Why Eric Cole chose a Callaway Elyte Mini Driver for Bermuda's narrow fairways
Eric Cole put a 13.5-degree Callaway Elyte Mini Driver in play at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship. Here is how it differs from a conventional driver and a fairway wood.
At the October 2026 Butterfield Bermuda Championship, American professional Eric Cole drew attention for a specific equipment choice: a 13.5-degree Callaway Elyte Mini Driver. PGA Tour reported the change on October 24. On the narrow, wind-exposed Port Royal Golf Course, the decision is principally about controlling tee shots rather than chasing maximum distance.
What is a mini driver? The category sits between a conventional driver and a fairway wood. Mini drivers generally have smaller heads and shorter shafts than full-size drivers while being designed to deliver substantial ball speed from the tee. Callaway lists the Elyte Mini Driver's head volume at 340 cubic centimetres, compared with the roughly 460cc size of many standard drivers. Cole selected the 13.5-degree version.
Why it matters at Port Royal. Some holes reward finding the fairway more than an extra few yards. A shorter shaft and additional loft may help a player manage launch, trajectory and directional dispersion, although the actual results depend on the individual's swing. For a professional, this is a course-management decision rather than a universal replacement for the driver.
How it compares with a fairway wood. A mini driver may deliver lower spin and more ball speed from a tee than a typical 3-wood, but its larger head can make shots directly from the fairway less straightforward. Whether it deserves a place in a 14-club set therefore depends on how frequently a golfer needs a controlled tee club and what yardage gaps must be covered.
What amateurs should consider. Golfers who struggle to keep a conventional driver in play yet want more distance than their 3-wood may find the category worth testing. A smaller head does not automatically guarantee accuracy, however. A fitting should compare carry distance, dispersion, launch and spin against the player's existing clubs, ideally using both a launch monitor and on-course results.
Cole's choice illustrates how elite players adapt their bags to particular layouts and conditions. It does not establish that the Callaway Elyte Mini Driver is the best option for every golfer.
Source: PGA Tour, October 24, 2026. Illustration: archival photograph of golf clubs, not the specific Callaway model.
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