The first sample of the new TaylorMade R9 emerged last November and it was immediately sent to Spain for the attention of Sergio Garcia.

Before launching any new club, TaylorMade consult their staff professionals, asking them exactly what they would like to see from a new club.

Notwithstanding a few minor cosmetic alterations this was the final version of the revolutionary new driver designed with input from TaylorMade’s staff professionals.

Garcia had not seen the R9 before and after five minutes inspecting the driver (he was particularly impressed by the shape of the smooth, powerful looking head) the Spaniard joined Golf Monthly to take part in an instruction shoot for the magazine.

As part of the instruction advice we wanted, we asked him how he’d hit a low drive that would penetrate through the wind.

He talked through the shot and then showed us how to play it. It was the first shot Garcia had hit with the new R9 driver and it traveled roughly 300 yards, arrow straight without reaching more than 6ft in the air.

Suffice to say, by the end of the shoot, Garcia’s reaction to the new driver was positive. We expect the World Number 2 to have it in his bag very soon.

For our world exclusive coverage of the new TaylorMade R9, pick up a copy of the March issue of Golf Monthly.