Is the TaylorMade M4 Twist Face Driver Right for You?

The newest TaylorMade M4 Twist Face driver offers golfers:
1. Curvature of face for shots that work back toward center of club face.
2. Large sweet spot for off-center hits.
3. Ability to counteract golfers’ common misses, especially from high toe and low heel impacts.
4. Geocoustic™ engineering–geometry and acoustical engineering for forgiveness and great sound.

When Dustin Johnson won the Sentry Tournament of Champions in Kapalua, Hawaii this January, the TaylorMade M4 Twist Face driver was unveiled and golfers were immediately intrigued. After all, DJ hit 73% of fairways that week and almost made a hole-in-one on the on the 12th hole, a 433-yard par-4!

Just because D.J., a long-hitting PGA Tour pro, used Twist Face with success, does that mean this new golf club can also help lengthen and straighten your drives?

Golf for Beginners tested the new technology and our results are in!

Barry, a mid-handicapper, recently tested both the M3 and M4 drivers during a club fitting at Grande Dunes Golf Performance Center.

Barry decided it was time to replace his well worn TaylorMade R5 driver with a new club, hoping for improved distance and straighter drives. Eleven years is a long time to go without replacing clubs in your bag as cutting-edge technology really can improve an amateur's game.

For Barry, the M4 was the right choice during both quantitative golf club and swing analysis. Twist Face also felt light and comfortable in his hands as he took his swings; Barry said he gained yardage but the most important thing was accuracy and less "military-style" golf.

Here is Barry's assessment of the M4 "D" Twist Face driver:

"In my opinion, the new TaylorMade M3 and M4 Twist Face golf clubs are the first new technology that really works for the amateur golfer.

Twist Face technology does what it was designed to do. It cannot change/fix a poor swing but it definitely tempers the poor result by keeping the ball in play more often.  This leads to lower scores which is something we all want. If you do connect with pure contact, the ball travels farther, picking up yardage you probably did not have with your current driver. Most of all, this driver helps you keep the ball in play which can definitely lower your score."

Barry continued, "The M3 has all kinds of adjustable weights which I don't think I would benefit from so I chose the M4D only after hitting many balls under the guidance of a trained club fitter. I now have the correct shaft and club head. In my opinion, the TaylorMade M4 Twist Face driver is the first new technology in many years that makes sense for the average golfer."

The "D" in the TaylorMade M4 "D" stands for "draw" and is designed to promote a draw for someone who is prone to slicing the ball. According to the TaylorMade website, "M4 D-Type features a two-tone crown cosmetic that has been altered to make the face angle appear more open, resulting in a more closed face at impact. Additionally, 41 grams of weight have been moved heel-ward to deliver draw bias." There is also a massive sweet spot on the club, a term TaylorMade called the "Hammerhead slot", which is supposed to improve distance and forgiveness.

When I play golf with Barry, I notice that he is still getting used to the new TaylorMade M4 D; when he hits the club on the sweet spot, the ball does fly farther and straighter than I have seen when he hit his TaylorMade R5 driver. Barry only plays one 18 hole round per week and, now that the warm weather is upon us, we are going out and playing nine holes during the week. I can see the improvement in his drives so I think the swing assessment and club fitting was right on track - TaylorMade M4 D Twist Face is the right club for him.

There is no better way to purchase a new golf club (or set) than through a club-fitting process. Take the time to be fit for your measurements (Barry's club shaft was shortened by about a half inch) and swing a few different golf clubs before going through the entire process.

Have you tried the TaylorMade M3 or M4 drivers? Tell us what you think in the comments section of this golf blog and on Twitter @Golf4Beginners.

TaylorMade Golf #Rocketballz 3-wood hits the fairway in style and function

After receiving and opening a holiday gift box from TaylorMade Golf at the end of 2011, I must admit that I was simultaneously sad and overjoyed: I was excited to see, feel and swing the TaylorMade #RocketBallz 3-wood which would not hit golf stores until February but dismayed that it was a right-handed golf club. Sadness turned to delight as I realized that this #RocketBallz 3-wood was going to make my husband very, very happy as it became HIS holiday gift!

After a long New York winter staring at the contents of the TaylorMade gift box with one opportunity to test the #RocketBallz 3-wood at a very cold (albeit heated) outdoor driving range (and with the inside of the box taunting him to "strap a Rocket to your Ball"), Barry finally got the opportunity to take his new golf club on a test drive. The same day we received by mail the latest Met Golfer Magazine which featured this particular 3-wood as one of their choices as a "worthy alternative to a driver."

"At 15-degrees and 200cc, this non-adjustable 3-wood is built to give you extra clout to the tune of 17 more yards on average. You may want to seriously replace your driver. A sole slot enhances playability, while a lightweight 50-gram shaft adds speed."

Maybe in the hands of Dustin Johnson, this TaylorMade #Rocketballz 3-wood performs like a driver, but what did an 18-handicapper think?



Here is what Barry Solomon had to say...

"I finally had the opportunity to take my TaylorMade #RocketBallz 3-wood to the golf course.

I was 238 yards from the green after my drive on a par-5; the approach is one on which I always come up short and said, "Why not?" The golf ball exploded off of the club face and there I was, pin high! Our entire foursome looked in amazement. I gained confidence quickly and the RocketBallz 3-wood suddenly became the best club in my bag."

What did Barry like most about the TaylorMade RocketBallz 3-wood?

*I felt like I could do anything with it. It was easy to draw and fade.
*The way it feels in my hands.
*The sound it makes.
*Great new look...very distinctive and recognizable in my golf bag. It's bright and easy to see instead of another black/gray golf club....cool cover too.

Now that Barry has officially replaced his 3-wood with the new TaylorMade Rocketballz fairway wood, he is insisting on a new TaylorMade driver to add even more distance to his game and to complete the set. The saying goes, "drive for show" and with this new golf club in his bag, Barry's not just showing added distance, he also has added accuracy. TaylorMade Golf has Rocketballz for women in a left-handed club, so Barry is going to have to wait...now it's my turn to experience added distance!

What do you think of the new #Rocketballz by TaylorMade Golf?  Voice your opinion on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and friend us on Facebook.


Written by Stacy Solomon

Posted via email from stacysolomon's posterous

Do You Know What's In YOUR #Golf Bag?

Every week, there are lots of websites on what was in the winners golf bag that gave the pro his edge, right down to the snacks that fortified him during his final round of greatness. For example, at The Players Championship, Jason Day carried the following clubs and probably had these refreshments in his bag:

Driver: TaylorMade M1 460 (10.5 degrees, Mitsubishi Rayon KuroKage S TiNi 70X shaft)
3-Wood: TaylorMade M2 HL (16.5 degrees, Mitsubishi Rayon KuroKage S TiNi 80X shaft)
2-Iron: TaylorMade RSi 2 (True Temper Dynamic Gold X7 shaft)
4-9 Irons: TaylorMade RSi TP (True Temper Dynamic Gold X7 shaft)
Pitching Wedge: TaylorMade RSi TP (True Temper Dynamic Gold X7 shaft)
47-Degree Wedge: TaylorMade Tour Preferred EF Tour Grind (True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 shaft)
52-Degree Wedge: TaylorMade Tour Preferred EF ATV Grind (True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 shaft)
60-Degree Wedge: TaylorMade Tour Preferred EF ATV Grind (True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 shaft)
Putter: TaylorMade Ghost Spider (Limited edition Red)
Ball: TaylorMade Tour Preferred X

"I like Cliff bars because they taste good and they’re convenient, and I drink Biosteel performance drinks for the energy," mentioned Day in a previous article about his snack preference.

Yes, I'll bet Jason Day and his caddie know exactly what is placed in the bag...(nothing lurking in a dark corner?) and this week, we ask readers, Do You Know What's In YOUR Golf Bag?

You have probably counted the fourteen golf clubs which are stated as the correct number authorized by the Rules of Golf (fewer clubs are okay but if you have too many, remove them now...) and have toyed with the correct match of clubs for your game but, has your bag gotten heavier and you don't know why? Time to take account, remove the extra baggage and lighten the load!

As PGA.com states, "Just because your awesome new bag has fifty pockets doesn't mean you need to use all of them."

Going through my PGA Tour Superstore golf bag recently, in addition to my set of Ping Karsten Irons, Callaway X2 Hot Driver, Titleist 904F Fairway Woods, two Vokey Spin-Milled Wedges and my Odyssey Two Ball Putter...

I came across two bottles of water stuffed into the cooler pouch (need hydration), an empty sleeve (no where to place the trash at the time and it just fell to the bottom of the bag), cover-up for when it rains, three extra golf gloves (for when one won't do), a huge bag full of tees (including the short, broken ones which are needed for the par-3's, several divot repair tools, brush for my club heads and several snack bars (some a bit crusty) for when the hunger takes over and makes me lose focus.

After cleaning out my golf bag (to some degree), I searched this question on the internet and found several stories confirming my theory that golfers stuff way too much into their bags from toilet paper to suntan lotion, not only weighing down the carrier but probably also upsetting the balance of positive feng shui on the course.

Remove the waste! Carry only what is necessary for that day's round and place the balance of extras into your trunk. If it is going to rain, take an extra pair of gloves and socks. Always bring an energy snack and water as a round is four hours in length. Lifting the weight out of the golf bag will help you find what you really need faster and you will get back to concentrating on what really matters...your game!


What have you found in your golf bag that you didn't realize was there? Let us know in the comments section of this golf blog and on Twitter @Golf4Beginners.

Sabbatini wins Honda Classic with help from TaylorMade?

It is not necessarily because of the TaylorMade R11 white-faced driver that Rory Sabbatini won the PGA Tour Honda Classic but the new golf equipment surely made a positive impact on his game.

 

In addition to the TaylorMade R11 white driver with Adjustable Sole Plate Technology (or ASP), Sabbatini also used Tour Preferred MC forged irons, Burner SuperFast 2.0 TP 3-wood and the TaylorMade Ghost TM 770 tour putter. With this putter, Rory tied for second in the field in putts-per-round!

 

"I've never quite had as much confidence in a new putter as I have in this one. After picking it up last week and hitting a few putts with it, right away it just felt amazing to me. It was probably one of the smartest decisions I've ever made in my golf game," said Sabbatini after his win on the Champion Course at PGA National.

 

Sabbatini changed his golf equipment early in 2011 and has increasingly improved his performance in the last four events he played, including a tie for 5th at the Mayakoba Golf Classic.

 

With his win at the Honda Classic, Sabbatini has skyrocketed by fifty spots to number fifty-two in the World Golf Rankings, enters the top-ten (3rd place) of the FedEx Cup rankings and has also officially grabbed the final spot in the upcoming WGC-Cadillac Championship being held at Doral.

 

So is it the "arrow or the indian"?

 

TaylorMade's 2011 worldwide driver "wins" are at an astounding eight and with Luke Donald, Y.E. Yang and Camilo Villegas also in the field this week, the ninth victory for TaylorMade Golf could be just a swing away.

 

Here are the golf clubs which spurred Rory Sabbatini on to victory at the Honda Classic:

 

In Sabbatini’s Bag

R11 driver 10.5°  

Burner Superfast 2.0 TP fairway 13°

R9 fairway 19° 

Tour Preferred MC, 4-PW 

TP wedge with xFT ZTP 56° and 60°

TaylorMade Ghost TM-770 Tour putter

Penta TP ball

 

 

Image courtesy of TaylorMade Golf

 

Golf for Beginners does not endorse the TaylorMade brand of golf clubs.

 

Voice your opinion on Golf4Beginners on Twitter!

 

Posted via email from stacysolomon's posterous

Oversimplification of new TaylorMade R11 driver?

The "revolutionary" new TaylorMade R11 driver has been oversimplified in its new ad campaign, introducing the golf club with children singing an old Sesame Street tune. Although VP of brand and product marketing Bob Maggiore said the TaylorMade R11 driver's "stunning design, technology and performance clearly set it apart from the competition," it's hard not to think in black and white instead of 1080i.

The new TaylorMade R11 driver head is white, atypical for the most part but that is not what sets it apart. The R11 can be fine-tuned to the user by changing loft, face angle and flight path. This concept was probably too complicated for the masses, especially when attempting to explain it in a TV commercial. Instead, let's sing a song!

Here is TaylorMade missing the boat in an earlier TV commerical, Transported.

I'm not saying that the ad for the R11 isn't "cute" because it is but... I don't want a cute driver and I don't want a golf club that I picture comes as part of a kids set! I want one that sends my golf ball thirty yards longer so that I can't see where it landed but I know that it landed in the middle of the fairway.

From the time I was able to sit up and focus, Sesame Street was one of the programs regularly watched on the family's enormous antiquated TV tube/stereo combo. Imagine how I felt when I heard the old Sesame Street favorite being linked with the new TaylorMade R11 driver!

Perhaps I can show you how I felt right here. Does the TaylorMade R11 driver - Sesame Street connection work for me? I guess it could if Grover or Kermit the Frog were taking a swing!

For more information on the new TaylorMade R11 driver visit TaylorMadeGolf.com.

TaylorMade Golf Consumer Demo Experience for New Burner 2.0 Irons

"Unstoppable 8" Taylor Made Golf Demo Tour Offers Consumers a Unique Opportunity to try Burner 2.0 irons and other TaylorMade Products, Compete in Contests and Win Prizes!

 TaylorMade Golf Company captivated a global audience by unveiling the next-generation Burner 2.0 irons via worldwide webcast on September 9. A month later, TaylorMade Golf is presenting consumers in eight cities across the country with a unique opportunity to experience the performance of the Burner 2.0.



Called the "Unstoppable 8 Tour," each event is designed to offer golfers a venue where they can try for themselves the Burner 2.0 irons as well as other TaylorMade equipment.

"Unstoppable 8" refers to a set of Burner 2.0, eight clubs designed to promote tremendous distance.

"All you need to know about the Burner 2.0 irons is that they're long, really long," said Mike Ferris, vice president of the Burner product category.

"We want to players of all levels with the opportunity to experience it, so we devised the Unstoppable 8 Demo Tour, which is a new way for us to introduce golfers to our products and engaging them with our brand. Each of the eight Unstoppable 8 events is a major production unto itself, and we've devoted a lot of time, effort and resources to ensure that attending an Unstoppable 8 event will be fun, informative and memorable."

Attendees of Unstoppable 8 Demo Tour events will have the opportunity to:

• Try the new Burner 2.0 irons
• Participate in the Unstoppable 8 Demo Challenge
• Meet members of TaylorMade's R&D and Product Development teams – the people responsible for the creation of Burner 2.0
• Win "on-the-spot" prizes
• Enter a sweepstakes to win a set of Burner 2.0 irons and other prizes
• Pre-register at TaylorMadeGolf.com/Burner for a free gift when you attend

The Unstoppable 8 Tour is scheduled to visit eight key Sun Belt markets; the public is invited and admission is free. The date of the first event, October 9 in San Diego, is the day after the Burner 2.0 becomes available at retail nationwide. The complete list of Unstoppable 8 dates and locations:

• October 8 — San Diego, CA — Encinitas Ranch Golf Course
• October 23 — Houston, TX — Golf Advantage School at the Clubs of Kingwood
• November 6 — Palm Springs, CA — Marriott Shadowridge
• November 6 — Orlando, FL — The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club
• November 13 — Phoenix, AZ — TPC Scottsdale
• November 13 — Tampa Bay, FL — Legacy Golf Club
• November 20 — Miami, FL — Doral Resort
• December 5 — West Palm Beach, FL — PGA National Resort & Spa

TaylorMade Burner 2.0 irons say that they are ideal for any player who wants an easy-to-launch, distance-enhancing iron that also offers excellent feel and playability. With the Burner 2.0, TaylorMade has created eight individually engineered irons designed to be even better than their predecessor, the enormously popular first-generation Burner irons.


For more information on the Burner 2.0 irons or the Unstoppable 8 Tour, visit www.taylormadegolf.com/burner. Consumers who pre-register online for the event in their market will receive a free sleeve of Burner golf balls upon arrival to the event!


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Does TaylorMade, Dick's Sporting Goods TV spot help identify their brands?

TaylorMade and Dick's Sporting Goods are joining forces to help sell more product in the nationwide chain of stores. Will this new TV Spot, "Transported", help to develop both companies' "brand"?

If you cannot see this commercial, click here.

As for the tagline "Victory Lives Here", meant to bridge the identity of each campaign, I feel it misses the mark for TaylorMade but works well for Dick's Sporting Goods, a self-proclaimed "leader" in golf club sales.

Although it was mentioned in a PR piece by Michelle Edelman, president of NYCA (the ad company that created the TV Spot) that TaylorMade is "number one in drivers and number one in irons" this point was not convincingly conveyed in the commercial.

Should Rory Sabbatini have been chosen as a TaylorMade 'face'? He is hardly a positive role model. Just search his name on Google and you will find that Sabbatini is called everything from the "tour jackass of the week" to a "complainer". Do I like him? I met him briefly in Puerto Rico and I shall reserve comment.

Women were also left out of the loop. How about some representation by LPGA stars and TaylorMade Tour Staff pros Natalie Gulbis, Paula Creamer or Nicole Castrale? TaylorMade has a women's section on their website and Dick's Sporting Goods certainly sells women's golf clubs so why the lack of visibility?

The 30 second spot, which will appear on The Golf Channel and ESPN, is an enterprising decision between Dick's Sporting Goods Store and TaylorMade Golf but needs a bit more tweaking to ensure long-lasting positive results.

Review: TaylorMade R5 Driver

Hello golfers. My husband Barry went through a big selection process in order to find the driver of his dreams so I asked him how he finally selected the TaylorMade R5 Driver and if he would share it with our audience. It was harrowing, what with the huge selection of drivers, offsets, shafts and all the salespeople that are intent upon selling you golf clubs TODAY!

We hope this might help those of you who are a little intimidated by going shopping a few times and picking the brains of the sales staff at your local store but I promise, when you have done both your homework and tried out a few clubs (making sure you have tried the same golf club more than once), you will appreciate the time and information you spent just to get the right golf club or set of clubs.

And a tip for the ladies out there.

On one hand I wanted to go with Barry to make sure he would get just the driver that he wanted but it was a LONG process and a bit boring. I mean, how many hours can you play with the new putters on tour? At some point even watching golf at the store seems a bit cumbersome. But remember, it's all for your man. Barry really appreciated the fact that I helped him by questioning him and making sure that he wasn't lulling himself into a false sense of security at the store. They have these simulators which can really make you think you're hitting the golf club like a professional. The trouble starts when you get the golf club home and realize it isn't the stick but the golfer behind the stick. The good news is that some of these stores offer return policies. Make sure that you ask about your store's policies before you finalize your purchase.

At this point I'm turning our blog over to Barry. If any of our readers have any questions about how to properly select a golf club that will last you a few years, please feel free to contact us at golfforbeginners@aol.com.

Editorial by: Barry Solomon

Stacy misplaced my original blog on how I purchased my new TaylorMade R5 driver. When I first wrote the article I was very excited about my purchase. It was magic. I drove further and straighter than ever before. That was four months ago. So I guess I should start at the beginning.

I visited my local Golfsmith store because they have two great computerized hitting booths. You see I don't buy new clubs very often and I wanted to be as certain as I could that the club I chose would be best suited for me.

The booth is a great tool. It measures spin rate, ball speed, ball launch angle and much more. I would recommend anyone buying new clubs use a booth to make their purchase.

I spent three hours hitting many different drivers, I narrowed it down to three. The Cleveland Launcher, the TaylorMade R5 Type "N" and the Adams Redline RPM.

I compared all three with similar shafts and tip kick. It became a close race between the Cleveland Launcher and the TaylorMade R5. My final decision was based on the lower spin rate. I purchased the magical R5 with a standard shaft, stiff tip, no offset [neutral] and 9.5 degree of loft (and it's got a 450cc clubhead for that "substantial look that promotes confidence") but the specifications allow for any number of "tweakings" for a proper fit. You can even compare the new R7's to the R5's at TaylorMade's website.

TaylorMade offers a Type "D" (meaning draw) but I can make the ball draw on my own and am not trying to "cure" a slice.

I love my driver. I wow the people in my foursome with 275-300 yard playable drives. Even my bad hits are playable and 250 yards long. But the magic in the club is gone. It's all up me now, and I think I like it that way.

5 Best Golf Drivers for Beginners in 2019 - Part 2

Welcome to part two in the series of five best golf drivers for beginners in 2019, written and researched by father and son team Tony and Paul, creators of Golfer's Authority and the Accuhit golf training aid (bio below).

Where part one of the best golf drivers in 2019 focused on fit, features and what you should consider before purchase, this article discusses the five drivers in detail. Enjoy and let us know your thoughts in the comments section of this golf blog.

Our Favorite Top 5 Drivers for Beginners:

 1. Ping G400 Max

The Ping G400 Max is, supposedly, the most forgiving driver ever created.

Ping truly made a fantastic club that fits a wide variety of swing speeds and characteristics, and is preferred by tour professionals such as Tony Finau and Cameron Champ,

The Ping G400 Max fits swings speeds from 130 mph all the way to 80 mph with a total MOI of over 9900 which is well beyond even the closest rival. The largest profile available and high launch make G400 a standout offering for both players picking up the game of golf and Tour professionals.

 2. Callaway Epic Flash

Callaway has been making waves in the driver category since it introduced Jailbreak technology in its Epic driver in 2017. The Epic Flash utilizes Jailbreak technology with a deeper CG to provide golfers with more ball speeds and improved forgiveness.

The addition of the sliding weight track in the back of the Epic Flash makes it a great option for players looking to save their slice now but adapt their driver as their swing changes.

Already a multi-event winner on professional tours, the Epic Flash is in the bag of the game’s greatest players. Sergio Garcia and Xander Schauffele have made the switch to Epic Flash and we support Callaway’s claim of greatness. 

3. Ping G410 SFT

Ping’s new offering for 2019, the G410 SFT builds on the success of the G400 with improved forgiveness and faster swing speeds through improved aerodynamics. The “Straight-Flight-Technology” introduced in the G410 driver helps golfers correct their slice and prevents lost balls in the trees.

The G410 SFT is the most draw-bias driver Ping has ever produced and offers a higher MOI than previous SFT models. Beginning golfers can improve clubhead speed, get higher launch, and correct their slice with this brand new driver from a trusted brand.

      4. TaylorMade M6

New for 2019, the M6 driver from TaylorMade is pushing the boundaries of speed. By creating a driver that breaks the legal limits of ball speed then slowing it down by injecting tuning resin,

The TaylorMade M6 is offered in both a standard and draw-bias model for golfers who need help with their slice. Twist Face helps golfers with strikes in the heel and toe to hit more fairways by pushing the start line outward. TaylorMade is promising players more ball speeds and players on Tour are beginning to take notice. TaylorMade has innovated Tour-level driver performance for the masses with their new injectable model and golfers of all abilities can be sure they are getting Tour-like treatment with their new club.

Editor's note: Golf for Beginners' Barry Solomon recently was fitted for the TaylorMade M6 and will provide an unbiased review after testing the driver and matching TaylorMade M6 irons).

5. Titleist TS2

The 917D drivers from Titleist were underwhelming at best. The TS2 driver is a departure from traditional; a product of the “Titleist Speed project,” the TS2 offers improved ball speeds and better spin rates for all players.

The most forgiving driver Titleist has ever produced, the TS2 is an outstanding performer for golfers looking for help off of the tee. Titleist combined a faster shape and weight pulled as far back as the rules allow to give golfers longer and more stable drives. Used on Tour by players such as Adam Scott and Cameron Smith, the TS2 is made for every golfer.

Which Driver Is Right for You?

By getting these different drivers into your hands and testing them, you can determine which model is best for you.

Before purchasing, make sure that the club looks great behind the golf ball and that you feel confident swinging your new club. Meet with a professional club fitter who has your best interest in mind and don’t be afraid to ask questions when they hand you different equipment configurations. Ultimately, you will be the best judge of which driver is right for you and what can help you play your best golf.

Golf club manufacturers are constantly pushing the boundaries of golf club equipment and design, but the rules make sure that the onus is placed on the players to deliver their scores. Most importantly, enjoy the club buying process and treat each fitting as if it were a lesson. Go learn about your swing and learn about the golf club technologies that help make this game so great.

About the Author

This was a guest post written by Tony and Paul who are a father and son team who are not only best friends but love the game of golf. They created the Golfers Authority, to provide unbiased reviews, guides, tips, and advice in order to help other players improve their game.

Tony is also the founder and inventor of the Accuhit, one of the most recognized golf training aids in the world. The Accuhit has been recognized by Golfweek, Golf Tips Magazine, Asian Golf Monthly, and many other publications as one of the most cost-effective golf training aids in the market. 

Ping G 400 Attribution: https://ping.com/clubs/drivers/g400-max

Callaway Epic Flash: https://www.callawaygolf.com/golf-clubs/drivers/drivers-2019-epic-flash.html

Ping G 410 SFT Attribution: https://ping.com/clubs/drivers/g410-sft

TaylorMade M6 Attribution: https://www.taylormadegolf.com/M6-Driver/DW-AL197.html

Titleist TS2 Attribution: https://www.titleist.com/golf-clubs/golf-drivers

This article is the opinion of the guest author. Golf for Beginners welcomes opinions but, as we always say, you should seek out a qualified golf professional for further details before you make a purchase.

Can TaylorMade Burner Irons 2.0 Really Add Distance and Improve Your Accuracy?

TaylorMade makes a bold statement: they contend that the new 2.0 Burner Irons will add distance and improve your accuracy and feel on the golf course...but can they?

The TaylorMade Burner 2.0 Irons were "engineered to combine legendary Burner distance plus more feel and playability." The design has been enhanced to be more durable and to resist glare with a "two-toned "Burner Black PVD finish" but that hardly improves a golfer's accuracy.  Let's read on...

Improved Weight Distribution to Optimize Ball Flight in Short-, Middle- and Long-Irons
Weight distribution varies in every Burner 2.0 clubhead to improve long-, middle- and short-iron ball flight. In the long-irons, weight has been shifted toward the back of the head, to promote easy launch, and toward the toe and heel, to promote greater stability and forgiveness. In the middle-irons, weight is distributed more evenly and slightly higher to promote workability while still providing forgiveness. In the short-irons, weight is positioned even higher, to promote a lower, more controllable ball flight, and centered, to promote increased clubhead control. Additionally, the CG in the short-irons is closer to the face, similar to a blade, to increase feel and to promote lower flight.

Yes, improving the ball flight will increase carry and ultimately distance.

Differing Face Thickness in Every Iron to Promote More Speed and Distance in the Long-irons, More Feel and Control in the Short-irons
Every individual Burner 2.0 iron boasts a different face thickness. The thinnest and fastest faces are in the long-irons, with the face in each successive iron growing thicker down through the middle- and short-irons. The thinner face, the higher the COR to promote more ball speed and distance; the thicker the face, the greater the feel.

A thicker face for the shorter irons to promote better feel and thinner face for longer irons to improve distance. The ability to add a few yards and touch from 100 yards and in seems to have been covered by the engineers but consistent solid contact with the golf ball is key...

Progressive Topline Thickness, Improved Multi-Functional Sole and TaylorMade's Renowned Inverted Cone Technology
Toplines in the Burner 2.0 irons are substantial and strong in the long-irons, and grow progressively thinner down through the middle- and short-irons. The multi-functional sole, introduced in the original Burner iron, has been improved by recessing the heel and toe and beveling the rear, all to reduce drag and make it easier to make clean, solid contact. On the rear side of the clubface, TaylorMade's patented Inverted Cone Technology has been reconfigured and sized and positioned strategically in each individual iron to promote faster ball speed on off-center hits for more consistent distance from shot to shot.

Longer, Easier to Hit Long-irons
Burner 2.0 long-irons combine an ultra-thin clubface for higher COR (1.8 mm in the 4-iron) with higher MOI. Relief at the rear of the sole allows the sole to play narrower. All of the above promotes more distance in the Burner 2.0 long-irons while making them significantly easier to hit and more playable.

Improved Vibration-Management System
"Golfers who play the current Burner iron will notice a difference in the sound and feel, which is significantly softer and more satisfying in the Burner 2.0," said Bazzel. "We put in a lot of effort to refine and improve the vibration-management system in the cavity in order to reach our target for sound and feel."

New Flight-Control Shaft Design and "Burner Black" Finish
Burner 2.0 irons are equipped with a new, flight-control shaft design in 85-gram steel or 65-gram graphite for longer, higher long-irons and quick-stopping short-irons that inspire confidence to attack the pin. The Women's Burner 2.0 is equipped with a graphite RE*AX® SuperFast 55-gram shaft.

Bret Wahl, senior director of research and development for irons, wedges and putters states,

"We've succeeded at creating a better-performing iron with the Burner 2.0, which is just as long, easier to play and more refined in its feel and sound. Every Burner 2.0 iron is better than its predecessor and, when compared against the longest, best-selling iron we've ever made, that says something truly significant." 

Where it is evident that TaylorMade has made substantial changes in their Burner Irons the proof still lies in the testing and I suggest that you take more than a few swings before you purchase, although many larger stores will allow you to "test drive" golf clubs for 30 days.

Burner 2.0 irons are offered in four shaft flexes – S, R, M, L. Ladies' flex shafts will be offered in the 5-iron through pitching wedge, attack wedge and sand wedge. The standard Burner 2.0 set includes eight irons offered at a street price of $699 with steel shafts in the irons and $899 with graphite shaft in the irons. Availability begins at retail on Friday, October 8.

Read more golf equipment and travel reviews on Golf for Beginners and follow us on Twitter!

Ultimate Guide -The Best Golf Drivers For Beginners to Seniors

This golf guide of the best golf drivers for beginners to seniors was written by freelance writer Lisa Kent (see bio below) who has a passion for golf and wanted to share it with our readers. She sent this article into Golf for Beginners and we are pleased to present it. 

For golfers who don't want to spend $500 on a new driver, Lisa has included a few models which you can still find on the shelves but won't break the budget. If you are interested in learning more about these golf clubs, there is a wealth of information on the internet which will give you more in-depth information.

Enjoy and feel free to make comments at the bottom of this golf blog and on Twitter @Golf4Beginners.

There is nothing to fear if you are new to golf. There are so many advancements in equipment and teaching methods so learning the game has become much easier. With the wealth of knowledge, gadgets, and equipment on the market, it should be easier to improve in a short period of time than, say, twenty years ago.

Choosing the best golf driver for beginners and seniors is extremely vital to proceed in the game and that is what we will be focusing on in this guide.

Here are some of the top golf drivers for beginners.

• Callaway Epic Drivers: Starting in 2017, features included Jailbreak Technology which offered amazing stability and flexibility. Epic Flash technology (computer AI learning) offers a more powerful impact through the ball improving forgiveness from off-center hits.
• Callaway Men's XR 16: For mid and high handicappers, beginners and seniors alike, this is said to be the most forgiving driver. The club head shape is large and it is more aerodynamic.

READ: The Driver That Inspires Confidence to Tee Up

• TaylorMade M6 driver: Everyone now knows the term "Twistface" thanks to TaylorMade. A safe choice for off-center hits., the M6 offers a huge sweet spot, good the slicers. It is very forgiving with a great distance.
• Cobra Men's Fly Z: It is an impressive driver for newbie and intermediates. It offers a secure feeling while holding. It has an adjustable loft and the SmartPad Technology helps to customize trajectory even when you are sure about the performance. Adjust the center of gravity zone and you will get better balance and a big moment of impact.

• PREVIOUSLY OWNED DRIVERS: TaylorMade M Class Driver: The golf club which seems perfect in almost every category is the TaylorMade M1 Driver. It is considered to be the best regarding distance and it is quite forgiving as well. There are many adjustability options as well. The composite head is very light and it moves the center of gravity low and back to get that penetrating ball flight along with a low spin even u miss some hits.

Golf Drivers For Seniors:

• There are many factors which manufacturers have considered when designing the drivers for senior players. They have considered better aerodynamics, sweet spots, etc. Following ones are the best golf drivers for seniors:
• Titleist 915 D2 9.5 Graphite Stiff Driver: The optimum launch angle produces low spin that is good for seniors that have a slow swing speed. It is the longest driver for seniors and works on Active Recoil Channel (ARC) technology which causes the bottom of the face to flex and connects with the ball. It improves energy transfer. It is ultra forgiving, offers great control and hits straight consistently.
• TaylorMade SLDR Golf Driver: It offers a good amount of adjustability because of Loft-sleeve technology. It offers superb forgiveness and a very slow spin rate. As a senior golfer, you can have more weight on the grip end rather than on the driver end.
• PING G25 Graphite Regular Driver: It is a real treat for seniors. You can customize the loft setting easily and achieve a perfect launch for swing speed. It will maximize the distance off the tee. It has a well-designed shaft, good carry, roll and you can achieve consistency accuracy as well. It is also considered amongst the best golf clubs for seniors.
• Callaway Men’s XR Driver: Allows seniors to strike the ball with more consistency. It offers a good combination of distance and accuracy. The face weight is reduced by ten percent and enhances energy transfer.
• Cleveland 588 Altitude Driver: Ideal for ultralight performance. You can swing a bit faster. It lacks adjustable weights and offers a solid feel. It is slightly less forgiving than other drivers and great for those who do not like to fiddle around with adjustable hostels and weights.

BIO: Lisa Kent is an Independent Teacher, Freelance Writer, Conservationist, Eco-Friendly Environment Crusader. Writer at — http://ezinestack.com/. She has been writing since 2014 and sharing information on various topics. An avid reader and outreach expert.



Golf for Beginners does not agree or disagree with this golf article - we are just allowing a golf freelance writer to voice her opinion. Opinions do not reflect the ideas of the staff of GFB and we are not responsible if you go out and purchase a driver and it doesn't do what it is said to do. The claims are that of the manufacturer and of the writer who is a guest writer on our blog. You are free to comment in the space provided below.

Are TaylorMade and Callaway making conventional golf clubs a thing of the past? Also, techniques to improve ball striking and course management

Click here to listen.

The new ruling handed down by the USGA allowing golfers to interchange shafts and clubheads prior to a game depending on course (and human) conditions have clubmakers Callaway and TaylorMade quickly putting out new technology.

Callaway's I-MIX adjustable FT-5 driver and TaylorMade's Tour Van in a Box interchange shafts and clubheads with the golfer optimizing the driver to his or her own comfort level. For example, as Jeff Colton, Sr. VP of Research and Design for Callaway states, "if they're feeling a little weak that morning, play a lighter shaft, or if it's been raining that week, drop some loft on a clubhead using your normal shaft."

I say, "Huh?"

Am I the type of person who will constantly interchange shafts and heads depending on if I'm hitting a fade or draw that day? I can't even hit a fade or draw on purpose most days and am extremely happy when my drive propels 200 yards straight down the fairway.


Callaway I-MIX Interchangeable golf clubs


Adding or subtracting weights or switching out heads with Callaway's "revolutionary system" doesn't suit the average amateur golfer but would be an innovation for club fitters and for those low handicappers who wish to "tweak" their club.

Unfortunately, the average golfer needs more tweaking with their swing and should send a message to these clubmakers that, for $350 for a driver head and yet another $350 to be shelled out for the interchangeable driver shaft, this marketing strategy will be a dud.


TaylorMade Tour Van in a Box



Manufacturers at the PGA Show forum lauded the new club innovation stating that the next step are the ability to change grip, loft, lie and bounce. Golf Channel's Chief Technical Advisor, Frank Thomas advises that, "the USGA is opening a can of worms that will soon get out of hand and be difficult to monitor."

This week, Golf for Beginners discusses the pros and cons of this new convertible technology and it's impact on the masses.

We also offer up a few easy drills and golf tips designed to improve ball striking. Jim Flick's discussion about "risk-reward" taken from Golf Digest Magazine is also analyzed. Sam Snead shaved strokes off of his game by using this technique and we show you how in our weekly golf podcast!


Send your golf questions and comments to golfforbeginners@aol.com.

Subscribe to our weekly podcast through this RSS feed:http://feeds.feedburner.com/golfforbeginners or through iTunes.

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"Shiny Tech" courtesy of Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)"

This podcast is supported by Myrtle Beach Golf and Florida Golf Travel.

Putters for Golf Beginners from Darts to the Fat Lady

Golf for Beginners has examined the best drivers, hybrids and irons for newer players but it is the putter, aka the flat stick, that can shave the most strokes from your scorecard. Many websites have placed these mighty clubs in the hands of amateur golfers and, with that in mind, we have shortened that list to three putters we believe to be more effective for a newbie.

What constitutes a good putter for a beginner golfer?

There are flat blades, mallets with high MOI and hybrids with companies from boutique (Axis 1) to large (Titleist, Odyssey and Cleveland) touting that their putter is the easiest to use. You will also hear some players say to try a variety and buy the putter that just "feels right."

Confusing? You bet!

A good beginner putter should be weighted so that it feels as if it swings freely in your hands - balanced...in other words, you should not have to grip it tightly nor guide it back and through.


Listed below are a few of our game improvement putter picks for golf beginners:

1. Odyssey line of putters - The Two-Ball putter is a personal favorite of mine and I have tried many putters! The Odyssey Two-Ball series gives me the line of sight that I need to look over the golf ball, balance, aim and shoot with confidence.

For an updated version, Odyssey has come out with the White Hot Pro D.A.R.T. putter (Direction And Realignment Technology) - "golfers will focus their eyes on the three white lines (which look like the fins of dart) making sure all three point to the center of the ball."

Speaking of confidence, keep this word handy in your golf dictionary at all times: putting is built on your certainty of getting that tiny ball in the hole in the least number of strokes.


2. Bobby Grace AMG Fat Lady Putter - The fat lady sings quite well from within five feet, as stated by testers in Golf Magazine's Hot List. Having problems with straight back-straight through shots? Beginners have found this putter to be "automatic" on short putts.



3. TaylorMade White Smoke Big Fontana - An easy-to-aim mallet with a new design for TaylorMade based on a study which revealed that "65% of golfers fail to square the putter-face to the target from twelve feet." Smooth feel when pushing the ball to its target.

As a side note, Golf for Beginners reviewed the Taylor Made Rossa Corza Putter in the past and happened to notice it on or near the top of several lists of top putters for beginners (Leaderboard golf for example) so, if you happen to find one and can try it, keep in mind as well.


Which putter do you currently have in your golf bag?

Voice your opinion on our Golf for Beginners blog, on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and Like us on Facebook.


This is a subjective list of putters. Golf for Beginners makes no claims that any of these putters will help your game and lower your handicap.

Golf for Beginners Top 2018 Blogs

From golf club reviews to golf tips and training aids, Golf for Beginners' top blogs of 2018 prove that players are interested in learning more about how to improve their games! In one of the final golf blogs of 2018, we list a few of your favorites!

Is the TaylorMade M4 Twist Face Driver Right for You?
A review of one of the top golf clubs of the year, used by Dustin Johnson and now by my husband Barry, the TaylorMade M4 Twist Face driver delivers both accuracy and distance with its new technology.


Golf Courses Around Myrtle Beach Great for Beginners and High Handicappers:
If you are planning a Myrtle Beach golf vacation in 2019 and you are ...., this blog will give you the lowdown on a few of the nicest golf courses along the Grand Strand, listed by location.


Why All Golfers Need to Attend Demo Days:
Walking through the local PGA Tour Superstore is certainly fun but, just like ladies enjoy shopping at a jewelry store, buying golf clubs can put a sparkle in your eyes. Don't let that wide-eyed enthusiasm have you reaching for your credit card. Instead, consider waiting for the demo days of spring to make your next purchase - read the article to learn why!


The INPUTT Golf Training Aid Review:
Putting is said by many to be the most important part of your game, so why not use a training aid to improve your speed and line? See if this training aid is right for you.


Golf for Beginners thanks all of our readers for your continued support with best wishes for a safe and Happy New Year. Follow us and tweet with us on Twitter @Golf4Beginners.