Is the Callaway Mini Driver Pointless — Or a Fairway-Finding Secret Weapon?
Callaway Mini Driver Review – Tested
Our head professional, Mark Crossfield, recently put the Callaway Mini Driver to the test — and his thoughts were anything but ordinary. In this blog, we summarise his findings to help you understand how this compact driver performs, who it’s best suited for, and whether it could be the fairway-splitting solution your game’s been missing.
Loading widget…
When new equipment hits the shelves, especially clubs that seem to sit in a niche category, it’s natural to ask: Who is this for? That’s precisely the question surrounding the Callaway Mini Driver—a smaller-headed, shorter-shafted version of the standard driver that promises more control off the tee without sacrificing too much distance.
At first glance, the idea of a “mini driver” may seem unnecessary. Many golfers already carry a driver and a 3-wood, so where does this fit in? However, a closer look shows that it may have a very real place in certain players’ bags.
Let’s break down what this club is, how it performs, and who might benefit from it.
What Is a Mini Driver?
The Callaway Mini Driver is essentially a compact driver head (340cc vs the typical 460cc) paired with a shorter shaft—43.75 inches compared to the 45-46 inches you’d typically find in a driver. That shorter shaft means more control. The smaller head means less drag and easier shaping. Together, the design is all about accuracy and confidence off the tee.
It comes with:
- Adjustable loft sleeve
- Dual weight ports (fade/draw or neutral bias)
- Forged carbon crown to save weight
- Callaway’s Ai Smart Face technology for better performance on off-centre strikes
- Premium materials and construction that match their top-tier drivers
It’s offered in 11° and 13° loft options, giving players flexibility to find their optimal launch.
Why Would You Carry a Mini Driver?
The goal of the Callaway mini driver isn’t to replace your current driver or 3-wood—it’s to bridge the gap between them, or even replace one depending on your game.
Here are some use cases where it could shine:
- You struggle with driver accuracy – If your driver tends to spray left and right, the shorter shaft and smaller head of the mini could tighten your dispersion and help you find more fairways.
- You don’t like hitting 3-wood off the tee – Some players avoid the 3-wood because of its smaller head and shallower face. The Mini Driver’s deeper face and driver-style shape inspire more confidence and are easier to launch from a tee.
- You need a second tee club for tighter holes. Many modern courses feature narrow par 4s or doglegs where full drivers are risky. A Callaway Mini Driver gives you a more controllable option without dropping too much yardage.
- You want an easier-to-hit ‘driver’ – Players who find full-length drivers hard to manage may prefer the feel and balance of a Mini. It’s more forgiving than a 3 wood and easier to swing than a long driver.
Performance Breakdown
Loading widget…
In on-course testing and controlled environments, the Callaway Mini Driver consistently shows performance characteristics between a driver and a 3 wood.
Key Numbers (based on testing):
| Club | Avg Ball Speed | Avg Carry | Avg Spin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Driver | ~165 mph | ~278 yards | ~2600 rpm |
| 3-Wood | ~151 mph | ~252 yards | ~2800 rpm |
| Mini Driver | ~154 mph | ~255 yards | ~3200 rpm |
What this means:
- The Callaway Mini Driver launches more easily than a three wood but with a higher peak trajectory and more carry.
- It’s not quite as long as a full driver, but it gets very close in the hands of a confident striker.
- The spin is slightly higher, which adds a bit of stability in the air, especially helpful for keeping the ball in play on off-centre hits.
How Does It Perform From the Ground?
This club is designed for tee shots. While it can be used off the deck, it’s not ideal from tight lies or uneven fairways. The deeper face and larger profile compared to a fairway wood can make ground contact more difficult for some players.
That said, it can surprise you from a fluffy lie or a lightly mown fairway. Launch is easier than expected, and with the proper setup and confidence, it can be used from the turf. Still, it’s best seen as a tee-focused club for most players.
Feel, Sound, and Build Quality
Callaway continues refining their metalwoods’ feel, and the Callaway Mini Driver is no exception. The face features Callaway’s Ai Smart Face design, which creates impressive forgiveness across the face while still delivering solid, satisfying feedback at impact.
- The sound is muted but still has that crisp metallic “ting” many golfers look for.
- The feel is dense and responsive, especially on centre strikes.
- The build quality is top-tier, as you’d expect from a premium brand.
Overall, it feels like an actual Callaway driver, but it is more compact.
Price Consideration
This is not a budget club. Depending on your region, the Callaway Mini Driver sits slightly below the price of a full-size premium driver. That raises an important question: is it worth buying in addition to your driver, or instead of?
If it’s a second tee club, it’s an investment. But if you plan to use it as your primary driver—especially if you don’t need maximum distance—it could be a smart replacement that’s more playable and accurate.
Who Should Use the Callaway Mini Driver?
This club is best suited to players who:
- Hit their current driver wildly offline
- Want a more reliable option on tight driving holes
- Have good swing speed but poor driver control
- Don’t trust their 3 wood from the tee
- Are looking for a second driver-style club for specific situations
It’s not likely to help:
- Players who lack swing speed (you’ll lose too much distance)
- Golfers already hitting their driver straight
- Those needing more help off the ground than a fairway wood can offer
Final Verdict
The Callaway Mini Driver is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but it’s far from pointless. For the right player, it offers:
- Greater confidence over the ball
- Impressive control off the tee
- Surprisingly strong distance
- And a genuine alternative to the traditional long game setup
In short, it could be the difference between playing from the fairway or the rough more often.
Loading widget…
Is it worth a spot in your bag? That depends entirely on your needs off the tee. But it’s absolutely worth testing for players who struggle with control, want a driver alternative, or are looking to experiment with a different setup.
For expert reviews and the latest in golf equipment, check out our YouTube channel, where our resident pro, Mark Crossfield, showcases the best in the game.
