CARLSBAD, Calif. – Earlier this year TaylorMade Golf Company introduced the SLDR Mini Driver, a club designed for use off the tee that is designed to be more accurate and longer off the tee than a 3-wood. Now, the they are introducing a club designed to deliver incredible distance on tee shots and performance never before seen in a long iron. Meet the Tour Preferred UDI (Ultimate Driving Iron).
“We designed the Tour Preferred UDI for players seeking a versatile club that delivers incredible distance off the tee and a high-performance alternative from the fairway,” said TaylorMade’s Director of Iron Creation, Tomo Bystedt. “The clean, traditional look at address inspires confidence and the Speed Pocket technology provides amazing distance and consistency.”
TaylorMade Tour Staff Professional Justin Rose has played the UDI in his two recent wins (Quicken Loans National at Congressional and the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open) and is among the favourites this week in Hoylake.
Like Rose, TaylorMade Tour Staff Professionals expressed a specific desire for a club that combines distance and playability with accuracy and shot shaping capabilities. Enter UDI: The hollow construction allowed engineers to move weight lower and more forward, resulting in faster ball speeds and a higher launch angle than traditional driving irons. By increasing the launch angle, TaylorMade engineers have effectively made driving irons more playable than past models – making it easier to hit high towering shots with low lofted irons.
A 455 Carpenter Steel material, which generates more ball speed, along with milled score lines across the face also gives golfers tremendous control with the UDI – allowing them to flight shots lower and manipulate trajectory if they choose to. The lightweight KBS C-Taper Lite shaft comes stock in the UDI. The shaft promotes a mid to high trajectory and controlled spin.
Available in 1-iron (16°), 2-iron (18°) and 3-iron (20°) options, the UDI features TaylorMade’s renowned Speed Pocket Technology. This tour-proven technology allows the face to flex more efficiently for better distance and greater consistency. In addition, this key design element is instrumental to creating the high launch conditions golfers experience with UDI. Other features include an advanced sound dampening system for a soft feel and a crisp sound that appeals to low handicappers.
UDI was first introduced on the PGA Tour during the Quicken Loans National at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland, where eventual champion Justin Rose elected to put the UDI in the bag. Firm and fast course conditions, which rivaled those of the 2010 U.S. Open at Congressional, made UDI a popular choice off the tee for Rose. TaylorMade is anticipating more golfers to put the UDI in play this week at the Open Championship at Royal Liverpool.
With a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $229.99 CDN, the UDI will be available at retail in Canada starting August 1, 2014.