Sergio Garcia and the new TaylorMade R9

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

Sergio Garcia & TaylorMade R9 driver

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.

Neil Tappin
Editor

In July 2023, Neil became just the 9th editor in Golf Monthly's 112-year history. Originally working with the best coaches in the UK to produce instruction content, he has also presented many Golf Monthly videos looking at all areas of the game from Tour player interviews to the rules of golf. 

Throughout his time with the brand he has also covered equipment launches that date back well over a decade. He clearly remembers the launch of the Callaway and Nike square drivers as well as the white TaylorMade driver families, such as the RocketBallz! If you take a look at the Golf Monthly YouTube channel, you'll see his equipment videos dating back over a decade! He has also conducted 'What's In The Bag' interviews with many of the game's best players like Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson and Jon Rahm. Over the years, Neil has tested a vast array of products in each category and at drastically different price-points. 


Neil is currently playing: Driver: TaylorMade Stealth Plus Fairway Wood: Titleist TSR2 Hybrid: Titleist TS3 Irons: PING Blueprint S (4&5), PING Blueprint T (6-PW) Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM7 50˚, 54˚, 60˚ Putter: Odyssey Triple Track Ten Ball: Titleist Pro V1X