The internal space is cleverly divided to provide a separate space for weddings and private parties, while a wrap-around patio overlooking the 12th and 18th greens almost doubles the footprint available for hosting members and visitors. Huge bi-folding doors enhance the feeling of space, creating a smooth transition between inside and out, while an open kitchen with a serving hatch that opens up to the patio provides the opportunity for golfers to grab a quick snack and a drink en route to the first or 10th tee. Two kitchens, including one with a wood-fired pizza oven and an Argentinian grill – show the ambition of the club to offer more than your standard sandwich platter and chips combo – although they can do that too – and shows why Pyrford is also proving a popular venue for those for whom chasing a small white ball has no appeal.

Strolling around the Pyrford Lakes Golf Club, mature woodlands frame the course, creating a tranquil atmosphere. Cattails and water lilies adorn the 23-acre lakefront. From the overflowing parking lot to the bustling afternoon scene on the club’s terrace, each scene is filled with unique memories.

You can embroider this unique experience into  PVC Patches: birds flying over the lake during your swing, the view from the terrace next to the 12th green, or sharing a meal with fellow golfers around the Argentinian grill—all become part of your unique design.

Whether sewn onto a golf bag, polo shirt, or hat, you can capture this joyful experience. GSJJ’s fast customization allows you to enjoy ultra-fast image processing and precise reproduction of details, instantly bringing your golf memories to life.

The improved course and the stylish clubhouse has proved an attractive proposition to golfers too, with the club now enjoying an extremely healthy membership of over 950, spread between 7-day, 5-day, Intermediate and Flexible members. The latter is a points-based scheme that enables points to be exchanged for tee times, with the number of points depending on day, time and holes played. It enables golfers to join the Get Golfing family for as little as £250, with points being able to be used at any of the company’s other 10 venues, including nearby Hampton Court Palace, North Downs in Surrey, Redlibbets in Kent, and the most recent addition, Winter Hill in Berkshire.

Membership fees are paid by monthly by direct debit, and with no joining fee and no big upfront annual membership costs, the barrier to entry is kept low, ensuring golfers can find a membership that suits their budget and their schedule. In line with its remit to grow the game, Get Golfing doesn’t charge a membership fee for juniors, so it’s not surprising that the club boasts a strong group of U18s, with 170 youngsters enjoying the freedom to use the club’s course and practice facilities at no cost, before hopefully staying with the club when they hit adulthood.

Whether it’s to play golf – club, social or society – host a family or business function or simply enjoy a bite to eat, Pyrford Lakes ticks all the boxes and plenty more besides. But don’t take my word for it – although you definitely should – come and experience it for yourself!

To book a tee time, visit golf.pyrfordgolf.co.uk/visitorbooking. To enquire about membership, visit pyrfordgolf.co.uk or call 01483 723555. For more information about Get Golfing, visit getgolfing.org

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TaylorMade released the Stealth driver range in 2022, kicking off the “Carbonwood Age” and moving away from the standard titanium clubface.

In this article, I conduct a TaylorMade Stealth driver review and examine the features, benefits, and downsides of this highly forgiving big stick.

You’ll notice that the Stealth is built for mid-handicappers seeking optimal leniency and a mid-to-high launch with a neutral ball flight.

If you are a high handicapper, you may prefer the draw bias profile of the Stealth HD driver. Conversely, the mid-launching Stealth Plus works for low handicappers.

Overall Rating and Thoughts

The Stealth is the outcome of genius engineering, designed to take drivers into a new age of production. I appreciate the exceptional forgiveness, consistency, and yardage it offers the average golfer. However, its premium price point will place it beyond reach for some.

If you are looking for a premium quality driver to invest in for the long term, look no further than the Stealth for a reliable investment in your game. It promotes straighter shots, is easy to launch, and delivers consistent carry yards. Overall, I feel the TaylorMade Stealth driver is for serious mid-handicappers looking for a big stick to carry them down to a low handicapper.

Readers who appreciate the work of TaylorMade should read our review of the timeless TaylorMade M4.

Overall Rating: 8.9/10

Quick Overview of The TaylorMade Stealth Driver

Features

60X Carbon Twist Face

The sizeable difference between a TaylorMade Stealth driver and alternative products is its 60X carbon twist face. You’ll see that the engineers applied 60 carbon fiber layers to the clubface to enhance your feel and acoustics at impact.

In addition, I noticed that the Carbon fiber face helped me produce sufficient friction to get my ball airborne. However, the ball did not stay on the clubface for longer than necessary. Thanks to its flexible face, it generated ample ball speed because of the flexibility of the active zone.

Finally, the twist face construction resists turning during your swing to remain square to the target at impact. You’ll find that it promotes straighter shots for improved accuracy.

Nanotexture Cover

I noticed that the Stealth carried an additional protective layer on the carbon face, composed of polyurethane. TaylorMade calls it Nanotexture technology, and it helps you maintain ball speed and spin on all strikes. Plus, I felt it did well to eradicate vibrations typically experienced on off-center strikes.

Asymmetric Inertia Generator

Next, you’ll find that the Stealth packs an inertia-generating clubhead, which means it carries superior aerodynamics. I felt the driver glided through the air uninterrupted on my downswing, aiding my clubhead speed for a powerful strike.

Furthermore, the asymmetric inertia generator allowed the engineers to place a weight on the rear of the driver’s clubhead. You’ll find that this increases the offset of the driver and its moment of inertia (MOI) to encourage straighter shots.

While I have no gripe with the generator’s effectiveness, this technology is not new to the Stealth big stick. You can find it in the SIM range of drivers, predating the Stealth series.

Thru-Slot Speed Pocket

I noticed that the Thru-Slot Speed Pocket came to my aid on two separate occasions during testing after generating low-face strikes. Previous TaylorMade drivers carried this technology, and the brand obviously adopted the approach of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

The speed pocket enhances clubface flex to offer increased spring at the impact on mishits low off the face. Typically, striking the golf ball in this area leads to a drop-off in ball speed and spin, causing you to hit a short, low-spinning drive. You’ll see that you end up producing consistent yardage.

4 Degree Adjustable Loft Sleeve

As expected from a premium, modern construction, the new Stealth driver contains an adjustable loft sleeve.

You’ll notice that you can strengthen or weaken your standard loft by 2 degrees in either direction. For example, if you play a 10.5-degree loft, you can lower it to 8.5-degrees. Contrarily, you can weaken the clubface loft, to 12.5-degrees.

I suggest you refrain from tinkering with the loft excessively, as it impacts your face angle and can alter your length, trajectory, and launch. However, it is handy if you are trying to identify the correct profile for your swing.

Lofts

You’ll notice that stock TaylorMade Stealth drivers are constructed in 3 loft profiles to suit faster, moderate, and slower swing speeds. A 9-degree design is the lowest lofted creation in the Stealth range and is better suited to those with higher swing speeds.

Furthermore, a 10.5-degree profile is built for moderate swing speeds, seeking a mid-to-high launch off the tee box. Finally, you’ll find that the 12-degree design is ideal for slower swingers looking for a higher launching ball for farther carry yardage.

Shafts

TaylorMade offers golfers the choice of 4 stock shafts to suit a variety of swing speeds. However, I find that most options cater more toward moderate and high swing speeds than slower swingers.

You’ll find that if you fit into the category of a moderate swinger, there are only two options with regular flexes. The Aldila Ascent Red and the Ventus Red 5 are the way to go. The latter is also the only stock shaft with a senior flex, ideal for slow swing speed.

Finally, super fast swing speeds have the luxury of choosing the Aldila, Tour AD 12, and the Mitsubishi Diamana ZF60. These shafts offer stiff and extra stiff flex to produce straight ball flight for optimal roll, control, and total distance.

Stock Grip

The final feature to discuss is the Lamkin Crossline 360 grip with a textured feel. I felt that the tiny indents cluttered around the grip boosted my traction for superb control of the golf club. However, the standard size of the rubber may prove challenging for some golfers to keep the club on path.

Performance

Fast Ball Speed

I found that the Stealth driver delivered ball speed in line with my average on a GCQuad launch monitor. On a good day, I can generate approximately 134 mph velocity with a driver, and the Stealth driver notches up just under 133 mph. We are talking about the minor differences that had little impact on my total yardage.

Spin Rate

My optimal driver spin rate is 3000 revolutions per minute (rpm), and the Stealth is marginally a higher rate. It clocked in over 3200 rpm of spin, which did generate a slightly higher launch than usual. However, this suits the average golfer who requires increased launch for optimal distance.

Launch

In its factory settings, the Stealth driver is built to encourage a mid to high launch for consistent carry distance. I noticed that the intensified spin prompted an elevated apex on each occasion, making it a breeze to launch.

However, the higher launching nature of the Stealth may deter superior players looking for piercing flight off the tee.

Forgiveness

In my experience, the Stealth provided ample forgiveness ranging from accuracy, ball speed, and distance. Firstly, the high-MOI design of the clubface keeps it square to deliver direct flight for improved accuracy. In addition, an enlarged sweet spot maintains the ball’s pace and lowers spin for increased length.

Accuracy

I felt the combination of the Carbon Twist Face and weight distribution worked well to bolster accuracy. These features worked to keep your face square at contact to prevent a slice and induce straight accurate drives.

What I Like About The TaylorMade Stealth

Launch

The TaylorMade Stealth is an easy driver to consistently launch high and long, a trait suited to casual golfers. You’ll find that the higher launch is generated by the Nanotexture technology, which tweaks spin for optimal lift off the tee.

Accelerated Clubhead Speed

My clubhead speed is not the fastest, clocking in at approximately 85 mph. However, the Stealth earned me an extra mile per hour, up to 86 mph. You’ll notice that the Asymmetric Inertia Generator helps your clubhead glide through the air uninterrupted and accelerate velocity on the downswing.

High-MOI Design

I feel that the high-MOI design of this driver suits the needs of the average golfer prone to slicing the ball. I like that the Stealth mitigates the impact of wayward strikes, reducing the intensity of the slice. When you can square the clubface at impact, you stand a higher chance of finding the fairway.

Feel

The Feel of the Stealth driver is a double-edged sword. It impressed me and frustrated me simultaneously. I enjoyed its ability to reduce vibrations felt on off-center shots and shield my hands. However, the feeling was too muted, like I was hitting an airball.

Forgiveness

Besides encouraging accurate tee shots, the Stealth delivered a consistently high launch and optimal spin and ball speed. Its optimal approach to leniency works for the average golfer looking to preserve yardage without ending out of bounds on each shot.

What I Dislike About The TaylorMade Stealth

Price

Off the bat, I am not a fan of the exorbitant price of this driver. However, I understand that years of research and development go into manufacturing a groundbreaking product. If you are in the market for a long-term driver it is definitely worth the high price tag.

No Sliding Weight Track

Unlike the TaylorMade Stealth Plus, the standard edition does not include a sliding weight track, enabling you to adjust the center of gravity (CG). If you like the freedom of tinkering with your setup, then the Plus edition may be a better solution.

Similar Features To Previous Models

Despite the carbon wood clubface, the Stealth contains several technologies and features used in previous TaylorMade drivers. That in itself is not a negative. However, you can find older TaylorMade drivers with many of the same features at a lower price.

Shaft Options For Slower Swingers

The final downside of the Stealth is the shaft options for slower swingers. Only the Ventus Red 5 is offered in a senior flex. The remaining options are geared toward moderate and high swing speeds.

Matt Stevens

Matt Callcott-Stevens started playing golf at the age of 4 when Rory Sabattini’s father put a 7-iron and putter in his hand. He has experienced all the highs and lows the game can throw at you and has now settled down as a professional golf writer. He holds a Postgraduate in Sports Marketing and has played golf for 28 years. Current Handicap: 8

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The Red and Green courses were designed by five-time Open Champion J.H. Taylor, while the Blue, a more recent addition from the 1990s, quickly gained fame for its bold bunkering and undulating greens that demand precise putting.

The late Peter McEvoy OBE, one of the country’s most decorated amateur golfers, perfectly captures Frilford Heath’s essence: “It is God-given land— sandy and firm.

There are a great variety of holes on the three courses and a plethora of that much-neglected genre, short par 4s. Frilford has some of the very best.”

A day at Frilford Heath is further enriched by its idyllic setting, where golf and nature exist in perfect harmony. As a GEO-certified golf club, it is committed to environmental sustainability.

The 450-acre estate, designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), is carefully preserved in partnership with Natural England to protect local wildlife and habitats for future generations

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Westerham’s 7-day membership is closed with a waiting list in place.

The limited number of membership spaces means green fees are available throughout the week, including weekend mornings. The current peak rate of £75 offers excellent value for money and times are offered from 06:00 during the summer months.

With all the facilities on offer, Westerham is ideally set up to deal with golf days of any size.

Corporate Golf and Well Being Days have proved very popular, with companies such as NBC, BDW Homes, Hiscox, QBE, London Stock Exchange & Barclays regularly entertaining clients & staff.

Accessible from London and all corners of the south-east, make it a go-to venue for green fee payers and golf days alike.

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The great thing about the Callaway Mavrik driver being out now for a few years is that we can really decide whether or not this club is worth the money. Pricing has dropped, and new models have been brought to the market, but the Mavrik is still around.

This is the driver that I currently have in my bag. Therefore, I’ve got a lot to say about it!

If you are thinking of putting a Mavrik in the bag, or maybe even thinking it’s time to take it out, here are the things you should know about the Callaway Mavrik driver.

Overall Rating and Thoughts

If you have a driver more than four or five years old and are looking for an upgrade, the Callaway Mavrik is a great choice. I always like to try and narrow down the driver choices based on handicap, but with the Mavrik, I don’t need to.

Regardless of your handicap, there are some benefits here that you can really enjoy. Golfers will be impressed with the overall value that this driver offers. This is my first Callaway driver in more than 30 years of playing the game, and it has me excited to see what this brand comes up with next.

Overall Rating: 9.5/10

Callaway Mavrik Driver Features

The Callaway Mavrik driver has AI Technology and some impressive internal components to help golfers improve on overall distance and accuracy. Here are the stand-out features and how they will impact your game.

High Strength FS2S Titanium

Traditional titanium no longer cuts it as a premium golf material. Golf manufacturers are looking for alternative technologies that can help them give players tremendous distance gains. Callaway chose the FS2S Titanium for immense speed and better weighting than other types of technology.

I can tell you that the face has a firm but fast feel, and the ball jumps off it. I switched from a 7-year-old Cobra driver when I purchased the Mavrik, and the very first thing I noticed was the jump off the face.

Adjustable Hosel

The adjustable hosel in the Callaway Mavrik allows golfers to fine tune the ball flight and the face angle to ensure it’s a better fit. When I first started playing the Mavrik, I felt it was really open and actually closed the face a little.

I ended up moving it back and playing with the loft. However, the bottom line is that this adjustability makes it much easier to keep a club in play for years to come.

If you change your swing, work on that dreaded slice or even start hooking the ball a bit, you can adjust the clubhead to see an improvement.

Artificial Intelligence

We got through plenty of years of golf without artificial intelligence to help us. However, now that it’s here, it’s a mistake not to take advantage of it. AI allowed Callaway to perfectly position the center of gravity, improve weighting and increase overall ball speeds in their golf clubs.

The Callaway Mavrik line features include ball speed and distance, and much of that has to do with the AI construction. Combining that with the Jailbreak and Triaxial Carbon Crown, this driver is the complete package.

Callaway Mavrik Driver Performance

Now that you have a better idea of what the technology is like in the Callaway Mavrik let’s take a more detailed look at how the golf club actually performs. I’m playing with the Standard Mavrik driver with a stiff shaft, and right now, I have it set on the neutral settings at 10.5 degrees.

Price

The Callaway Mavrik driver has dropped in price since its initial release. For the value it is now offered, it is well worth the price. Of course, when clubs age a year or two, it can be hard to find the customized shaft selections you are looking for.

However, sometimes it’s worth getting a stock shaft like the UST Helium Black or Evenflow Riptide and seeing how this performs before replacing it.

Feel & Sound

The Mavrik is loud but nothing that stands out as being obnoxious. You know, there have been some Cobra or Ping drivers in the past that had a sound that many golfers couldn’t really put up with.

However, the Jailbreak bars and Jailbreak technology must help to muffle a little of what goes on inside the clubhead because it’s a pleasing sound that you would expect from a premium club.

The feel of the Mavrik is something that initially concerned me. I was transferring from a soft-feeling Cobra driver that was tremendously responsive. In addition, I had given the Epic Flash Driver a try and felt that the feel was harsh.

However, the Mavrik had a better feel than I expected, plenty of consistency, and even with a stock shaft, had some built-in workability.

Spin

Spin robustness is something that is important to consider in any club you put into your bag. The Mavrik has low spin rates; however, not the lowest spin rate on the market. If you have the driver set properly and your swing is on, the lower spinning drives roll for quite a ways.

However, it does take a little playing around with the shaft and driver club head settings to get the spin perfect and benefit from the levels of spin you need.

Mid handicappers and below will have no trouble with the spin you get from the Callaway Mavrik.

Forgiveness

The Callaway Mavrik drive is forgiving. It’s not the most forgiving driver I’ve ever used, but I certainly consider it more of a game-improvement driver than a players club. The cyclone aero shape cuts through the air easily, and the more expansive area that Callaway considers the sweet spot gives you a lot of room for error.

I find that I can feel where I miss it (high, low, heel, toe), but the shot still ends up in the general area where I need it to be.

Distance

Distance from the Mavrik is good, regardless of clubhead speed. Slower swing speed golfers have noticed tremendous games, and higher swing speed golfers playing with the right shaft can go after this club without having to worry about it.

The new Callaway Rogue and TaylorMade Stealth are getting fast ball speeds and beating the Mavrik out a bit. However, for many players, this is a very small difference. If you haven’t upgraded your driver in the last few years, the Mavrik has some impressive distance.

The only negative I can say regarding distance is that there are times when I can hit the ball a good 10 or 15 yards further than other times when I feel like I have made a good swing. The distance control is just a bit off, but I never feel like I’m losing distance with this driver.

What I Like About The Callaway Mavrik Driver

My favorite thing about the Callaway Mavrik Driver, especially now that I have it dialed in a bit more, is the consistency. I no longer have to think about this club; when I stand on the tee box, I know where it is going.

In fact, I even know where my miss is going.

Although the distance control isn’t always great, the results of the drive are something I’m almost always happy with.

In addition, the Callaway Mavrik driver has a great feel. As I mentioned, I can feel when I miss it, but the ball still travels where I want it to. Essentially being able to get feedback but not have to deal with a disastrous shot is a huge benefit.

Lastly, the Callaway Mavrik Driver is an outstanding value right now. This club is going to stay in play for quite some time, and the technology will remain relevant. It’s a good time to buy.

What I Dislike About The Callaway Mavrik Driver

The driver sits really open.

In fact, when I went to get it regripped not that long ago, the pro there even mentioned that he feels like this driver always sits so far open. It really does.

However, it’s more the way it looks than whether or not the club is actually open to the target. If your clubface is open to the target, you will hit shots right, but I almost never hit this driver right.

The top-down look is wide open, but the driver is square. If you know this is going in, you won’t make the same mistake I did and start adjusting the driver to help it look more square. Just let this club sit as it’s designed, and you will get some really impressive drives out of it.

Brittany Olizarowicz

Britt O has been playing golf since the age of 7. Almost 30 years later, she still loves the game, has played competitively on every level, and spent a good portion of her life as a Class A PGA Professional. Britt currently resides in Savannah, GA, with her husband and two young children. Current Handicap: 1

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