Mini drivers aren’t replacing traditional drivers, but they are changing the way PGA TOUR pros approach specific courses. For most players, they’re a situational weapon. A club that blends driver-like distance with the shot-shaping and control of a 3-wood. Typically, the 3-wood comes out of the bag, not the driver, when a mini driver goes in. Here are some golfers on Tour using the mini driver in 2025.
Callaway
The Paradym Ai Smoke Ti 340 (13.5°) has been showing up in Tour pros’ bags for the last few years. Erik Van Rooyen has had it in place since early 2025. Min Woo Lee, Akshay Bhatia and Max Greyserman are also known to take it in and out of the play depending on the course setup.
PXG
PXG has officially joined the mini driver space with the release of the Secret Weapon Mini Driver. With a 300cc head, 13° loft, and a 43.75-inch shaft, it’s built for players who want more control off the tee without giving up too much distance. The club features PXG’s signature adjustable weighting system and a tighter leading edge, making it playable off the turf.
- Jake Knapp has put the Secret Weapon in play on Tour, and several other PXG players rotate it in depending on course setup:
- Ryan McCormick
- Eric Cole
- Mason Andersen
- Chad Ramey
- Patrick Cover
Titleist
Titleist’s GT280 Mini Driver is their first official entry into the mini driver category. With a compact 280cc head and 13° loft, it’s built for players who want more control than a driver and more distance than a 3-wood. These golfers have the GT280 Mini coming in and out of the bag depending on the day.
- Anders Albertson
- Jackson Suber
- Ricky Castillo
- Keith Mitchell
- Cameron Young
- Rafael Campos
- Lanto Griffin
- Thomas Rosenmueller
- J.T. Poston
- Bronson Burgoon
- Webb Simpson
- Preston Summerhays
- Danny Walker
- Bud Cauley
- Mac Meissner
TaylorMade
TaylorMade’s BRNR Mini Driver is the club that reignited the mini driver trend on Tour. Originally released in 2023 and updated since, the BRNR blends retro looks with modern performance, and it’s become a trusted option for players who want more control off the tee without giving up distance. TaylorMade also has the R7 Quad Mini Driver. These players have been seen with TaylorMade mini drivers in their bag:
- Tommy Fleetwood
- Jacob Bridgeman
- Karl Vilips
- Garrick Higgo
Do you need one?
Mini drivers are designed to give you a middle ground between a driver and a fairway wood, and for many players, that’s exactly what’s missing.
- Easier to control than a driver: With a slightly shorter shaft and smaller head, mini drivers are more manageable off the tee.
- More versatile than a driver: On tight holes or courses where accuracy matters more than raw distance, mini drivers can give you a reliable option off the tee without the risk of a big miss.
- Very little distance loss (When hit well): While mini drivers don’t quite match drivers in max distance, many players see only a small drop-off, especially when contact is solid.
Final thoughts
Mini drivers aren’t replacing drivers. They’re giving golfers a smarter option when the driver is a little unreliable and the 3-wood feels like it’s not brining enough value. Tour players are finding a reason to put them in the bag, have you yet?
John
1 year ago
So I’m on a tight budget and I really wanted a mini driver struggling with the big stick. I was recently in Goodwill when I spotted an old 10.5 Taylormade Burner driver. The head looks smaller than a mini driver head, so for $4.50 I picked it up. I’m playing onThursday, can’t wait to hit it.