Srixon W-302 driver

Price £199

Srixon’s XX10 driver was always going to be a hard act to follow. Not only did it win a giant comparison test in a leading magazine but it was given

rave reviews by a handful of Golfmagic visitors

So when Srixon introduced the W-302 driver, which conforms to the strict hot-face guidelines of the R&A, it was bound to be perceived as a bit of a wuss in comparison to its non-conforming big brother.

Consequently I opted for a stiff-shafted version for my review, to try to squeeze a little extra out of the 380cc head with its thin, forged titanium face.

Big mistake. While the rib construction is designed to provide more feel and feedback, as well as forgiveness, it just could not compete with the macho distances put down by my pals with their Cobras, Titleists and TaylorMades.

While it’s sometimes an advantage to get your blow in first on to the green, it was intimidating to be persistently seeing them out of the corner of my eye, 15-20 yards ahead, waiting to play.

The club is aimed at those with faster-swings, especially with its stiffer SV-301 shaft, but despite what it says in the manufacturers blurb about high launch angle and low spin, it was tough for me to get airborne, even with a 10.5 degree loft.

Of the 25-per cent I struck nicely, I got a low, running trajectory. But without the control I needed, the ball was often pulled up short by the rough.