Scottie Scheffler, currently the World No.1, dominates the PGA Tour with leading performances in multiple Strokes Gained categories. His exceptional ball striking success, which includes four Major titles, 17 PGA Tour victories, and an Olympic gold medal, is supported in part by the unique setup of his driver. This article explores the distinctive features of Scheffler’s driver that contribute to his consistent excellence on the tour.
Distinctive Visual Design of Scheffler’s Clubface
Scheffler’s driver is immediately recognizable due to the noticeably brighter blue clubface compared to standard TaylorMade models. Unlike the regular TaylorMade Qi10 driver faces, which feature a navy blue color, his driver’s face “pops” with a brighter hue, a design preference Scheffler specifically requested for visual smoothness and focus during play. This choice continues a trend from the Stealth line of TaylorMade drivers, where colored carbon faces such as red or blue were introduced.
Another visual deviation in Scheffler’s driver is the absence of the typical white topline seen on all retail Qi10 models. Instead, his driver transitions directly from a black crown to the blue face without a separating line. This change was made because Scheffler prefers to see as much of the face as possible, particularly given the low loft angle of his club.
The exact loft is 7.5° so, for him, it was more about the transition from Stealth 2 into Qi10, specifically making it smooth from a visual standpoint.
—Adrian Rietveld, TaylorMade Tour Senior Manager
When talking about the face, he likes to see as much of it as he can and that helps him at that low loft. It’s set between 7.5° to 7.75° and you can head-sort to get that within the tolerance, so he can have that exact loft that he’s always played and looked at.
—Adrian Rietveld, TaylorMade Tour Senior Manager
Driver Construction Without Hot Melt
Hot melt, a commonly used heated glue inside hollow clubheads, adjusts weight distribution and enhances sound and feel without changing external appearance. Most professional golfers use hot melt in their drivers for these benefits. However, Scheffler’s driver is distinct in that it contains no hot melt material, staying closer to a standard driver build.
Adrian Rietveld explains that this is a unique characteristic of Scheffler’s setup, reflecting the player’s personal preferences regarding feel and club feedback.
When it comes to the driver, aside from the face, it’s pretty much exactly what we would be selling in the shop.
—Adrian Rietveld, TaylorMade Tour Senior Manager
Heavier Clubhead for a Specific Feel and Performance
Scheffler’s driver also stands out due to its heavier-than-average clubhead weight. At 203 grams, it is significantly heavier than the typical 195-to-197 gram range found in most drivers. This weight increase is primarily due to a 24-gram back-weight, compared to a standard 18-gram weight in most models, contributing to a different center of gravity and overall feel.
To precisely achieve this target weight without using hot melt, a titanium screw weighing one gram less than a steel screw is installed at the front of the clubhead. This combination produces a driver with a pronounced back center of gravity, which enhances forgiveness and encourages a preferred left-to-right ball flight.
The key thing about the head is that it’s a 203-gram head-weight, which is pretty heavy,
—Adrian Rietveld, TaylorMade Tour Senior Manager
Then, in order to hit that 203 exact, we’ve got a titanium screw in the front that weighs a gram less than a steel screw… (it’s) A very back-CG (Center of Gravity) driver. Very forgiving and has to move left-to-right, predominantly.
—Adrian Rietveld, TaylorMade Tour Senior Manager
Adaptability and Preparation: Managing Driver Changes
During the 2023 PGA Championship, which Scheffler won by five strokes, he faced an unexpected challenge when his preferred driver was ruled non-conforming shortly before the tournament. Thanks to extensive preparation, Scheffler had already tested several alternative drivers, allowing him to adapt smoothly and maintain his competitive edge.
TaylorMade’s Adrian Rietveld describes the common practice among professionals of working well in advance on backup clubs when a player exceeds certain performance benchmarks or approaches equipment conformity limits.
If you’re a professional of a high standard, hitting a high 170 ball speed and you’ve had your driver for over a year, you’re going to work towards your next driver, or your next options of driver,
—Adrian Rietveld, TaylorMade Tour Senior Manager
Scheffler dedicated hours at Quail Hollow, including nine practice holes, to acclimate to his new driver selection after the unexpected forced change. This deliberate preparation reflects the high level of professionalism and attention to detail needed to sustain winning performances.
I would say he is more prepared than anyone I could think of in that regard.
—Adrian Rietveld, TaylorMade Tour Senior Manager
Summary of Scheffler’s Equipment Approach
Scottie Scheffler’s exceptional achievements on the PGA Tour stem from a combination of relentless work ethic and finely tuned equipment. The unique features of his driver—from the bright blue face and absence of a topline, to the omission of hot melt and heavier head weight—contribute to his distinct feel and consistent ball striking.
Supported by TaylorMade’s meticulous fitting and customization, Scheffler’s driver exemplifies a tailored approach to maximize forgiveness and control in his long game. His thorough preparation for equipment changes further demonstrates the strategic mindset required to maintain success as the World No.1 golfer.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What was Scottie Scheffler upset about?
A. The PGA of America chose not to allow “preferred lies,” meaning players must play the ball where it lands. Scheffler was frustrated, arguing mud on the ball adds unpredictability.
Q. What did Rory McIlroy say about Scottie Scheffler?
A. After winning the Green Jacket, he confessed, “I cried a lot this morning because I was so anxious. I felt lost and unsure. I told Meredith that I didn’t think I was prepared for this moment.”