Mini drivers might not be heralded as the "next big thing," but they certainly have become a significant part of the golf equipment landscape. Enter the GT280 from Titleist, which marks the company’s foray into this burgeoning market. Titleist isn’t just hopping on the bandwagon; it’s staking a claim in a niche largely overlooked by other brands in their recent offerings.
In the past year, the mini driver scene has evolved from being dominated by TaylorMade to a flourishing segment with several contenders. Now, the GT280 rolls into this growing lineup beside TaylorMade’s BRNR Mini (304cc), PXG’s Secret Weapon (300cc), and Callaway’s Paradym Ai Smoke Ti 340. Expect the first and last on that list to be phased out sooner than later, given the rapid pace of innovation in this space.
Borrowing a line from Roy Scheider in Jaws: "We’re gonna need a bigger bag."
Titleist has introduced us to the GT280, which stands out as arguably the most compact mini driver available. At 280cc, it sits nicely between a full driver and a fairway wood, neither too bulky like a downsized driver nor as sleek as an oversized 3-wood. This unique blend makes it a versatile addition in the category.
As Josh Talge, Titleist’s Vice President of Golf Club Marketing, explains, "GT280 was developed in response to golfer feedback. Some use it solely for tee shots, while others want to use it off the deck. We designed the GT280 to excel in both scenarios."
From a technical standpoint, the GT280 embodies a mix of driver and fairway wood technology. It sports the Seamless Thermoform Crown seen across Titleist’s metalwood line, using a Proprietary Matrix Polymer for enhanced performance.
Adaptability is key for the GT280, featuring adjustable weights that allow players to modify the center of gravity. The 11-gram weight in the aft position can be swapped with a three-gram weight at the front, transforming ball flight characteristics to suit individual preferences. For those focusing mostly on tee performance, a forward-heavy weight setup may be ideal, while an aft-weighted configuration might offer more playability from the fairway.
When it comes to hitting off the turf, the GT280 shines with a forged L-Cup face featuring a titanium Ti-425 insert. This design maximizes performance on low strikes, a common occurrence when using mini drivers on the fairway. A thoughtfully crafted leading edge and a gentle sole curvature make the club easier to manage from the grass compared to its rivals.
By the numbers, the GT280 offers a 13-degree loft and measures up at 43.5 inches, standard with a shorter length compared to most mini drivers, leaning more towards playability.
Now, do you need a mini driver like the GT280? It occupies an intriguing spot in the golf bag. Professionals are increasingly turning to mini drivers when they need an option that’s less aggressive than a driver but more reliable than a 3-wood. For amateurs, the value is less straightforward. Shot Scope data indicates only minor accuracy gains with 3-woods compared to drivers, accompanied by a noticeable distance drop.
Yet, for golfers who struggle to maintain accuracy with their drivers, the mini driver’s ability to blend forgiveness, distance, and control can be a compelling reason to consider it. Some might even keep it as a “just-in-case” 15th club. (I won’t be the one tattling to the USGA.)
One of the main advantages is versatility; it could replace the strongest-lofted fairway wood or serve as a more accurate driver alternative. It’s especially handy on courses with narrow fairways or short par-4s that demand precision over power. In essence, the GT280 is flexible enough to fulfill diverse roles depending on the player’s needs.
For those wondering when they’ll be able to snag the GT280, it’s available now for fitting and pre-sale, with a global release set for April 18. It’s priced at $499, and you can find more information on the Titleist website.
The GT280’s introduction might change the game for many players, offering a glimpse at what versatility looks like in modern golf equipment.
