We are quickly closing in on The Masters, a time when most companies tend to release limited edition products to celebrate the year’s first major championship. Callaway joined the fun earlier this week when they introduced their first batch of Chrome Tour Major Series golf balls, known affectionately as “April Major.” Now, they are back to doing what they do best: releasing some new drivers. Three of them, to be exact. You may have already read through the articles on the new Elyte Triple Diamond Max and Triple Diamond Tour Draw; if you haven’t done so, make sure to check those out. Representing the third piece of today’s announcement is a driver a little smaller in scale, 340cc to be precise. That’s right, Callaway is rolling out a brand new Elyte Mini Driver.
Callaway Elyte Mini Driver
Callaway returned to the mini-driver market last season with the release of the Ai Smoke Ti 340. It was a limited run that sold out very quickly. This time that won’t be the case as the Elyte Mini Driver is slated for a full release, making it more readily available for those who missed out on last year’s model.
Why a Mini Driver?
Companies often talk about how the tour player influences their product releases, whether related to appearance, sound, or interest in potentially niche products. When the question about why Callaway re-entered the mini-driver market comes up, the answer is straightforward: they listened to feedback from tour players, although not necessarily the names one might expect. Much of the input started from players on the Korn Ferry Tour, which typically doesn’t play on the same large golf courses as the PGA Tour. With tighter holes and doglegs, these players were seeking equipment that offered a higher moment of inertia (MOI) than a fairway wood while still providing ample power and accuracy.
It’s with that same frame of mind as to who the Elyte Mini driver sets up for. Golfers who carry a 3-wood in their bag but don’t use it often, or those who want to add another reliable option for tee shots, may benefit from a clubhead that is easier to hit and provides more forgiveness. Additionally, the shorter shaft design may also help players improve their fairway regulation percentage. Ultimately, it’s about providing options and versatility in the top part of the bag.
Being that the mini driver is now part of the Elyte family, it goes without saying that we will benefit from much of the same technology that has made the Elyte one of the top drivers on the market. We still get the Thermoforged Carbon Crown and the Ai10x Face, which produces ten times the number of control points present on the Ai Smart Face used on last year’s model. Most notably, the Elyte Mini Driver is getting the new perimeter weight port system, allowing for neutral, draw, or fade settings. For this design, golfers can look for up to a 12-yard shot shape correction. That’s a nice upgrade from last year’s mini driver, offering only front and back adjustable weights.
The Details
As mentioned above, the Elyte Mini Driver will be a full release for 2025. It will be available in two different lofts, 11.5° and 13.5°, and will come with Callaway’s adjustable hosel, giving golfers eight loft and lie combinations. Both lofts will be available for right and left-handed golfers. For the shaft, we have the Project X Denali Charcoal, which will measure out at 43.75″. Additionally, a Mitsubishi Chemical Eldio shaft is available for women.
Callaway’s Elyte Mini Driver will be available for purchase beginning on April 4th with a price tag of $449.99.
More information on the entire Elyte driver lineup can be found at www.callawaygolf.com.
