Taylormade Mini Driver vs Driving Iron - Which one should you play?

STAY TO THE END FOR THE RETRO VIBE!
Should you be buying a TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver or a P Series Driving Iron?
Which club is suited to your style of play and also the type of golf courses you play?
In this upload I talk through the BRNR Mini Driver set up in terms of loft selection, 11.5 or 13.5 and how you should intend to use that club given the type of golf courses you play.
I look at how PGA Tour Player Tommy Fleetwood uses his Mini Driver to great effect and what the top level handicap followers can take from that versus the mid handicap learnings.
Then who considers the P Series UDI Irons and what are the differences to a wood?
What swing type and importantly attack angle gets the most from each profile?
Gear effect, the importance of strike and the benefits of a more iron shape head versus a wood are also discussed.
Learn more on the P Series UDI and DHY:
imp.i366014.ne...
Learn more on the BRNR Mini Driver:
imp.i366014.ne...
#subscribe below and hit me up with any #comment or questions and I’ll get back to you with my thoughts.
KZbin: / @trottiegolf
Instagram: / trottiegolf
Facebook: / trottiegolf
TikTok: / trottiegolf
X: / trottiegolf
Sign Up To The Trottie Golf Newsletter: trottiegolf.us...
Website: www.trottiegolf.com
The equipment I play:
TaylorMade Flextech Lite Golf Bag: imp.i366014.ne...
Milled Grind 4 wedges: imp.i366014.ne...
P Series UDI / DHY: imp.i366014.ne...
P Series Irons: imp.i366014.ne...
Qi10 LS Driver: imp.i366014.ne...
Qi10 FW Wood: imp.i366014.ne...
TP5X Golf Ball: imp.i366014.ne...
Pix Golf Ball: imp.i366014.ne...
Seamus Trottie Golf Covers: www.trottiegol...
Peach Town 24 Putter Cover: www.trottiegol...
SkyCaddie Pro5X GPS: glnk.io/8lqvl/...
Full Swing Kit Launch Monitor: qr.fullswinggo...
Tour Aim Alignment: touraimgolf.com?sca_ref=4425529.KgpQsj6Mxr
Goat Hill Park: goathillpark.com/
Zip Towel: saucegolf.com/ CODE: Trottie15
iRange Sports: irangesports.com/
Clippd: bit.ly/41RNZkJ
Tour Striker Smart Ball: www.tourstrike...
Spec Overview:
Qi 10 LS 9* KBS Tour Prototype Cat 5 60g Round Grip
Stealth 2 4 wood bent to 15* - KBS Cat 5 70g RIB Grip
Qi10 5 wood set on 17.5* - KBS Cat 5 80g RIB Grip
P-DHY - 20*
4 iron P-770
P7-MC 5 - PW
Loft and Lie
3 - 21 / 59 / D3
4 - 24 / 59
5 27 / 60
6 31 / 61
7 35 / 62
8 39 / 63
9 43 / 64
PW - 47 / 64
52 - 52 / 63.5
56 - 56 / 63.5
60 - 60 / 63.5
52*,56*,60* MG4 Wedges
Round Grips on 56*/60* RIB on 52* / PW - 4 wood
KBS 610 Wedge Shaft 56*/60*, KBS Tour V 110 in 52*
P-DHY Tour Graphite Hybrid Prototype 95S+ KBS Shaft
Del Monte Armlock Winn Grip 6.5* loft / 70* lie
BICQ1Z0P6LWTTIZK

[@MrYutbe57]

I have both in my bag. I got the 11.5 -> 9.5. use it as my driver and LONG fairway wood. The 2i UDI is my windy day/firm ground/punch out/downhill utility club. Real essy to shape shots. But the stingers... You talk about a great way to boost your confidence for a round.

[@perfectjays]

2:29 I was hoping you weren’t going to just skip past that lol I was like “wth that was smooth!” As always.. I appreciate your videos trottie! Keep grindin!

[@trottiegolf]

🤣👍

[@woodridgetrackrunner]

Currently loving the top end of my bag and the 2022 BRNR is a huge part of it. 8 degree TSr2 with a tensi 1k black -1/2", 11.5 degree BRNR with a small batch smoke green hulk tipped and cut to 3 wood length, T200 2i smoke black shaft. Driver is set up to fade, mini is set up to draw, 2i goes straight and runs forever. About 10 yards gap between carry distance in my between my driver and the BRNR; but they land and run our so differently. It's great to have 3 options off the tee depending on what the hole calls for and what defenses the hole puts up.

[@trottiegolf]

Strong shafts there but I like it

[@DonAl9114]

Thank you Trottie. I just got my P DHY as 4 iron. Will test it next week. Hope I get the distance that you guys get out of it. 😂😂😂

[@atamagashock]

I have both clubs, love the mini driver! I have the p-dhy 3 iron, but I think I may have been better getting the udi. I don’t do well with chunky soles. Anyway mini is an awesome club and I carry it along with my driver, cause I am very consistent with the mini and I can’t say the same with driver. Gotta save that for wide fairways, cause I’m always good for those leaking wide right balls when I get into my head on the tee box

[@nischroopram9948]

I use the Ping 5 wood what a club.

[@marcellmonroe5727]

you bozo, nobody cares.

[@hallowed45]

i have a 2 and 3 iron and mini burner in my bag. im not a great golfer but i hit these irons pretty well. the mini burner is an absolute weapon. i have the 11.5 heavy weight forward set to lowest loft.hit it off the fairway and it just goes

[@trottiegolf]

WEAPON!

[@LegacyAirTech]

I have both a driving iron 2i and mini driver that I swap between depending on the course. My actual driver is fade bias while I increased the loft on the mini driver to make it draw bias. The shorter shaft and higher loft makes the ball flight way more controllable without sacrificing too much distance off the tee. The 2i gets swapped in on windy days or if there are specific holes on the course Im playing where it would benefit me to have more control on the ballflight/I need something to stay low and run out

[@oVisionaire]

I don't understand. This seems like the big bertha I had in the 90s. Then we said we needed a bigger head for more forgiveness... now we're back to get a smaller head if you're struggling to keep it in the fairway with the bigger head?

[@MrBrendon7]

Yea because the drivers now come with nearly 46" long shafts and are harder to control

[@camaran]

Welcome to marketing 101. lol.

[@edbowejr6130]

A lot of holes don’t suite the driver distance, I love the driving iron and a mini driver or a wood as a step down yardage depending on the hole and wind situation

[@chrishoang9098]

I have last years version of the brnr with a AD DI shaft.. very consistent and definitely a fairway finder. Also have a U505 with the same shaft, very straight and does require a bit more speed. Bought the Qi10 recently with ventus blue velocore...just to try out. The brnr is a lot more straighter and consistent in my opinion.

[@hadesignite]

Used to love my SLDR mini w/Matrix black tie 6m3. Couldn't get on with the 300 mini as the head was just too big. Now use a TSR3+ as my backup tee club but do wish the head was a little bigger

[@KeithMoon13]

I've got the Mini Driver 13.5 as a 3 wood replacement (more of a 2 wood) and the 2 P UDI replaces my 5 wood on really windy days (Like you've been saying lately, it's the main "in the squad" club, along with some other lofted wedges from my usual 52-58.) Both clubs are great for keeping the ball low and straight for me if I need to.

[@rocketeerrs626]

I completely replaced my driver with the mini driver best decision ever. 1000% more consistent!

[@aubreymautrin]

Love the idea of both, but a five wood is so essential

[@tylermiller9952]

I have both. I play the brnr mini at 9.5 degrees, then a 4 wood 16.5 and then the pdhy 3 iron as a almost exclusively tee shot club and bonus, I carry an older taylormade super steel 7 wood with a modern hybrid shaft in it which plays as like my 4 iron or even close to the same distance by 3 iron would go off the deck but easier to hit off the deck

[@jk_atlhletics5865]

You can just buy a 20 year old driver when they were made smaller. Only will cost $40 and you will hit it farther too.

[@dtrecoston]

I game the 95 burner fairway driver. Guessing it’s the older version of the same club and ware that thing out!

[@lavin214]

That mini driver is fun, if I still had a 3 wood in my bag it would replace it in a heartbeat. I have long since gotten rid of my 3 and go 5 wood hybrid. If you have a 3 wood in your bag but basically just use it off the tee I highly recommend the mini driver because it will serve the same purpose but be 1000 times easier to hit.

[@atamagashock]

I have both, I could never remove my 3 wood. I mostly use it off the deck anyway and while I’ve hit my mini off the deck, I can’t compare it to my 3 wood. Maybe with more practice, but I’m not confident enough off the deck with it. 3 wood is far easier to hit

[@freddym6643]

Heard stats saying that hitting 3-wood over driver from the tee isn't that much more accurate and not worth the distance drop off generally. Would think this translates mostly over to mini-driver as well. So as a second tee club when the shot is tight it would make sense to go all the way down to an iron. The main benefit I heard for a mini-driver is that it is easier to turn over and modern drivers are built for fades, but if you already draw driver that wouldn't really be relevant? Just trying to figure out for myself if I should go mini-driver or 2 iron for a second tee club. Driver swing speed is 125+, so I never need either off the deck.

[@trottiegolf]

@@freddym6643 what’s your AOA & face to path and path?

[@wickedswinggolf2387]

Got the 2023 Mini on the way to the house right now

[@philhazel4810]

I honestly believe that the mini driver, by it's length and loft, is what most of us should be using. Still waiting on mine, looks like TM is backordered

[@Ibizassini]

waiting for my mini driver, the only thing I dont understand is the shaft range offered no X etc why not have ventus range...?

[@NextFairwayNorm]

Taylormade kill it with innovative golf clubs. I’ve been gaming the 13.5 Mini Driver last couple of months and have the older SIM DHY 3. Having success with both. Confidence inspiring

[@MEAT0]

Probably both. They fit different gaps.

[@MrBrendon7]

Not the first time ive heard someone refer the mini as a band aid club. But what if its simply easier for most ppl to swing a shorter shaft.

[@trottiegolf]

No if's, you go with it!

[@sumitagg1]

Love how brands speak from both sides. If a small head is easier to hit then why not make a smaller head driver?

[@MEAT0]

Mini is easier than a 3w, which has an even smaller head.

[@alastairmsim]

If I had a burner mini driver I'd use the head cover the wrong way round!

[@trottiegolf]

100% you would!!

[@TheSethmikel]

My Mini BRNR is my absolute favorite club, it’s so easy off the tee and the deck

[@michaelclarke7903]

I love the inside of the mini driver head cover

[@doggoronnie3387]

Great comparison video and for me I'd love the mini driver (as I don't generally get on with 3 woods) but really don't get why 1. It's so hard to get one and 2. You can't get custom fit for it, only 1 shaft choice and it doesn't come in x-stiff. Seems a shame as I think as a product it's fantastic

[@trottiegolf]

Yea that sucks. You know my views on custom

[@doggoronnie3387]

@@trottiegolf have a word with the big wigs at Taylormade for us and see if they will release it for custom fit? Assume you have that kind of pull around there 👀

[@nupelife007]

I went to club champion to get fitted for my mini brnr. The stock stiff shaft didn’t work for me. I got fitted into an extra stiff motore driver shaft. I had to get it cut down to 3 wood length. 300 yards off the tee!

[@doggoronnie3387]

@@nupelife007 are you in the UK? Not sure we have that option here sadly, glad to hear it though I'm quite jealous!

[@nupelife007]

@@doggoronnie3387 nope. I’m in the US.

[@kevinoneill2170]

6:47 LOL that "Trottie Fleetwood" fella is gonna haunt me in my dreams! How bout a little warning next time! ;-)

[@trottiegolf]

🤣😂🤣😂

[@bobj8877]

Great video, Trottie. Question for you! I already have thr 11.5 degree BRNR Mini which I swapped in for my seldomly used 3 wood a couple years ago. I normally go driver, mini, 5W, 4 Rescue, 5i, etc....but recently ordered the 3 P-dhy for gapping purposes and I plan to swap out a bit at the top end of my bag depending on the course I'm playing. My problem is mainly gapping off the tee for those long par 3s where the mini or 5W is too much and my 4H isn't quite enough (I don't really like the rescue off the tee at all, but love it for certain courses with deeper rough). Anyway, my main question (besides any feedback on this strategy) is how high should I tee up the ball with the 3 DHY and where should I place the ball in my stance for the most effective long and straight "fairway finder" and alternatively what ahould I change in regards to tee height and ball position when i want to hit it into a long par 3 and need more stopping lower and less roll out? Thanks!

[@trottiegolf]

1) I like the strategy 2) like all irons / clubs really , if you tee the ball up you'll create a higher launch and a lower spin. Advantage - more yardage Disadvantage - might not stop as quickly So lower tee to get more spin, higher tee for more yardage. NOTE - this is a driving iron so low means almost on the turf and high means maximum 1/4" up Factors to consider are shot shape and peak height as tee height impacts that. 3) ball position. This is all impacted by shot shape but play the club where a 3i would be , that is where I'd start. Slightly steeper Angle of Attack on this type of club isn't going to hurt you Good luck

[@bobj8877]

@@trottiegolf thank you!

[@Cam_Golf]

Anyone use the mini driver shorter than the standard 43.75? Considering playing it at 43.

[@trottiegolf]

Guys defo do. What got me on tour is how short folks play their 5 & 7 woods, that was eye opening. Same can be done for the Mini D for sure

[@andymarshall5517]

What about putting a longer shaft in ? Would that work ? What would be the max length? And similar weight etc as driver shaft ?

[@trottiegolf]

@@andymarshall5517 you'd have to swing weight it but you can go as long as driver if you really want to. I mean you could go longer but at this point I'd be looking to dial in your driver set up not go longer in a mini. You're defeating the reason for the club

[@andymarshall5517]

@@trottiegolf thanks , so what would be max length you would goto without having to adjust swing weight

[@trottiegolf]

@@andymarshall5517 depends on the balance point of the shaft you're putting in.... general rule though the max length I'd go to not change the swing weight if I didn't know the balance point of the new shaft would be the exact length of the shaft I was taking out. Unless I had weights to change in the head? Watch this, it'll help explain: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaiVeJSOiKqLb7Msi=aeQ_MABhkg1sIFS5

[@anasryadi8545]

Is that the mini driver Rory tried? 👀 It has his shaft and grip...

[@trottiegolf]

ahhhhhhh I like it BUT no..... I took the shaft out the Kingdom, Swing Weighted that thing and went at it. Good guess though

[@user-sh3gf5sk8d]

Got the mini brnr Trottie, love it off the tee. But struggling a bit off the deck, should I be hitting down on it? Headcover = right way round only!

[@user-sh3gf5sk8d]

Keep topping it 😢😂

[@trottiegolf]

What loft do you have? if it's the stronger one then remember this thing is a 2 wood so not the easiest club to use off the deck. You want to be down 1* or level but down 2-3* will also work.

[@user-sh3gf5sk8d]

@@trottiegolf 13 I think? I can hit DOD no problem but maybe the shorter shaft not helping. Need to stay down on it think I’m just popping up at impact. Cheers for reply

[@trottiegolf]

@@user-sh3gf5sk8d Move the ball back 1 ball in your stance and do what you're doing.

[@user-sh3gf5sk8d]

@@trottiegolf thanks mate will give a bash

[@cbisjr]

why didnt TM or Callaway just make a bigger 3w head with a an adjustable loft starting at 13*?

[@trottiegolf]

This does start at 13.5* and is a bigger 3 wood head?????

[@dayle4034]

Trottie how do I recover after an absolutely horrible range session?

[@trottiegolf]

To then go on the course or to then go home and regroup? Course it all comes down to pre shot routine and mindset. Home and it comes down to the correct evaluation of your game and what you're working towards. One poor range session shouldn't hurt you too much in the bigger scheme of things

[@skippypeenut4353]

@trottiegolf , would you put both in the bag?

[@trottiegolf]

I think you absolutely can. Obv gotta figure out the bottom end

[@pump555]

I have a 19° 4 iron part of my iron set, is a driving iron really much different?

[@jonathandeboer74]

Most driving irons have graphite shafts

[@pump555]

@@jonathandeboer74 does that really make a huge different between the 78g steel shaft my 4 iron has?

[@johnhanks4052]

Nope. They say driving irons help folks get the ball a little higher. Personally, I prefer a 4 or 3 iron to a driving iron. At the end of the day, if you can hit it and it goes the distance you want, it doesn’t matter what club or shaft it is.

[@williamscott5983]

Hi trottie is there any shafts you can recommend for my IQ 10 a was talking about to you I'm sure I'm needing a 60gram but I'm still going to cc golf in Glasgow to try some

[@trottiegolf]

Always liked Fuji Ventus on Tour. I think the proto KBS Driver Shaft Cat 5 plays close to that but not sure it's even out yet? For me you can get it covered in those two options, especially when it comes to the different profiles of the red, blue, black. Hard to recommend shafts without seeing your numbers and move

[@williamscott5983]

@@trottiegolf Trottie a have tried hazardous 5.5 60gram red shafts it stays left like a hook but when a catch it it flies 235 easily but it catching. It a like it but looking for something to bring it into the middle

[@trottiegolf]

@@williamscott5983 that's too soft if you're hooking it and struggling to time it. Go stronger in a different profile. Can stick with HZDUS if you like but go for the stronger profile

[@williamscott5983]

A will try them and let you know what a finish with thanks

[@lawbinson]

I think mini drivers into wind can completely demolish driving irons.

[@aa_damant]

first