Mini Drivers: Save $100 on Titleist GT280 & Why Pros Are Using Them

The mini driver continues to gain traction on the PGA Tour, becoming an increasingly popular alternative to traditional drivers and fairway woods. Several prominent players, including Tommy Fleetwood and Adam Scott, have embraced the club, drawn to its versatility and potential for improved accuracy. Titleist recently released their GT280 mini driver, and it’s currently available at a discounted price.

The appeal of the mini driver lies in its unique blend of distance and control. With a loft that falls between a driver and a 3-wood, it offers a compelling option for golfers seeking to navigate challenging tee shots where precision is paramount. The smaller head size and shorter shaft further contribute to enhanced manageability, making it a more forgiving option off the tee.

Fleetwood, widely regarded as golf’s most prolific mini driver user, has been instrumental in popularizing the club. He initially gained attention for his success with the TaylorMade BRNR Mini, and has now transitioned to testing the newer TaylorMade R7 Quad Mini Driver. His continued reliance on the club underscores its value in his strategic approach to the game. Testing began at the RBC Heritage in April 2025, with Fleetwood taking the R7 Quad home for further evaluation after initial promising results.

The R7 Quad represents a significant update to TaylorMade’s mini driver platform, featuring a four-port TAS weighting system reminiscent of its namesake from years past. This contrasts with the front and back adjustable weighting systems found in the BRNR Mini and BRNR Mini Copper models. Fleetwood and TaylorMade’s senior tour manager, Adrian Rietveld, dedicated considerable time to testing the R7 Quad, aiming to replicate the flight characteristics of Fleetwood’s existing BRNR Mini while also refining its aesthetic appeal. Fleetwood initially found the R7 Quad to appear too flat, but adjustments to the loft sleeve and upright setting helped to achieve a more desirable look.

The trend isn’t limited to Fleetwood and Scott. Players are recognizing the benefits of the mini driver, particularly on courses that demand strategic shot-making. Augusta National’s 13th hole, with its demanding tee shot requiring a precise draw around a dogleg, is a prime example of a situation where a mini driver can provide a significant advantage. The club allows players to confidently navigate tight fairways and position themselves for an approach to the green.

Titleist’s entry into the mini driver market with the GT280 further validates the growing demand for this type of club. Designed to be versatile, the GT280 can be utilized both off the tee and off the turf, offering players a seamless transition between different shot types. The club’s softened sole curvature and lowered leading edge facilitate effective ground contact, while the forged “L-Cup” insert helps maintain ball speed and minimize spin on low strikes.

The GT280 is currently on sale for $100 off its regular retail price, making it an attractive option for golfers looking to add this innovative club to their bag. The club can serve as a replacement for a higher-lofted fairway wood or as a supplemental “15th club” for specific course conditions.

The increasing adoption of mini drivers on the PGA Tour reflects a broader shift towards strategic course management and a willingness to experiment with different equipment options. As players continue to seek ways to gain an edge, the mini driver is poised to remain a prominent fixture in professional golf, and its accessibility to amateur golfers is expanding with offerings like the Titleist GT280.