Our friends at TaylorMade are at it again.
Fresh off a memorable win at the US Open, as well as the launch of their new Black R1 driver, TaylorMade have released images of a new driver, the TaylorMade SLDR driver. The prototype driver is only available on Tour for now, and is being tested and viewed for the first time at this week's PGA Tour and European Tour events.
The most noticable addition on the TaylorMade SLDR driver is the sliding/moveable weight control on the sole. As you will see below, players are working to tune that weight to find the right fade/draw bias for their swing. TaylorMade say that during testing, they have already seen some "unofficial performance trends" including increased ball speeds compared to the TaylorMade R1.
The list of players trying the new TaylorMade SLDR driver immediately includes: Darren Clarke, Martin Laird, Boo Weekley, Bo Van Pelt, Brian Gay, Lucas Glover, Marcus Fraser and several others.
Dustin Johnson, Brandt Snedeker, Luke Donald, Martin Kaymer, Lucas Glover, Ryan Moore and KJ Choi all had the SLDR in play at The Open Championship at Muirfield.
TaylorMade SLDR
Several SLDR driver heads were sent out on Tour this week for testing and play on the PGA and European Tour.
TaylorMade SLDR
Several SLDR driver heads were sent out on Tour this week for testing and play on the PGA and European Tour.
Large Face Profile
The prototype TaylorMade driver is just for Tour-use only for now. TaylorMade say they built 20 driver heads between the workshops inside the PGA Tour and European Tour trucks.
Order Up
Players will visit TaylorMade's Tour vans to fill out an order form with specs and details of how they like their driver to be set up.
Scottish Open Order
Here's a look at an order form from this week's Scottish Open where several TaylorMade players are testing the new SLDR driver.
Spec Check
Although the TaylorMade SLDR has adjustable weight technology, the Tour van staff must still check the club's weight, loft and lie prior to giving to a player to test.
Fitting The SLDR
TaylorMade European Tour rep, Ian Hawke, puts a grip on a new prototype SLDR driver for Raphael Jacquelin before a practice round at Castle Stuart.
Joel Sjöholm
European Tour player, Joel Sjöholm, gets a lesson in how to adjust his new TaylorMade SLDR driver thanks to a member of TaylorMade's equipment team.
Happy As Darren
Former Open Champion, Darren Clarke, appears to be happy with his new toy and appears to have it set for a slight draw. Smart move with two links events coming up.
Like A Glover
Lucas Glover shows off his new TaylorMade SLDR driver at this week's PGA Tour event, The John Deere Classic. Fairly neutral set-up for Glover who likes the draw the ball naturally.
Brian Gay
Similarly, Brian Gay tweeted out this photo from the range at TPC at Deere Run. Gay, who has already won on Tour in 2013, seems to have favoured a slight fade bias on his SLDR driver.
Marcus Fraser
Marcus Fraser liked the look of his new TaylorMade SLDR driver as he tested it at Castle Stuart using a Trackman system.
Johnson Wagner
Fresh off a second-place finish last week on the PGA Tour, Johnson Wagner shared this photo of the crown, and adjustable hosel on the TaylorMade SLDR driver.
Time To Try It
TaylorMade's Raphael Jacquelin testing his new SLDR on the range at Castle Stuart.
McGinley's Bag
European Ryder Cup captain, Paul McGinley, has his new SLDR driver in his bag ready for the Scottish Open.
As always, for all the latest TaylorMade equipment and Tour news, visit our exclusive TaylorMade zone.