Looking at a new Driver in 2023? Here's what you need to know!
Cobra
Last year we saw the release of the LTDx, standing for Longest Total Distance, which was definitely something to be excited about. Cobra's 2023 release of the AeroJet promises to be the same! We got our first look at the AeroJet driver in last month's Houston Open, with Gary Woodland opting to put the new driver in his bag. Woodland is a Wilson Golf representative, however, his contract states he only has to use 10 Wilson branded clubs in his bag, giving him some freedom to test the market with his woods. After testing all the top brands, he has settled on a 6.5 degree AeroJet Driver and 13.5 degree 3 wood. “The driver needs to feel good, and this one does. But the numbers on the misses were tight as well. It hits my launch window with the ideal shot shape. It did a lot of things I need it to do" said Woodland.
The AeroJet driver range will include a standard, Low Spin and Max model, suiting golfers of all abilities.
Callaway
Callaway recently announced the exciting launch of their 2023 Great Big Bertha, with clubs set to be available by the end of the year. The main point of difference in this club is their new Triaxial carbon crown partnered with a forged carbon sole plate, this helps to maintain MOI and forgiveness without having to make the club head too heavy, for more info on the 2023 Great Big Bertha, click here to see one of our previous articles.
More exciting news for those who like the Callaway hardware, we have heard on good authority that a new line of woods and irons will be released in early 2023, replacing the popular Mavrik series, stay tuned for more info in the coming weeks!
Mizuno
The USGA conforming list has also given us an insight into what we can expect to see in the new range of Mizuno woods. After a successful year with the release of the Mizuno Pro irons to a global market, after previously being exclusively available in Japan, we are looking forward to more exciting advancements from Mizuno!
Their new line of woods will include the ST-X 230, ST-Z 230 and the ST-X 230 PLTNM, with the latter only being available in a right-handed model. The ST-Z is a neutral driver while the ST-X has more weight placed in the heel and back of the head, suiting a draw shape off the face. The new PLTNM model is something we haven't seen before from Mizuno, and appears to be offering a whole new set of technology to the market. It looks as though it is a lighter head, best suited for lower swing speed golfers to help maximise their distance.
Ping
We have had a good glimpse at what is to come in 2023 for Ping, with their G430 range having been announced last month. The G430 line-up follows a similar structure to previous Ping families, with a MAX, LST (Low Spin Technology) and SFT (Straight Flight Technology) model, catering for a wide variety of golfers. We got our first look at the G430 range back in October with the Tour Pros using them at the Shriners Children's Open.
Ping have introduced their new Carbonfly Wrap technology in this range to help maximise speed and power without sacrificing forgiveness.
"Our approach with G430 has been to find more speed and deliver it in a way that contributes to lower scores and more enjoyment on the course. That includes providing a level of forgiveness that remains unequalled. The powerful combination of distance and forgiveness wins would when golfers are properly fitte. We see that every day in our research and we're excited to get the G430 into the hands of golfers so they can see the same benefits" said Ping CEO & President, John Solheim.
Srixon
Similarly to the new Ping range, we first saw the new Srixon ZX MK II range in October at the Shriners Children's open. The new drivers come in two different head options, the ZX5 and ZX7. The MK5 driver is built with a larger overall profile and more weight placed low and deep at the back to help gain extra launch off the tee. The ZX7 is based more around workability and optimal control for all golfers.
The most exciting part of technology in the MK II is the Rebound Frame, Jeff Brunski, Srixon's Vice-President of Research & Development, described it as "a unique ball speed system that delivers a pure transfer of energy into the golf ball at impact. The result is an entire driver head that works in unison to deliver an unprecedented rebound effect that delivers maximum ball speed and ultimately, more distance.".
As always, we will keep you posted with all the latest equipment news in 2023, stay tuned!