Let’s talk about the history of the golf driver. So much has changed in the past few decades, and some of what we’ve seen in the past could help us understand what to expect from the next generation of clubs.
The Early Days: From Persimmon to Steel
Thirty years ago might not seem like a long time for some of us, but when it comes to golf clubs, particularly the driver, it was a completely different era.
Just forty years ago, golfers were still using wooden woods, known as persimmons. This all changed in the 1980s when TaylorMade introduced the steel driver, marking a significant innovation in golf equipment that would, however, only last about a decade.
The Rise of Titanium
Steel was soon replaced by titanium about thirty years ago, ushering in an era of some of the largest drivers we’ve ever seen. Iconic clubs such as the Great Big Bertha, TaylorMade Ti Bubble 2 (which has a modern equivalent), and Ping ISI capitalized on this material, and millions of drivers were sold worldwide. Today, titanium remains a staple in driver design, but manufacturers are now integrating more carbon fiber into their designs to further optimize weight distribution.
Just getting started? Check out our guide to common golf driver mistakes for beginners.
Modern Technology and Optimization
Modern golf driver technology is no longer solely about having the lightest club possible. It’s about achieving an optimal balance of weight that enhances your swing performance. Thirty years ago, the goal was to have the biggest and lightest driver, which allowed for faster swing speeds and a larger sweet spot.
However, this often came at the cost of control over the ball’s flight path. Today, we understand the importance of finding a sweet spot between weight, forgiveness, and control, which explains why driver sizes haven’t significantly decreased from their predecessors.
TaylorMade Golf has certainly contributed to the history of the sport. Here are the seven best TaylorMade drivers currently available.
Innovations Under the Hood
A lot of innovation happens under the hood of today’s drivers to improve the sweet spot’s performance and increase launch angles. Modern drivers feature advanced technologies that make them significantly more effective than those available three decades ago. Looking back, the drivers of the past now seem like relics compared to today’s cutting-edge models.
The Future of Golf Drivers
We should be grateful for the advancements in golf technology, as today’s drivers make the game more accessible and enjoyable for players of all skill levels. Whether you’re a weekend golfer or an aspiring pro, the evolution of the golf driver over the past thirty years has undoubtedly transformed the way we play the game.
Want to keep reading? Check out our article on golf etiquette.
Clint is PGA-certified and was a Head Teaching Professional at one of Toronto's busiest golf academies. He was also featured on Canada's National Golf TV program, "Score Golf Canada," twice. He graduated with a degree in Golf Management from the College of the Desert in California and studied under Callaway's co-founder, Tony Manzoni. He has a handicap index of 6.2 and spends the winters near Oaxaca, Mexico, where he plays twice a month at the Club de Golf Vista Hermosa. He's written over 100 articles at GolfSpan since 2021. You can connect with Clint at LinkedIn, FB, his website, or Clintcpga@gmail.com.
