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Not quite clicking with your driver? Jack Backhouse may have the ideal alternative – the Callaway Elyte Mini Driver.
What if you could have a club that is as accurate as a three-wood but as long hitting as a driver. Sounds like the perfect recipe, doesn’t it? Well, Callaway has released just that with the Elyte Mini Driver. We tested it out to find out whether it’s a gimmick or a genuine game-changer. Here’s what we thought in our Callaway Elyte Mini Driver review…
Callaway Elyte Mini Driver Review: A driver alternative? | National Club Golfer
NCG SUMMARY
The Callaway Elyte Mini Driver is the perfect choice for golfers looking to bridge the gap between a driver and a three-wood. Its forgiving nature, adjustability, and AI-enhanced face technology make it a fantastic fairway finder off the tee. While it may not shine off the fairway, its consistency and control are unmatched in the mini driver category. If accuracy and dependability are what you seek, the Elyte Mini is well worth the investment.
PROS
Excellent control and accuracy off the tee
High ball speeds and tight dispersion
Comfortable to use
CONS
Harder to hit off the fairway than other mini driver options
Callaway Elyte Mini Driver Review: First Impressions
Bigger head
Mini drivers are certainly growing in popularity with more and more tour players opting to put them into play on short and narrow par 4s, especially. Therefore, it is no surprise that Callaway has opted to follow other golf club manufacturers.
It was obviously from the get go that the Callaway Elyte was different to any other mini driver offering from the ‘big brands’. The club head is noticeably bigger being 340cc, which isn’t far off the size of a standard driver head. Compared to the Titleist GT280, this was absolutely enormous.
But don’t panic this is still very much a mini driver. This is probably the first mini driver I have hit and really thought that it could be a driver replacement for some golfers, however I’ll touch more on that later.
NCG Verdict
Ball speed
The Elyte Mini Driver’s unique construction delivered impressive results for me. During testing, my ball speeds consistently hovered around 156-159 mph with carry distances of 250-263 yards. These numbers are just a few yards shy of what I would get from my driver, which really does make the Mini a legitimate option off the tee.
Low-spin
The compact 340cc head, while larger than typical mini drivers like the Titleist GT 280, inspires plenty of confidence without the intimidation some golfers may feel from a traditional 460cc driver. Its low-spin profile reduces side-to-side dispersion, making it a viable option for narrow fairways and short par 4s.
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Driver alternative
This is why I think it could be a real substitute for a driver in some golfer’s bags. When standing over the ball some people’s get a little freaked out by the big head and long shaft of a driver. I have certainly taught a few who think this way.
My testing actually showed extremely tight shot grouping, particularly when compared against the performance I tend to get from my current driver and three-wood set up. I tend to spray the ball around the course so it was a nice change to keep the golf ball on the intended line more often.
Off the tee
Where the Elyte Mini truly shines is off the tee. Its shorter shaft and larger head allow for better control without sacrificing much distance. Shots were straighter and more controlled, with only a 10-yard drop-off compared to a traditional driver. The mini driver also delivered impressive performance in terms of forgiveness; even mishits stayed relatively close to the intended target line, showcasing Callaway’s commitment to playability.
Off the fairway
However, off the fairway, the larger 340cc head becomes more challenging. It towers over the ball, resembling a driver off the deck—a notoriously difficult shot to execute. For players comfortable with hitting drivers off the turf, it’s achievable, but for the average golfer, the Elyte Mini is better left for tee shots.
Final Verdict
Control off the tee
Overall, I think the Callaway Elyte Mini Driver is a standout option for those seeking more control off the tee without sacrificing too much distance. Its forgiving nature, adjustability, and AI-enhanced face technology make it more than just another money grab from a golf club manufacturer. I really think it’s a practical alternative to both a driver and a three-wood for specific on-course scenarios. While it may struggle off the fairway, its consistency off the tee makes it a valuable addition to the bag of anyone looking to tighten their dispersion while maintaining competitive yardages.
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If you’re looking for a fairway-finding club with plenty of pop, the Callaway Elyte Mini Driver is well worth considering. Its performance off the tee is unmatched in the mini driver category, and it might just be the perfect solution for those tricky, narrow fairways where accuracy is paramount.
