High- launching.’ – 0-HANDICAP
and forward reduces spin and frees up the lower portion of the face to flex with the same potential ball
Lower
Higher
FORGIVENESS
Least
Most
ELYTE X
R7 500
• Slightly larger than the standard model, the Elyte X focuses on forgiveness, higher launch and slice-fighting. • A 31-gram tungsten bar positioned low and forward reduces spin and frees up the lower portion of the face to flex with the same potential ball speed as the centre.
• A high-strength steel face insert wraps around the crown and sole for better overall ball speeds. • Callaway used AI- driven algorithms to develop a variable- thickness face. • Top 5 in Forgiveness, middle-handicaps • 15, 16.5, 18, 21 degrees (adjustable hosel on the 15-, 16.5-degree)
AESTHETICS
Plain
Elaborate
ACOUSTICS
Quieter
Louder
SENSORY
‘As forgiving as my mother. Barely lost any distance and stayed on target.’ – 6-HANDICAP
Softer
Firmer
LAUNCH
Lower
Higher
FORGIVENESS
Least
Most
GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA 33
HOT LIST 2025
OVERALL RATING ★★★★ ½
CALLAWAY Elyte Ti
PERFORMANCE ★★★★ ½ INNOVATION ★★★★ ½ LOOK / SOUND / FEEL ★★★★
GOLD
ELYTE TI R7 500
• The use of multiple materials, including a more resilient titanium clubface, make this Callaway’s lowest-spinning fairway wood. • A 70-gram tungsten bar (more than four times the mass used in last year’s Ai Smoke) is located very low and forward, pushing the centre of gravity lower while allowing the face to flex.
• Adjustable sole
weights boost launch or reduce spin. • Top 5 in Performance, middle-handicaps • 15, 16.5, 18 degrees (eight-way adjustable hosel)
AESTHETICS
‘The sound was titanium-esque; it’s something that you’re used to only on drivers, but why not have titanium in your fairway woods? It’s long and forgiving like a driver but still very workable. An absolute beast.’ – 13-HANDICAP
Plain
Elaborate
ACOUSTICS
Quieter
Louder
SENSORY
Softer
Firmer
LAUNCH
Lower
Higher
FORGIVENESS
Least
Most
34 GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA
HOT LIST 2025
STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD
AVAILABLE NOW
OVERALL RATING ★★★★ ½
COBRA DS-Adapt LS
PERFORMANCE ★★★★ ½ INNOVATION ★★★★ ½ LOOK / SOUND / FEEL ★★★★ ½
GOLD
DS-ADAPT LS R7 000
• The most compact
fairway wood in the company’s lineup, its hot titanium clubface favours better players looking to lower spin.
• Internal tungsten
weighting surrounds the weight ports in the sole, moving the centre of gravity low and forward so that shots launch with less spin. • The adjustable hosel’s 33 settings tweak ball flight low, high, left or right to match player preferences. • Top 5 in Performance, low-handicaps • 14.5, 16, 17 degrees (33-way adjustable hosel)
AESTHETICS
‘A winner in the look at address and the scored silver grooves. Looks powerful and it is. Can reach back and really go at it, and it feels like heaven coming off the face. Trajectory starts out low and driving, then climbs. It’s perfect.’ – 5-HANDICAP
Plain
Elaborate
ACOUSTICS
Quieter
Louder
SENSORY
Softer
Firmer
LAUNCH
Lower
Higher
FORGIVENESS
Least
Most
36 GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA
HOT LIST 2025
OVERALL RATING ★★★★ ½
COBRA DS-Adapt
PERFORMANCE ★★★★ ½ INNOVATION ★★★★ ½ LOOK / SOUND / FEEL ★★★★ ½
GOLD
DS-ADAPT X R7 000
• This mid-size model caters to players looking for lower spin and greater forgiveness. • A carbon-composite crown – the thinnest in the company’s history – lowers the centre of gravity and bolsters the perimeter for greater stability on off- centre hits. • An internal bridge-like weight close to the face and slightly above the sole provides a distance boost through a low, forward centre of gravity. • Top 5 in Sound/Feel, low-handicaps • 15, 16.5, 18, 21 degrees (33-way adjustable hosel)
AESTHETICS
‘Looks great behind the ball, nothing distracting. Felt really smooth through the strike, stable face. Could work it both ways,
Plain
Elaborate
ACOUSTICS
Quieter
Louder
SENSORY
but it wants to fade more than
Softer
Firmer
LAUNCH
draw. Great combo of workability and forgiveness.’ – 14-HANDICAP
Lower
Higher
FORGIVENESS
Least
Most
DS-ADAPT MAX
R7 000
• The largest head in the DS-Adapt lineup favours players looking for forgiveness and slice-correction. • A carbon-composite crown – the thinnest in the company’s history – saves mass that’s relocated low and in the heel. • Two movable sole weights (13 and
three grams) in the heel and centre allow players to favour forgiveness or draw bias.
AESTHETICS
Plain
Elaborate
ACOUSTICS
• The weaker lofts and the 9-wood model are easier to launch for players with only moderate swing speeds. • 15.5, 18.5, 21.5, 24.5
Quieter
Louder
SENSORY
Softer
Firmer
‘Medium launch that rarely changed. Even weak misses rewarded.’ – 9-HANDICAP
LAUNCH
Lower
Higher
FORGIVENESS
degrees (33-way adjustable hosel)
Least
Most
GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA 37
HOT LIST 2025
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