Golf Monthly Verdict

A hint of the Darth Vaders here visually! Weighty, but didn't lead to the same heavy contact in the sand as some. Playable with confidence from all kinds of lie.

Why you can trust Golf Monthly Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

By Neil Tappin

published 20 May 2008

Forged from mild carbon steel with rear “trapezoid” muscle design. Rich, dark satin finish with matt face and top edge. A long hosel raises club's centre of gravity, pushing more weightfurther up the head. Together with U-grooves this should increase spin rates for more control. Sole is cut away slightly in heel and toe for greater versatility and playability.

In July 2023, Neil became just the 9th editor in Golf Monthly's 112-year history. Originally working with the best coaches in the UK to produce instruction content, he has also presented many Golf Monthly videos looking at all areas of the game from Tour player interviews to the rules of golf.

Throughout his time with the brand he has also covered equipment launches that date back well over a decade. He clearly remembers the launch of the Callaway and Nike square drivers as well as the white TaylorMade driver families, such as the RocketBallz! If you take a look at the Golf Monthly YouTube channel, you'll see his equipment videos dating back over a decade! He has also conducted 'What's In The Bag' interviews with many of the game's best players like Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson and Jon Rahm. Over the years, Neil has tested a vast array of products in each category and at drastically different price-points.

Neil is currently playing: Driver: TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus Fairway Wood: Titleist TSR2 Hybrid: Titleist TS3 Irons (4-9): Mizuno JPX 919 Forged Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM7 46˚, 50˚, 54˚, 60˚ Putter: Odyssey Triple Track Ten Ball: Titleist Pro V1X

Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter