The Green Fee I have spent a ton of time around new clubs over the last few weeks. ITs had me thinking about what is truly the best and most influential clubs of all time. Were going to start with Driver and work our way through some really cool stuff
5. PING G20
Call me crazy but this club was one of the most popular of its time and its still in a bunch of peoples bag. It was high launch and high spin but that just meant further and straighter shots for most people. It showed the industry that players wanted to hit the ball straight but were also willing to give up a couple of yards to do it. The Bubba Watson pink version is one of the most iconic drivers on tour possibly ever.
4. Callaway Epic Flash
I know when you think of iconic and influential drivers this one probably doesnt come to your mind. That being said it ushered in a new era in golf. This was the first one to use use A.I. They used the super computer help design the face to optimize ball speeds across the face. Something I think is pretty cool and I am pretty sure we will see A.I. get used more and more throughout the years and we will look back and remember the Epic Flash as the one to get us started.
3. Taylormade R7
The first driver to really give us adjustable weights. While adjustable weights arent as big as they were they are still on almost every driver available. It really allowed fitters to fine tune their fits and also allowed players to make adjustments if their swing changes. Before the R7 we knew weight was important but we really got an appreciation for just how important it was .Golfers started thinking about and tinkering with our drivers a little more when the R7 was released.
2. Taylormade R9
The first driver to give us an adjustable hosel. Now we see them on every.single.driver. I said with the R7 that the weights allowed fitters to dial ball flight in. The R9 took it to the next level. You could have a guy who could be hitting the ball left and if the weights were not enough you could give him a higher loft lower the loft with the adjustment sleeve which get the loft down while also opening the face. At that point fitting was really gaining ground on the industry. This allowed guys to get a “tour like” fit. Tour players were able to get heads that sat more open at a loft that worked for them and this gave us normal guys the same benefit!
1. Callaway Great Big Bertha
This one shouldnt come as a shock to anyone. It wasnt the first metal driver but it was the final nail in the coffin for the persimmon wood. While I was barely alive when it was released but everyone ive ever talked to about it said it amazed them how big it was. It began an arms race to see who could make a bigger driver. It also made larger drivers acceptable. The distance and forgiveness changed the day these released. The game hasnt been the same since