It starts with the fact that Fleetwood plays a mini driver instead of a 3-wood, something he’s done since TaylorMade released the BRNR Mini in 2023. That same BRNR Mini was in his bag until this summer, when he swapped it out for the updated R7 Quad Mini at the Travelers Championship.
The mini-driver switch also led to a shaft change in both his mini and regular driver, a Qi35 (DOT) head, back to the Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 6-X shaft, the same shaft Fleetwood had played the last couple of seasons. He tried out the 2024 Ventus Red 6-X with VeloCore+ in both clubs to start this season, but noticed his spin was creeping up, thus necessitating the switch.
With Fleetwood staying in the Ventus family, the line has now won 61.5 percent of PGA Tour events this season.
Since the change in Hartford, where he ultimately lost to Keegan Bradley in heartbreaking fashion on the 72nd hole, Fleetwood has improved his strokes gained: off-the-tee ranking more than 20 spots from 62 to 41st on Tour. His driving accuracy also improved 10 spots to 26th on Tour.
And while he isn’t one of the Tour’s longest hitters, ranking outside the top 100 in distance this season, he has averaged more than 300 yards off the tee in all but one start since the shaft change to the stiffer profile TR Blue.
At the other end of the bag, Fleetwood has one of the more unique putters on the PGA Tour, a new Spider Tour Black he got this year with custom Sharpie lines along the top line to help him get centered over the golf ball. The lines were initially aimed at copying the micro mill marks on TaylorMade’s then-prototype Spider ZT putter.
“Initially, I had drawn some Sharpie lines on the Tour for testing to see what he wanted the Lab to make,” TaylorMade putter rep James Holley told GOLF back in May. “He ended up liking the sharpie lines and did not want to change it. The lines on the Spider Tour allowed him to not use a line on the ball and be more ‘athletic’ over the ball. The toe hang of the Tour Short Slant gave him a nice opening of the club face in the back stroke and allowed him to release the putter nicely.”
NEW FOR 2022! Introducing a new profile to the lineup, VENTUS TR. Born from the continuous quest for improvement and backed by enso®–driven analytics and Tour feedback, VENTUS TR builds upon one of the most trusted and best-selling wood shafts in Fujikura history. TR is a new mid launch, low spin profile in the VENTUS line. Welcome to the next level of VENTUS performance.
PERFORMANCE FOR THE MODERN PLAYER
Inspired by one of the most iconic models in TaylorMade history, the R7 Quad Mini Driver pays homage to what’s come before, while creating its own modern identity in the same breath. It’s that very modern design that incorporates proven TaylorMade technologies to give golfers versatility and playability.
R7 QUAD WEIGHTING SYSTEM
The new quad weighting system features four movable weights (13g x2, 4g x2) that provide the ultimate in spin management and shot shape control. Forward CG creates a penetrating flight best suited for maximizing distance whereas rear CG helps prioritize control and ease of use from the deck. Shot shape can also be fine-tuned helping create the most optimal flight. Additional weights can be purchased for a wider range of adjustability.
INFINITY CARBON CROWN
A new satin Infinity Carbon Crown has been added to the R7 Quad Mini Driver chassis creating a stunning look while saving weight for better mass optimization. The cosmetic package is clean, elegant, and confidence-inspiring.
MILLED GRIND SOLE DEBUT
Milled Grind eliminates variances in sole geometry from head to head and ensures precision in every iron set, while the CNC machined sole geometry and a precise leading edge promote consistent turf interaction.
TIGER’S FINGERPRINT
Each iron has been meticulously shaped to meet Tiger’s discerning eye—longer blade length, thinner topline, progressive face height, and more.
FORGED FEEL
Incredible feel is a must for having a great wedge game. MG5 has been forged from soft carbon steel and designed with geometry to provide excellent feel with great feedback.
MAXIMUM SPIN
MG5 uses all-new, more aggressive grooves designed to maximize spin. Saw-milled grooves produce tighter tolerances allowing engineers to design steeper walls and sharper radii intended to maximize spin in both dry and damp conditions.
PERFORMANCE IN ALL CONDITIONS
RAW face with Spin Tread technology channels away moisture to help retain spin. The same way that tire treads help your car stay connected to the road, laser-etched channels redirect water at impact and creates more friction between the club face and golf ball to maintain spin in wet conditions.
CRAFTSMANSHIP MEETS CONSISTENCY
Crafted by hand and then milled to perfection. Each wedge and sole grind are precision-milled to eliminate the natural human error that comes with hand polishing. Our grinds deliver unmatched consistency and craftsmanship that players can count on every time.
CHARCOAL FINISH
MG5 debuts a sleek, sophisticated charcoal finish that reduces glare and enhances its aesthetic appeal in the bag.
BLACK PVD FINISH The durable PVD coating creates a beautiful high-quality finish with sole plate, back badge and copper accents.
TRUE PATH™ ALIGNMENT The patented alignment system provides visual clarity and helps golfers better envision the line to the hole.
WHITE TPU PURE ROLL™ INSERTMade from a combination of Surlyn and aluminum, the white TPU Pure Roll™ insert creates a softer feel.Grooves are angled at 45° to encourage optimal forward roll as well as better sound, feel and overall roll characteristics. The white insert also creates better symmetry with the white True Path alignment.
THIN WALL UNDERCUT CONSTRUCTION We’ve engineered a super stable structure by removing excess weight to create high MOI and legendary Spider performance.
HYBRAR ECHO®DAMPENER HYBRAR is behind the face to dampen unwanted vibrations, delivering premium sound and feelon every putt with the best possible sensation.
TSS WEIGHTING TSS weights provide balanced weighting and help optimize performance for all various putter lengths.
STEEL WIREFRAME Allows engineers to better control weight distribution and CG location.
Jack Hirsh is the Associate Equipment Editor at GOLF. A Pennsylvania native, Jack is a 2020 graduate of Penn State University, earning degrees in broadcast journalism and political science. He was captain of his high school golf team and recently returned to the program to serve as head coach. Jack also still *tries* to remain competitive in local amateurs. Before joining GOLF, Jack spent two years working at a TV station in Bend, Oregon, primarily as a Multimedia Journalist/reporter, but also producing, anchoring and even presenting the weather. He can be reached at jack.hirsh@golf.com.
