TOP 5 DRIVERS OVER £350
Callaway GBB Epic £469 I www.callawaygolf.com
Our verdict: There’s no doubt Callaway has hit on something with their new Jailbreak tech. All three testers saw some impressive numbers from the Epic. And we don’t think you’ll find a better sounding driver in 2017 – muted, yet powerful.
Lofts: 9°, 10.5°, 13.5° Stock shafts: Aldila Rogue Max, Project X HZRDUS T800, Fujikura Pro Green, Diamana Adjustable hosel: Yes
Callaway GBB Epic Sub Zero £469 I www.callawaygolf.com
Our verdict: If you’ve thought “Sub Zero” CG drivers are just for hard hitters, think again. Our amateur testers saw slightly better results with the SZ over Epic. If you’ve the club speed to launch it, you can seriously benefit from the extra forgiveness.
Lofts: 9°, 10.5° Stock shafts: Aldila Rogue MAX, Project X HZRDUS, Fujikura Pro Green Adjustable hosel: Yes How much loft change: -1° / +2°
Mizuno JPX900 £399 I Golf.mizunoeurope.com
Our verdict: The JPX900 is by some way the best driver Mizuno has ever made. Yes, it has so many different settings you’ll need a physics degree to set it up correctly. But take the time with a fitter to dial it in; the JPX900 is seriously good.
Lofts: 7.5°-11.5° Stock shaft: Fujikura Speeder Evolution 2 (custom fit shafts at no extra cost) Adjustable hosel: Yes How much loft change: 8 settings
Taylormade M1 £479 I www.taylormadegolf.com
Our verdict: For our consistent pro, it was his longest driver of 2017. His repeatable swing delivered an average 171mph of ball speed and a 300-yard average carry; 5mph faster and 14 yards longer than his test average.
Lofts: 8.5°, 9.5°, 10.5°, 12° Stock shaft: Project X HZRDUS / Fujikura Pro XLR8 / Mitsubishi Kuro Kage & 30+ options Adjustable hosel: Yes
Titleist 917 D2 £450 I www.titleist.co.uk
Our verdict: You can’t fault the D2, it’s a really solid driver. Some will say it lacks the “wow factor”, and its head shape is pretty wide. But as long as you get fitted it’s more than capable. A range of premium shafts at no extra charge is fantastic.
Lofts: 8.5°, 9.5°, 10.5°, 12° Stock shafts: Aldila Rogue Max / Fujikura Speeder Pro / Mitsubishi Diamana Adjustable hosel: Yes