The brand-new TaylorMade Spider Mini putter has been seen on the PGA Tour for the first time after the manufacturer revealed details and images during the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow.
Rumoured to have been in production in recent weeks and months, TaylorMade themselves revealed that the slimmed down version of the incredibly popular putter was to make its debut at Quail Hollow.
Via an Instagram post, two colours of the TaylorMade Spider Mini putter were shown in an image and the manufacturer said: “The new #SpiderMini rolls onto the PGA TOUR this week at the #WellsFargoChamp. Coming soon to a golf shop near you. #PureRoll”.
Different models
So what is the difference between the TaylorMade Spider Mini putter and the TaylorMade Tour Spider putter which has been a revelation since first being launched in 2017?
While TaylorMade have given away no details of the Spider Mini—other than the fact it features the PureRoll technology also seen in other ranges of the company’s putters—the first obvious difference is the appearance looks.
The design of the Mini has seen the so-called “legs” shortened to create much more of natural mallet-shaped head, although it still does have additional weights around the putter head to aid alignment. But the reduction in size of those legs means the TaylorMade Spider Mini putter looks less futuristic than its big brother.
Differing design
There is also a sole weight which has been added to the Mini and wasn’t part of the original design of the Spider Tour. Full details of the reasons behind the decision to add the weight will follow from TaylorMade, but it undoubtedly is connected to the stability of stroke which was already greatly enhanced by the design of the Spider. The sole weight could well have been introduced to compensate for the shortening of the side weights and ensure that any off-center strikes still roll true and straight.
TaylorMade’s unique Pure Roll insert in the face of the putter is carried over from the Spider and, again, is used in a contrasting colour to the putter head in order to help alignment. Made from aluminium, the angle and grooves of the Pure Roll insert ensure that top spin is created to get the ball rolling and help keep it on a straight path.
Stars playing with TaylorMade
Sergio Garcia used the TaylorMade Tour Spider when won the 2017 Masters at Augusta; world number one Dustin Johnson was taking all before him last year with the putter also in his bag. Jason Day is another to use the Tour Spider to much success, winning the Wells Fargo Championship with his Spider Red last week.
The club actually has origins back to 2012 when Day was using the TaylorMade Ghost Spider. He wanted a smaller putter and used alternatives, all the time while helping to develop the Tour Spider. Alternative silver and black colours schemes followed. From the images, it looks like both red and white versions will be part of the TaylorMade Spider Mini putter collection.
See also: TaylorMade M3 and M4 Drivers, Woods and Irons Launched