August 5, 2015 – Since its launch late last year, we haven’t stopped talking about it and how good it is. The TaylorMade Golf R15 driver has received the highest ratings in 2015 Golf Digest Hot List, and has become a best seller, in addition to being No. 1 in the Tour and, in fact, in the world! We see it in the hands of golf stars like Justin Rose, Dustin Johnson, Sergio Garcia, Jason Day, Paula Creamer and many others who play without a signing.

And at MyGolfWay.com it’s time to try it out. We did the same in its day with the SLDR, a magnificent performance model that has been surpassed this year by the greater technological integration, the superb results, the better finish and the range of performance benefits of #MadeofGreatness R15.

In the R15 driver we find again the philosophy of the low and forward centre of gravity, seeking reduced spin to go further in distance. And the white crown provides visual contrast with the black face and green ground, although you can choose the black option if you don’t like radical changes. As for the aesthetic at the stance, the graphics of the crown are subtle, but they work.

What really catches your eye is in the sole. The single sliding weight of the SLDR has become two, in a more refined and deep front track. This is 12mm closer to the edge, so it works like the Speed ​​Pocket, which until now had only been developed in the irons and fairway woods. Thus, 75% of the total mass of the driver is now low and forward.

As a result, the R15 makes it much easier to get the golf ball into the air and make it fly, something which the higher handicaps will appreciate at once. In summary, it offers a high degree of forgiveness and a better flight with less effort for every kind of golfer. Regarding the feel and sound, you can tell that TaylorMade has really worked on these to make us feel comfortable with the club in our hands.

The two sliding weights of the sole also produce a noticeable difference. When the two weights of 12,5g are in the middle at the neutral position, a much more solid strike is produced, as you are putting more mass behind the golf ball, which should give you more straight distance. You can slide both pieces to the draw or fade position to achieve the maximum desired effect, or put each one at the end if what you are looking for is maximum forgiveness, or even combine them.

You have up to 21 possible choices, so you can tune the centre of gravity to get exactly the right balance of weight from toe to heel for your kind of stroke. And bear in mind that its adjustable hosel allows you to modify the loft up to +/- 2°. So, plenty of options, and easy to set up with a single wrench, which is what allows you to set the best R15 for yourself.

At El Vallés Golf (Barcelona, Spain) we met with the pro Daniel Sanchez and two amateurs, a low handicap and a medium handicap to test it themselves. These are their impressions:

Daniel Sánchez: Pro. Age: 40. Years playing: 30. Golf course: RCG El Prat Golf and El Vallés Golf. Current Driver: Ping i20.

“I would have to try it with my 8º loft and my stiff shaft, but the golf ball goes with a very good height. I like its ability to be customized for every player. I prefer the driver with a black club head, but white is fine for me. I hit a ball very straight in all shots, even when I tried an off-centre hit. I think it is appropriate for the medium and good amateur golfer, although anyone can play it.”

Xavier Serra: Handicap 5. Age: 19. Years playing: 3. Golf course: El Vallés Golf. Current Driver: Titleist 905

“I like the white head. The impact is very easy for me. If I had to find a fault I’d say the face seems too large to me. Aimed at all golfers.”

Joan Martínez: Handicap 20.4. Age: 37. Years playing: 4. Golf course: El Vallés Golf. Current Driver: Cleveland Classic.

“What I like most is the feel of the R15 on the hit, the sound, and the forgiveness of off-centre shots. And what I like least, the silhouette is a little too big for me. Probably I would prefer it in black. Aimed at all golfers.”

TAYLORMADE R15 DRIVER

• Club reviewed: Driver settings, 12º loft, Neutral, Fujikura Speeder 57 Evolution graphite shaft, R flex.
• Testers: Daniel Sánchez, Xavier Serra, Joan Martínez.

DESIGN	[rating: level=”4″]
DISTANCE	[rating: level=”5″]
ACCURACY	[rating: level=”4.5″]
FORGIVENESS	[rating: level=”5″]
FEELING	[rating: level=”5″]
OPTIONS	[rating: level=”5″]
VALUE	[rating: level=”3.5″]
FOR…	All Handicaps
AVERAGE	[rating: level=”4.5″]

 The inventor of the adjustable driver has managed to integrate all its innovation and technology in a driver, creating the best of the best. Power, low spin, forgiveness, height, straight, distance, ease of fit … An intelligent driver that makes you a better golfer.

 The white crown still means, for many, a break from the traditional grey/black, and may appear a bigger club head than standard. And the adjustability takes a bit of time for those in a hurry. Its price is worth it, but not within everyone’s budget.

TECHNICAL FEATURES

• Loft: 9.5º, 10.5º, 12º y 14º. Lie: 57º-61º. Volume: 460 cc. Lenght: 45.5”. Swingweight: D4. Left handed: Yes. Women: Yes (lenght 44.5”, Swingweight D0). Shaft: Fujikura Speeder Evolution (S, R, M); Fujikura Speeder 661 Evolution TS (X, S, R). Grip: Lamkin UTx.
• Centre of Gravity (CG) lower and more forward to promote higher launch and lower spin.
• Front Track system performs like a Speed Pocket, reduces spin and increases size of sweet spot.
• Sliding split weights: heel for draw, toe for fade, split for maximum stability (12,5g each / 25g total).
• 4º loft sleeve for greater loft adjustability and opportunity to dial in your launch conditions.
• Beautifully sculpted pear shape with larger footprint and new satin white finish (also available in black).
• Fujikura Speeder 57 Evolution shaft, Lamkin UTx grip.
• R15 TP available in the Speeder 661 Evolution Tour Spec and new Lamkin UTx grip.
• Several aftermarket shafts and grips available to customize your R15.
• Employs proven TaylorMade metalwood technologies that have been newly optimized (ICT, Thick Thin, moveable weight, loft sleeve).
• RRP: 479 €.