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Are TaylorMade back with a driver bang? We certainly think so
Last year’s TaylorMade Qi35 driver was a success on tour, winning multiple times over the last 12 months. But, there will be many at TaylorMade who were disappointed not to see it in the hands of two of the game’s biggest stars; Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler.
The pair instead opted to continue using older models for the majority of last season. So, to see the pair putting the new TaylorMade Qi4D driver in the bag already is a clear show of confidence.
The Qi4D hopes to deliver tour-level speed whilst retaining the shape and forgiveness club golfers can feel comfortable with. TaylorMade drivers are always judged by the highest standards, so let’s see if this lives up to them…
The TaylorMade Qi4D Core is a superb all-round driver that combines elite ball speed, excellent forgiveness, and tour-inspired looks. It’s fast without feeling wild and forgiving without looking oversized.
It is also adjustable enough to suit a wide range of golfers. If you want a premium driver that performs at the very top level while still appealing to the eye, the Qi4D Core is an outstanding option.
PROS
Exceptional ball speeds
Compact shaping
Incredible feel
CONS
None
First Impressions
I think TaylorMade has absolutely nailed the aesthetics of the Qi4D. The dark carbon crown has a premium and purposeful look to it. The subtle blue accents around the edges of the driver head, as well as the flashes of yellow, make the driver look somewhat fast to my eye.
It has that modern feel to it, without overdoing it. Equally at address, I think the silver allows the face to be framed beautifully and helps square the club behind the ball.
For many of you it is crucial to have a slightly more compact head shape on your driver. TaylorMade has reverted to that and away from the stretched look of the Qi35.
It has much more in common with the aesthetics of the Qi10, the driver both McIlroy and Scheffler kept in the bag last season. Both of which had themselves quite the 2025.
For me, the shaping is clean, confidence-inspiring and unmistakably TaylorMade.
NCG Verdict
In terms of performance, ball speed is where the Qi4D truly shines. My initial strikes produced ball speeds north of 162mph, which are right up there with some of the fastest drivers I have tested this year.
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The launch was also strong with impressive peak heights. My carry numbers were also consistently in the mid-to-high 270s, even without chasing absolute perfection.
What stood out most was how well the Qi4D handled mis-hits. Shots struck low on the face or towards the toe still carried surprisingly well, with minimal drop-off in performance.
The spin rates still remained playable, and the driver maintained stability even when the contact, from my end, wasn’t strictly speaking out of the middle of the face. There’s plenty of forgiveness to take advantage of.
TaylorMade’s updated aerodynamic shaping also plays its part. Subtle changes to the rear of the head have helped reduce drag. This was a big factor in helping me to generate more club head speed without having altering my swing at all.
I was pleased to still find that TaylorMade has retained their quality feel. The carbon face is what continues to set them apart from the competition, and the Qi4D benefits hugely from it.
Impact feels solid, powerful and stable. In some was it was encouraging me to swing freely without fear of losing performance or control. There’s almost an urgency from the club to want you to really go for it off the tee.
Even on misses, the feedback is reassuring rather than harsh.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I think the TaylorMade Qi4D Core driver strikes an excellent balance between tour-inspired looks, elite-level ball speed, and sufficient forgiveness that offers a bit of assistance.
The club feels fast, stable, and highly adjustable. I do think it will appeal more to players who prefer a slightly more compact, traditional shape at address.
If that sounds like you and you’re looking for a driver that delivers top-tier performance without venturing into extreme low-spin or oversized territory, give it a go – after all, if it is good enough for Rory and Scottie…..
