Callaway Great Big Bertha Driver Review

Our verdict on the 2015 Callaway Great Big Bertha driver, a model with loft, lie and shot shape adjustability and a hot clubface for more distance

Callaway Great Big Bertha Driver Review
Callaway Great Big Bertha driver
Golf Monthly Verdict

Golfers can easily reduce the impact of their miss with the adjustability on offer and with the confidence-inspiring look at address, your driving should improve if it's in your bag.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Feels effortless to swing fast

  • +

    Explosive feel off the clubface

  • +

    Variety of adjustability should lead to more yardage

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    The length of the stock shafts and light feel in the head may reduce accuracy for some

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Key technology
A light, fast and stable chassis generates more clubhead speed through aerodynamics and a wide range of weight classes to suit every swing type, from 295g to 325g, thanks to the 12 stock shaft options. Next generation R-MOTO technology makes the driver more forgiving and leads to faster ball speeds on different strike points across the face. The 10g sliding weight first seen on the 2013 Big Bertha driver has also been included, helping golfers alter their ball flight and control dispersion while maintaining forgiveness.

Will suit
Players of different skill levels who require distance and forgiveness in equal measure off the tee.

GM verdict
Callaway has certainly justified the return of the popular Great Big Bertha driver with this new model for 2015. The first thing that strikes you is the sole cosmetics – almost futuristic in design they offer bundles of shelf appeal. The matte-black crown and silver face is a classy combination that will help golfers align the clubface.

It feels lightweight and easy to swing, thanks to a reduction in head and shaft weight, offering a consistent flight from start to finish on well-struck shots. The feel at impact is fast and powerful and the sliding weight is a simple and effective way of negating or reducing tendencies and maximising distance and accuracy in the process.

Distance-wise it’s up there with the rest and the extra draw bias capability, aided by the option of an upright lie angle, will be welcomed by those who miss to the right. In fact, there are an abundance of settings both on the sole and hosel to help improve your accuracy while letting the technology in the head take care of the distance.

The ball flight is towering will the ball appearing to stay in the air for an eternity. The hot feel from the sweetspot leaves you keen to reach another par four or five and have another hit with it.

 

Joel Tadman
Technical Editor

Joel has worked in the golf industry for over 12 years covering both instruction and more recently equipment. He now oversees all product content here at Golf Monthly, managing a team of talented and passionate writers and presenters in delivering the most thorough and accurate reviews, buying advice, comparisons and deals to help the reader find exactly what they are looking for. So whether it's the latest driver, irons, putter or laser rangefinder, Joel has his finger on the pulse keeping up to date with the latest releases in golf. He is also responsible for all content on irons and golf tech, including distance measuring devices and launch monitors.


One of his career highlights came when covering the 2012 Masters he got to play the sacred Augusta National course on the Monday after the tournament concluded, shooting a respectable 86 with just one par and four birdies. To date, his best ever round of golf is a 5-under 67 back in 2011. He currently plays his golf at Burghley Park Golf Club in Stamford, Lincs, with a handicap index of 3.2.


Joel's current What's In The Bag? 

Driver: Titleist TSR3, 9° 

Fairway wood: Titleist TSR3, 15° 

Hybrid: Titleist TSi2, 18° 

Irons: Ping i230 4-UW

Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM8, 54°. Titleist Vokey SM9 60° lob wedge, K Grind

Putter: Evnroll ER2V 

Ball: 2023 Titleist Pro V1x