FIRST HIT: Mizuno ST-G 440cc driver and fairway wood

With the ST-G the first of Mizuno’s drivers to slow to a 2 year lifecycle – the new 440cc has been a much anticipated release.  A low spin option with masses of adjustability, the new ST-G 440cc driver and accompanying Ti fairway wood are visibly more biased towards strong ball strikers than their predecessors.

As always Ian Fraser (formerly TXG) delivers one of the most credible viewpoints.  Looking for low spin and a ball speed to match his well established gamer.  With some movements of the weights and a shaft switch Ian made a big jump towards the end of his test.

The compact ST-G Titanium fairway wood drew a lot of the attention when first unveiled at The Open Championship.  Michael Newton at Penrith GC has one of the first to test the fairway woods low spin credentials and was close to matching his normal driver numbers.

James Robinson recognised that the ST-G 440cc had set the bar high for other manufacturers in 2024.

Michael Newton hasn’t always been a big fan of Mizuno drivers – but the ST-G caught him a little off guard.

As always Jay Smith of Ask Golf Nut went deep into the numbers and adjustability.

A new player on the YouTube scene – Ashley at The Golf Supply took a more instinctive approach.

The ST-G lands with Mizuno metalwoods reputation at its strongest point for many years.  With a funnel of younger tour players adopting Mizuno drivers and expected to make a mark in 2024.  Many neutrals expect the big hitting Marco Penge (ST-X) to make a big impact once he breaks onto the DP World Tour.  Bailey Tardy (ST-Z) has already impressed many in her LPGA rookie season – coming so close at The US Women’s Open.  With Keith Mitchell (ST-Z) exhibiting Mizuno’s metalwood resurgence best of all – heading the PGA Tour’s overall driver performance stats for the entire 2023 season.

Keith Mitchell played an ST-Z 230 to head the PGA Tour 2023 ‘total driving’ statistics category